PKL 12: Three players Gujarat Giants should target in auction

Gujarat Giants are eying a fresh start at the PKL 12 auction.

Gujarat Giants had a forgettable outing in the Pro Kabaddi League last season, finishing 11th, just one spot above Bengaluru Bulls. Out of their 22 matches, they managed to win only 5, losing 14 matches. Heading into the PKL Season 12 Auction, scheduled for May 31 and June 1, Gujarat will be eager to hit the reset button and rebuild their squad.

After their disappointing campaign, the two-time runners-up parted ways with head coach Ram Mehar Singh and appointed Jaivir Sharma as the new head coach. In preparation for the auction, Gujarat Giants have released the majority of their squad and now hold a healthy purse of over ₹4 crores , one of the highest among teams.

Gujarat’s struggles were evident across the mat. They recorded the lowest number of raid points last season and were also in the bottom four for defence points. With underwhelming performances on both sectos, the team is expected to invest heavily in raiders and key defensive positions.

Gujarat Giants have retained just four players, including raiders Parteek Dahiya and Rakesh Sungroya, both of whom have shown promise. In defence, they’ve kept their right corner, Himanshu Jaglan, while releasing key players like Guman Singh. They now need a lead raider who can also offer leadership, as well as reliable defensive options.

Let us take a look at three players the Gujarat Giants can target in the upcoming PKL 12 auctions:

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3. Deepak Singh

One of the best right cover defenders last season, Deepak Singh notched up 64 tackle points in 25 matches. It was a shock to many when Patna Pirates released him. Gujarat’s current right cover, Neeraj Kumar, had a disappointing season, and replacing him with Deepak could significantly improve the team’s defence.

2. Ankit Jaglan

The Patna’s left corner specialist, Ankit Jaglan, will be the perfect choice for the Gujarat Giants. Ankit had an extraordinary season with Patna last year and was the 2nd best defender in the league last season. He scored 79 tackle points in 25 matches and was one of the main reasons for Patna’s final run.

Surprisingly, Patna have released him, and he will be in the auction. His addition would bring both depth and versatility to Gujarat’s defence. With Himasnhu being in the right corner, he can easily fit in the left corner and can help build a strong defence.

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1. Arjun Deshwal

Gujarat are in need of a dependable and dynamic raiding who can act as a leader and can lead the raiding department. Arjun Deshwal, the third-best raider in the league last season with 227 points in 23 matches, could be the perfect replacement.

He single-handedly carried the raiding department for Jaipur and also has leadership qualities to lead the Gujarat side. His inclusion could provide the team with stability and star power in attack. With Prateek and Rakesh as the supporting raiders, Arjun Deshwal’s inclusion will add versatility to the team.

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