PKL 11: Top five worst buys of Pro Kabaddi 2024

Some high-profile signings have had a very disappointing season in PKL 11.

Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) is coming to an end. In a season that has been dominated by youngsters like Devank Dalal, Ayan Lohchab, Shivam Patare, and Ajit Chouhan, there have been several big signings who have disappointed.

This is reflected in the points table as Haryana Steelers and Patna Pirates, who were considered underdogs at the start of the season due to a lack of big players, are currently on top. On the other hand, star-studded outfits like the Tamil Thalaivas, Bengaluru Bulls, and Bengal Warriorz languish in the bottom half.

On this note, let’s look at the five buys of PKL 11, who haven’t done their price tag justice.

Also Read: PKL 11: Top five best buys of Pro Kabaddi 2024

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5. Krishan Dhull (Telugu Titans)

Krishan Dhull was signed up by the Telugu Titans at Rs. 70 lakhs. This was on expected lines as it was coach Krishan Hooda himself, who had scouted the right corner. Having been the second-best defender at the Patna Pirates in the last season, he was expected to play a key role for the Titans this season.

However, the 22-year-old struggled for form, scoring just 21 tackle points in 19 matches. This was one of the major reasons why the Titans are placed at the bottom, in the list of team tackle points.

Also Read: PKL 11: All teams qualified for playoffs

4. Neeraj Kumar (Gujarat Giants)

Neeraj Kumar had enjoyed great success under coach Ram Mehar Singh at the Patna Pirates, a few seasons ago. After two ordinary seasons, he was released by the three-time champions. Gujarat Giants spent Rs. 35 lakhs to secure the services of the right cover and reunite him with his old coach.

However, the 29-year-old, who was appointed as the skipper at the start of the season, has failed to find redemption, finishing with just 17 tackle points in 16 matches.

3. Ajinkya Pawar (Bengaluru Bulls)

Ajinkya Pawar had been very impressive in the last two seasons, for the Tamil Thalaivas. His ability to display quick feet on the mat made him much sought after, as the raider was bought by the Bengaluru Bulls at the auction, at Rs. 1.107 Cr. However, the 27-year-old struggled badly for rhythm throughout the season, scoring just 60 tackle points in 16 matches.

With age having caught up with Pardeep Narwal and youngsters like Jai Bhagwan, Sushil, and Akshit having failed to create an impact, the season six champions are at the bottom of the pile, in the chart of team raid points.

2. Guman Singh (Gujarat Giants)

In the last two seasons, Guman Singh had shown the potential to lead the raiding unit, finishing as U Mumba’s top scorer both times. After intense bidding, the 25-year-old was purchased by the Gujarat Giants at a mind-boggling price of Rs. 1.97 Cr. However, the raider had a poor start, which resulted in the two-time runners-up having a nightmarish first half.

By the time he found his mojo, it was too late. While his tally of 154 raid points in 21 matches is decent, his side would have hoped for a much bigger impact after making such a big investment.

Also Read: PKL 11: Top three contenders for NYP award in Pro Kabaddi 2024

1. Sachin Tanwar (Tamil Thalaivas)

Having earned the tag of a consistent raider at the Gujarat Giants and the Patna Pirates, and also debuted for India, it wasn’t a big surprise when Sachin Tanwar became the most expensive player sold in the PKL 11 auction, at a sum of Rs. 2.15 Cr. However, the 25-year-old had a shocker of a season, having just scored 76 raid points in 16 matches.

What makes it worse is that most of these points came either right at the beginning or towards the fag end, when his team was out of contention. Sachin looked shockingly out of sorts and with Narender having a similar season, the raiding unit just couldn’t complement a prolific defence.

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