Gujarat Giants PKL 12 Auction Strategy
The Gujarat Giants are gearing up for a fresh start in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 after a disappointing performance in PKL 11. Finishing eleventh in the points table with only five wins, fourteen losses, and three ties, the team struggled with an unbalanced squad. To turn things around, the Giants have made bold changes, releasing veteran coach Ram Mehar Singh and appointing Jaivir Sharma, a successful coach with the Indian National Team. With only four players retained and sixteen released, the Gujarat Giants are set to be one of the busiest teams in the PKL 12 auction, scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai.
A Disappointing PKL 11 Campaign
The Gujarat Giants, two-time PKL runners-up, had a tough season in PKL 11, finishing with just 38 points in 22 matches. Their raiding unit was one of the weakest in the league, tying for the least number of raid points. Despite having talented players like Guman Singh, who was bought for INR 1.97 crore, the team lacked consistency and balance. Guman’s fluctuating form didn’t justify his high price tag, and the defense struggled to support the raiding efforts. As a result, the Giants missed the playoffs and finished near the bottom of the table.
To address these issues, the Giants have made significant changes for PKL 12. They parted ways with coach Ram Mehar Singh and brought in Jaivir Sharma, known for his success with the Indian National Team. By retaining only four players—Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh, Himanshu Singh, and Himanshu (defender)—the team has freed up a large salary purse for the PKL 12 auction. With a new coach and a fresh approach, the Gujarat Giants are ready to rebuild a balanced squad capable of challenging for the title.
Securing a Lead Raider
One of the biggest weaknesses for the Gujarat Giants in PKL 11 was their lackluster raiding unit. Despite having players like Guman Singh, the team struggled to score raid points consistently. For PKL 12, securing a lead raider is a top priority. The Giants have retained Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh, and Himanshu Singh, who can play supporting roles in the raiding department. However, they need a star raider to lead the attack and inspire the team.
The PKL 12 auction features a star-studded list of raiders, including Naveen Kumar, Ashu Malik, Arjun Deshwal, Devank Dalal, and Maninder Singh. Naveen Kumar, with 1,102 raid points in 107 matches, is a proven leader who guided Dabang Delhi to a PKL title in Season 8. Ashu Malik, with 262 raid points in PKL 11, brings speed and reliability. Arjun Deshwal, with 1,174 raid points, is known for his clutch performances, while Devank Dalal topped the raiding charts in PKL 11 with 301 points. Maninder Singh, despite recent form issues, remains a seasoned option with 1,428 raid points.
The Giants could use the Final Bid Match (FBM) card to bring back Guman Singh at a lower price, as his experience could still be valuable. However, they are likely to target one big-ticket raider like Naveen Kumar or Arjun Deshwal to lead the attack. After securing a star raider, the Giants can spend smaller amounts on Category C or D raiders, such as Shivam Chaudhary or Nitin Singh, to add depth. This strategy will create a balanced raiding unit capable of competing with top teams like Patna Pirates and Haryana Steelers.
Strengthening the Left Corner
Defense was another weak area for the Gujarat Giants in PKL 11, and the team is determined to address this in the PKL 12 auction. With Himanshu retained as a reliable right corner defender, the Giants need a strong left corner to anchor their defense. A high-profile left corner could also serve as a captaincy candidate, solving the team’s leadership issues from last season.
Two top targets for the left corner position are Fazel Atrachali and Ankit Jaglan. Fazel, known as “The Sultan,” is the most successful defender in PKL history with 545 tackle points. His experience and calm leadership make him an ideal fit for the Giants, though he will attract bids from teams like Tamil Thalaivas and Bengal Warriorz. Ankit Jaglan, a rising star, showed promise in PKL 11 with his tackling skills and could be a cost-effective option. While Mohammadreza Shadloui, an all-rounder with 97 tackle points in PKL 10, is a strong candidate, his price tag may be too high for the Giants’ budget after investing in a star raider.
By securing a high-profile left corner like Fazel or Ankit, the Giants can build a solid defensive foundation. This player would guide young defenders like Himanshu and provide stability against top raiders like Pawan Sehrawat and Naveen Kumar.
Smart Buys for Cover Positions
To create a well-rounded defense, the Gujarat Giants need reliable cover defenders for the right and left positions. Over the years, cover defenders have been crucial in PKL, but few have consistently stood out. To manage their budget, the Giants should reserve a modest amount for these positions while focusing on quality players.
For the left cover position, the Giants could use the FBM card to bring back Vahid Rezaeimehr, who performed well in PKL 11. His familiarity with the team makes him a smart choice. For the right cover position, options include Deepak Singh, Mayur Kadam, and Surjeet Singh. Deepak Singh is known for his reliability, while Mayur Kadam impressed with his tackling in PKL 11. Surjeet Singh, a veteran with years of experience, could provide leadership and stability.
By making smart buys for the cover positions, the Giants can build a defense that complements their star left corner and right corner defenders. This approach will ensure the team has the depth to handle injuries or form slumps during the season.
Building Depth and Balance
Under new coach Jaivir Sharma, the Gujarat Giants are focused on creating a balanced squad with a mix of youth and experience. Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh, and Himanshu Singh provide a youthful raiding core, while Himanshu (defender) anchors the right corner. By adding a star raider and a high-profile left corner, the Giants can address their key weaknesses. However, depth is equally important in the Pro Kabaddi League, where long seasons test a team’s resilience.
To ensure depth, the Giants should target one or two backup players for each position. In raiding, young players like Vishal Chahal or Nitin Singh can provide support if the lead raider is unavailable. In defense, players like Amirhossein Bastami or Sanket Sawant can step up as backups. This depth will allow the Giants 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 Tamil Thalaivas, Bengaluru Bulls, and Bengal Warriorz also having large salary purses. Top players like Naveen Kumar, Fazel Atrachali, and Arjun Deshwal will attract big bids, making it challenging for the Giants to secure their targets without overspending. The decision to release sixteen players, including Guman Singh, carries some risk, as the team is rebuilding almost from scratch.
However, with Jaivir Sharma’s experience and a strategic approach, the Giants are well-positioned to navigate these challenges. By using their FBM cards wisely and balancing their budget between raiding and defense, they can build a squad capable of reaching the playoffs.
The Gujarat Giants are entering the PKL 12 auction with a clear plan to address their weaknesses from Season 11. By securing a lead raider like Naveen Kumar or Arjun Deshwal, they aim to boost their attack. A high-profile left corner like Fazel Atrachali or Ankit Jaglan will anchor their defense, while smart buys for cover positions, such as Vahid Rezaeimehr or Surjeet Singh, will add depth. Under new coach Jaivir Sharma, the Giants are focused on creating a balanced squad with a mix of youth and experience.
With the PKL 12 auction set for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, Gujarat Giants fans are eager to see their team return to its winning ways. Will the Giants secure a star raider and a strong defense to challenge for the title? The auction will be a crucial step in their journey to reclaim glory in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.
FAQs
1. Why did Gujarat Giants release Guman Singh for the PKL 12 auction?
The Gujarat Giants released Guman Singh due to his inconsistent form in PKL 11, which didn’t justify his INR 1.97 crore price tag, allowing them to free up funds for new signings.
2. Who are the Gujarat Giants’ top targets in the PKL 12 auction?
The Giants are likely to target star raiders like Naveen Kumar, Arjun Deshwal, or Devank Dalal and high-profile defenders like Fazel Atrachali or Ankit Jaglan.
3. How will Coach Jaivir Sharma’s strategy help the Gujarat Giants in PKL 12?
Coach Jaivir Sharma aims to build a balanced squad with a star raider, a strong left corner, and reliable cover defenders, combining youth and experience to create a competitive team.
