Jaipur Pink Panthers' predicted starting seven for PKL 9

The champion of the first season has some good players this time.

Jaipur Pink Panthers won the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 1. However, since then the team has not been able to win the title again. Altogether eight seasons have passed but Jaipur Pink Panthers could not show the magic of the first season. During this, the team tried many players and changed the coach but despite this, the title remained away from them. Jaipur Pink Panthers have made a solid team for the 9th season as well. This time the team is more dependent on young players and apart from Rahul Chaudhary and Sunil Kumar, there is not much experience in the squad to rely on. This has its advantages as well as disadvantages.

It is only when the season gets underway that we would get to know how the team performs. But before that let us take a look at what could be the potential starting seven of Jaipur.

Raiding department

Responsibility for raiding will be on Rahul Chaudhary, Arjun Deshwal and Ajith Kumar. 

Arjun Deshwal, who performed tremendously in the 8th season of PKL, has been retained by Jaipur Pink Panthers. Deshwal took 267 raid points last season and was the second highest amongst the raiders in the league. The team has kept faith in him. Apart from this, one of the most successful raiders in PKL history, Rahul Chaudhary has also been bought by the team. Even though the last season was very bad for Rahul Chaudhary, with the experience he has, he can be very important for Jaipur in their quest for the 2nd title. 

Rahul Chaudhary was bought for his base price of 10 lakhs and this reason, there will be no pressure of proving anyone anything as he would look to get back to his old self. One thing that will go in favour of Rahul Choudhary is that Jaipur will not completely depend on him in raiding. The main responsibility of raiding will be on Arjun Deshwal and that is why he can play freely. Rahul will have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. At the same time, Ajith Kumar has also been signed by the team, who will also have the opportunity to impress in raiding. These three raiders can start the league for the Panthers. 

All eyes will be on Sunil Kumar and Sahul Kumar in defence

The champion of the first season has included veteran player Sunil Kumar in their team in defence. Sunil Kumar was the captain of Gujarat Giants last season and Jaipur has strengthened their defence by getting him during the auction. They had let Sandeep Dhul and Amit Hooda go and in return reposed faith in Sunil. His experience can be very useful for the team and he can also captain the side. 

Apart from this, Sahul Kumar, who performed well last season, was retained by the team and he will also get a place in the starting seven. Sahul Kumar had scored 45 tackle points in 18 matches in season 8. At the same time, Riza Mirbhageri of Iran is also expected to get a chance in defence. This will be his first season and he can be expected to play in the first match. Whereas in the left corner, the team can rely on Ashish Bazar. Overall, the team will depend more on the pairing of Sunil and Sahul in the defence. These players will have to lead the defence. 

Here are the expected playing seven of Jaipur Pink Panthers for the 9th season of PKL

Raiders – Rahul Chaudhary, Ajit Kumar and Arjun Deswal 

Defenders - Sunil Kumar, Sahul Kumar, Reeza Mirbhageri and Ashish