PKL 12: Puneri Paltan sign Rakesh, Sanjay as New Young Players

Both Rakesh and Sanjay are corner defenders.

Season 10 champions, Puneri Paltan, have signed Rakesh and Sanjay Choudhary as New Young Players (NYP), for the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.

The announcements were made via two separate Instagram posts by the team’s official handle on Thursday. Rakesh is a left corner from SAI, while Haryana’s Sanjay is a right corner.

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A post shared by Puneri Paltan (@puneripaltanofficial)

The 2023-24 champions have thus added reinforcements, as they look to build a strong team and aim to lift the trophy again. Rakesh is unlikely to feature in the starting VII considering Gaurav Khatri’s consistent performances over the last few years (61 tackle points in the previous edition). They also have Dadaso Pujari, who impressed in the chances he got, in their ranks.

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A post shared by Puneri Paltan (@puneripaltanofficial)

Sanjay might stand a chance to come into the scheme of things sooner, considering the likes of Aman Antil (who had a good season with 53 tackle points in 16 matches) and Mohit Khaler are very unlikely to be retained as Elite Retained Players and both will have to enter the auction pool.

Also Read: PKL 12: List of new coaches announced so far

Puneri Paltan in PKL 11

The Paltan had a brilliant start to the season, carrying on their momentum from the previous edition, playing out five wins and one tie in their first seven matches. However, things went south after they lost Aslam Inamdar to injury in their eighth game. They could only win four out of their last 15 matches. Eventually, they finished at eighth spot, with 60 points after 22 matches.

The Puneri Paltan are known for producing and nurturing bright talents in their Yuva Academy. Barring Mohammadreza Chiyaneh Shadloui, all the key members from their title-winning squad in the season before last have emerged from this system.

The likes of Aslam, Mohit Goyat, Akash Shinde, Abhinesh Nadarajan among others have all gone on to become established names in the league. Considering the success they have enjoyed with their NYPs, one can be quite optimistic regarding the potential of their two new signings.

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