The second most costliest league in the country after the Indian Premier League – the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) – is all set to kick-off its seventh season on Saturday, 20 July.
Ranging from ages 21 to 44, the twelve captains of PKL teams came together to speak about their plans and strategies for the upcoming season.
Ajay Thakur, Tamil Thalaivas
Having finished last two seasons in a row, Tamil Thalaivas captain Ajay Thakur said his team was ready to prove that they are now a better side, with ‘Raid Machine’ Rahul Chaudhari also in the fray.
“Rahul and I have been playing together for Team India for some time now and we share a great chemistry. But this is the first time that both of us will be seen together in PKL. I believe it is going to be great for our fans. I have always believed that hard work pays off and we have been working very hard for the success of our team.”
Abozar Mohajermighani, Telugu Titans
Telugu Titans skipper Abozar Mohajermighani said: "Our team is made up of strong raiders, a formidable defense line up and some good coaches. You can call us the strongest team in the competition. Our players are fit and have been practicing continuously for the tournament. We aim to win one match at a time."
Fazel Atrachali, U Mumba
Iran’s Fazel Atrachali, captain of U Mumba, said, "We fought hard last season and we will continue to do the same this year as well. This season we also have youngsters with us who have shown great dedication and promise."
Deepak Hooda, Jaipur Pink Panthers
Jaipur Pink Panthers captain Deepak Hooda said: "We have 8 to 9 youngsters in our team this year and the new talent will certainly bring some energy and help the team win matches. We have been practicing very hard and the youngsters have shown the right intent and hard work necessary to play games at this level."
Joginder Narwal, Dabang Delhi KC
Dabang Delhi may not have had a great run in the first five seasons of PKL, but they proved their mettle last season and their skipper Joginder Narwal said that they have worked on their weaknesses and this season, their performance would get even better.
Joginder said: "Our performance last season was very encouraging, and the team has been training with the same energy and passion for the last one-and-a-half months. Last season, the only place we lacked was our defense and we've worked hard to make sure we don't repeat the same mistakes. Last year, we made it all the way to the semifinal and this year we hope to make it to the final.
Rohit Kumar, Bengaluru Bulls
Defending champions Bengaluru Bulls' skipper Rohit Kumar said: "All teams are extremely competitive, but I believe Gujarat Fortunegiants and Tamil Thalaivas are our strongest competitors this season. This year we aim to win maximum number of matches and even if we lose, I will hope to lose with the minimum difference. The 45-day long camp has made us train and practice extremely hard and with that intensity we will prepare for the match against Patna Pirates on Saturday."
Surjeet Singh, Puneri Paltan
Newly appointed Puneri Paltan skipper Surjeet Singh said: "We have a very good combination of both senior and young players this season which makes us a very strong team as we have the best of the talent. We have practiced on our skills and techniques to make sure we give our best on the mat."
Sunil Kumar, Gujarat Fortune Giants
Gujarat Fortune Giants skipper Sunil Kumar said: "This season, just like last season, we have got a lot of new young talent which we believe will be our secret weapons. They will not only enthral and surprise the audience but also our opponents on the mat. We are putting all our efforts to make sure we win the final this time."
Dharmraj Cherlathan, Harayana Steelers
Looking to win their maiden PKL title, Haryana Steelers appointed the experienced 44-year-old Dharmraj Cherlathan as their captain. “We have trained very hard and worked on perfecting our skills and building new techniques and strategising our gameplay. The team is mentally and physically prepared for the new season, and we aim to play well with strategic and smart thinking. The competition of the toughest season ever begins,” he said.
Maninder Singh, Bengal Warriors
Bengal Warriors captain Maninder Singh said, “With Season 7 around the corner, there is a lot of excitement and pressure. I am looking forward to getting back in the game with fierce competitiveness that the new format has brought, we have trained very rigorously for the same and are looking forward to picking the trophy home this year.”
Pardeep Narwal, Patna Pirates
Three-time champions Patna Pirates didn’t win the title last season, but captain Pardeep Narwal is confident they will come back strong in this edition.
“We’ve won the championship thrice and we will do it again this season. We are a strong and balanced side and there’s nothing that will stop us. Personally, I’m also working on some new moves which you’ll see on the mat in our opening game already,” said Pardeep.
Nitesh Kumar, UP Yoddha
UP Yoddha’s star performer Nitesh Kumar has been handed the reigns of captaincy at just 21, but that doesn’t come with added pressure, he says.
“Being the youngest captain is not added pressure for my game and performance. My goal for this season is to ensure that I put in 100% into my game and prove myself as well as ensure that the team makes it to the finals,” Nitesh said.
In the opening fixtures on Saturday, Telugu Titans will lock horns with U Mumba, while Bengaluru Bulls will take on Gujarat Fortune Giants at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad.
(With inputs from IANS)
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