Pro Kabaddi 2017: Gujarat FortuneGiants’ Strengths, Top Players
Here’s all you need to know about the Pro Kabaddi League team Gujarat FortuneGiants.
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One of the 4 new franchises, Gujarat FortuneGiants owned by the Adani group, did well in the Pro Kabaddi League 5 (PKL) auctions securing the services of one of the best corner defence combinations in the form of Fazel Atrachali, the best defender of PKL 4 and Abozar Mighani, the costliest foreign player of the PKL 5 auction. They also added Sukesh Hegde to their line-up, known for his exploits in Telugu Titans colours.
Having picked Fazel Atrachali as their priority pick, the FortuneGiants didn’t hesitate to splash out for his Iranian compatriot and right corner Abozar Mighani who was bought for Rs 50 lakh. Sukesh Hegde was a good buy at Rs 31.5 lakh, considering his PKL experience.
Having bought an unknown raider in Sachin at Rs 36 lakh, Gujarat will be hoping for him to do what Pardeep Narwal and Rohit Kumar did for the Patna Pirates in PKL 3.
Captain: Sukesh Hegde
Having deputised under Rahul Chaudhari ably in the first 3 seasons of the PKL where he scored 202 raid points, Sukesh Hegde had an injury-marred PKL 4 and limited opportunities where he could score just 7 raid points.
Using his powerful frame and taking advantage of his reach, Sukesh Hegde has all the attributes of being a star raider. This might be the season where he breaks out of the shadows and establishes himself as one of the premier raiders in the PKL.
Squad Profile
Transfers
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Strengths: Corner Defending
Gujarat possess one of the best left corners in Fazel Atrachali. Additionally, their pick of Abozar Mighani who impressed in Iran’s run to the final of the Kabaddi World Cup 2016, means they have one of the best corner combinations of PKL 5.
Weaknesses: Lack of High Quality Players
They have just one quality raider in their ranks who has scored more than 100 raid points in PKL (Sukesh Hegde).
Their covers are likely to be manned by two of Manoj Kumar, Parvesh Bhainswal, Vikas Kale or Mahipal Narwal: All of whom have struggled for consistency.
Opportunities: Fresh Start
The likes of Manoj Kumar, Mahendra Rajput, Pawan Sehrawat and Mahipal Narwal have shown glimpses of promise, but have struggled for consistency. They now have a chance to prove their quality. Youngster Rohit Gulia is also highly rated and will have a chance to prove his quality.
Threats: Over Reliance on Key Players
Sukesh Hegde is the only recognised raider in their team and is returning from injury. If Sukesh struggles to regain his form, or is injured, Gujarat do not have proven alternatives. It’s a similar story for PKL-debutant, Abozar Mighani: If he struggles, then Gujarat also do not have a proven back-up right corner.
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