Puneri Paltan PKL 12 Auction Strategy
The Puneri Paltan, champions of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 10, are eager to reclaim their winning form in PKL 12 after a lackluster performance in Season 11. Finishing eighth with nine wins, ten losses, and three ties, the Pune-based team struggled with consistency, particularly in their raiding unit. The absence of star all-rounder Aslam Inamdar due to injury left a significant gap, and the team’s raiders failed to deliver consistently. However, their defense remained a strong point, carrying them to a mid-table finish. For the PKL 12 auction, scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, Puneri Paltan have retained seven key players and released others, including Akash Shinde and Aman, to rebuild a balanced squad.
A Mixed PKL 11 Campaign
Puneri Paltan entered PKL 11 with high expectations after their championship win in Season 10. However, the season was a disappointment, as they finished eighth in the points table with 54 points from 22 matches. The injury to captain Aslam Inamdar disrupted the team’s flow, and their raiding unit struggled to find consistency. Pankaj Mohite led the raiding with 110 points, ranking 16th in the league, while Mohit Goyat, Akash Shinde, and Aryavardhan Navale failed to crack the top 15 raiders. This lack of firepower in raiding cost the team crucial wins.
On the defensive side, Puneri Paltan performed well, thanks to the efforts of Gaurav Khatri, Aman, Abinesh Nadarajan, and Sanket Sawant. Their defense was a key factor in securing a respectable position despite the team’s struggles. For PKL 12, the Paltan have retained seven players—three raiders (Pankaj Mohite, Mohit Goyat, Aryavardhan Navale), three defenders (Gaurav Khatri, Abinesh Nadarajan, Sanket Sawant), and one all-rounder (Aslam Inamdar)—providing a solid foundation. With a strategic approach under coach Ajay Thakur, the Paltan are ready to make bold moves in the PKL 12 auction.
Using FBM Cards for Akash Shinde and Aman
One of the key elements of Puneri Paltan’s PKL 12 auction strategy is the use of the Final Bid Match (FBM) card to bring back Akash Shinde and Aman. Akash Shinde stepped up as a leader in Aslam Inamdar’s absence last season, delivering impressive performances despite an inconsistent run. With 92 raid points in PKL 11, Shinde showed his potential to lead the raiding unit, making him a valuable target for the FBM card.
Similarly, Aman was a standout defender in PKL 11, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive strength. His ability to execute crucial tackles made him a key player in the backline. By using the FBM card, Puneri Paltan can match the highest bids for Akash and Aman, securing them at competitive prices. Bringing back these players would maintain continuity and strengthen both the raiding and defensive units for PKL 12.
Searching for an Explosive Raider
The biggest weakness for Puneri Paltan in PKL 11 was the lack of an explosive raider who could dominate opponents. While Pankaj Mohite, Mohit Goyat, and Aryavardhan Navale played their roles, none provided the consistent firepower needed to win big matches. For PKL 12, coach Ajay Thakur is determined to find a star raider who can lead the attack and complement the retained raiders.
The PKL 12 auction offers a wealth of options, with top raiders like Ashu Malik, Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, Naveen Kumar, and Devank Dalal available. Ashu Malik, with 262 raid points in PKL 11, brings speed and reliability. Pawan Sehrawat, with 1,318 raid points in his career, is a proven game-changer. Arjun Deshwal, with 1,174 raid points, excels in clutch situations, while Naveen Kumar, with 1,102 raid points, offers leadership and composure. Devank Dalal, the breakout star of PKL 11 with 301 raid points, is a young sensation who could thrive under Ajay Thakur’s guidance.
Puneri Paltan are likely to target one of these raiders to add firepower to their attack. A star raider would reduce the pressure on Pankaj Mohite and Mohit Goyat, creating a balanced and dangerous raiding unit. Depending on their budget, the Paltan could also look for a Category C or D raider, such as Shivam Chaudhary or Nitin Singh, to add depth and support.
Targeting Mohammadreza Shadloui for Left Corner
While Puneri Paltan’s defense was a strength in PKL 11, the absence of Mohammadreza Shadloui was noticeable. Shadloui, an Iranian all-rounder, played a massive role in their PKL 10 championship win with 97 tackle points and 47 raid points. His versatility and X-factor were missed last season, and the team’s retention list includes no left corner defender, suggesting they may target Shadloui in the PKL 12 auction.
Bringing back Shadloui would strengthen the left corner and add an all-round option to the squad. His ability to contribute in both defense and raiding makes him a valuable asset, though he will likely attract bids from teams like Tamil Thalaivas and Bengal Warriorz. If Shadloui’s price is too high, the Paltan could consider other left corner defenders like Fazel Atrachali, with 545 tackle points in his career, or Ankit Jaglan, a rising star. Alternatively, using the FBM card to retain Aman could fill the left corner role while keeping costs manageable.
Building a Balanced Squad with Depth
Puneri Paltan’s retention of seven players—three raiders, three defenders, and one all-rounder—provides excellent balance. Aslam Inamdar’s return from injury will bolster the team’s all-round capabilities, while Gaurav Khatri, Abinesh Nadarajan, and Sanket Sawant ensure a strong defensive core. However, to compete for the PKL 12 title, the Paltan need to add a star raider and a reliable left corner defender while maintaining bench strength.
Depth is crucial in the Pro Kabaddi League, where injuries and long seasons can test a team’s resilience. The Paltan could target backup raiders like Vishal Chahal or Nitin Singh to support their star signing. In defense, players like Amirhossein Bastami or Sanket Sawant (if not starting) can provide cover for the left and right corners. This depth will allow the Paltan to adapt to different opponents and maintain consistency throughout PKL 12.
Challenges in the PKL 12 Auction
The PKL 12 auction will be highly competitive, with teams like Gujarat Giants, Tamil Thalaivas, and Bengaluru Bulls also having large salary purses. Top players like Pawan Sehrawat, Naveen Kumar, and Mohammadreza Shadloui will attract big bids, making it challenging for Puneri Paltan to secure their targets without overspending. The decision to release Akash Shinde and Aman carries some risk, as the team may face competition to bring them back using FBM cards.
However, with coach Ajay Thakur’s experience and a strategic approach, Puneri Paltan are well-positioned to navigate these challenges. By balancing their budget between a star raider, a left corner defender, and backup players, the Paltan can build a squad capable of challenging for the title.
Puneri Paltan are entering the PKL 12 auction with a clear plan to address their weaknesses from Season 11. By using FBM cards to bring back Akash Shinde and Aman, they aim to maintain continuity in raiding and defense. Targeting an explosive raider like Pawan Sehrawat, Naveen Kumar, or Devank Dalal will boost their attack, while Mohammadreza Shadloui or another left corner defender will strengthen their backline. With a balanced core of retained players and coach Ajay Thakur’s leadership, the Paltan are focused on building a championship-caliber team.
The PKL 12 auction, set for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, is a chance for Puneri Paltan to reclaim their status as title contenders. Will they secure a star raider and a strong left corner to lift their second PKL title? Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the Paltan’s strategy unfolds in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.
FAQs
1. Why did Puneri Paltan release Akash Shinde and Aman for the PKL 12 auction?
Puneri Paltan released Akash Shinde and Aman to free up their salary purse, allowing them to bid for top players while potentially bringing both back using FBM cards.
2. Who are Puneri Paltan’s top targets in the PKL 12 auction?
The Paltan are likely to target explosive raiders like Pawan Sehrawat, Naveen Kumar, or Devank Dalal and left corner defenders like Mohammadreza Shadloui or Fazel Atrachali.
3. How will Puneri Paltan address their raiding issues in PKL 12?
Puneri Paltan plan to sign a star raider to lead their attack, complementing retained players like Pankaj Mohite and Mohit Goyat, while adding depth with backup raiders.
