The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) auction was quite a spectacle, filled with high-stakes bidding and intense competition as all 12 teams fought vigorously to secure their top picks for the upcoming season.
Day 1 of the auction set the tone, with several players commanding bids exceeding ₹1 crore, showcasing the fierce ambition and strategic maneuvering of each team. By the close of Day 1, our team had managed to secure two pivotal players: Guman Singh and Sombir. Sombir, in particular, was a key player for us in Season 10, and his return is highly anticipated.
Day 2 continued the high-energy atmosphere as we worked to finalize our squad, aiming to bring in at least 11 new players. The day proved to be incredibly productive, and by the end, we have built a strong squad. Our roster now boasts a diverse mix of emerging talent and experienced players, providing us with a strong foundation for the season ahead. Let's delve into the key acquisitions that have bolstered our team.
Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh: Our first significant pick on Day 2 was Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh, the Iranian all-rounder who was part of our squad last season too. Nabibakhsh had a commendable performance in season 10, participating in 21 matches and accumulating 28 points, including 12 raid points and 16 tackle points. His overall PKL career stats are equally impressive, with 79 matches played, earning 294 points—215 of which are raid points and 79 tackle points. His return is a major boost for us, and we are optimistic that he will continue to deliver strong performances in the upcoming season.
Vahid RezaEimehr: Another notable acquisition was Vahid RezaEimehr, also from Iran. RezaEimehr was part of the Puneri Paltan squad that clinched the championship in Season 10. Although he appeared in only five games last season, his potential was clearly visible. We are excited about what RezaEimehr can contribute to our team, given his immense skill.
Neeraj Kumar: Our third pick of the day was Neeraj Kumar, who previously played for Patna Pirates. Kumar had a solid performance in Season 10, earning 31 tackle points across 14 games, including 3 Super Tackles and 2 High 5s. In his PKL career spanning 80 matches, he has amassed 174 points, with 172 of those being tackle points. His defensive strength will be a significant asset to our team, and we look forward to seeing him make a strong impact.
Monu: Monu, who previously played for Bengaluru Bulls, has now joined our team. In Season 10, he appeared in 13 games and scored 20 points. With 100 matches in the PKL under his belt, Monu has established himself as a reliable performer. He has accumulated 223 points, with 109 raid points and 114 tackle points, along with 16 Super Tackles and 3 Super Raids. Monu’s experience and performance history make him a valuable addition to our squad.
Raj D. Salunkhe: Raj D. Salunkhe, a new face in the PKL, was acquired for ₹9 lakhs. Salunkhe has been a standout performer in the Yuva Kabaddi Series, where he scored 102 points in 15 games, including 97 raid points, 6 Super Raids, and 4 Super 10s. His impressive performance in the Yuva Kabaddi Series suggests that he has the potential to make a significant impact in his debut PKL season.
Himanshu Singh: Himanshu Singh, who played for Tamil Thalaivas in Season 10, has joined us for Season 11. Despite playing only seven games last season and scoring 11 points, Singh’s talent and potential were evident. Over his PKL career, he has played 31 matches and earned 62 raid points, including 3 Super Raids and 1 Super 10. We are sure that Singh will continue to develop and contribute effectively to our squad.
In addition to these players, we’ve re-signed Manuj and Rohan Singh, who were part of our squad in Season 10. Manuj played 10 games last season and earned 8 points, with a total of 21 games and 19 points over his career. Rohan, who played in one game last season, showed promise. Their familiarity with our team dynamics will be valuable as we move forward.
To complete our squad, we also added Himanshu, Aadesh Siwach, Harsh Mahesh Lad, Mohit, and Nitesh.
Overall, we are extremely pleased with the squad we have assembled for Season 11. The mix of seasoned players and emerging talents provides a balanced and dynamic team, ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming season. With the combination of skill, experience, and potential, we believe our squad has what it takes to compete at the highest level and bring home the trophy this year. The excitement and anticipation are palpable as we prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating season of Pro Kabaddi League action.
Gujarat Giants squad for PKL Season 11!
Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh, Balaji D, Jitender Yadav, Nitin, Guman Singh, Sombir, Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh, Vahid RezaEimehr, Neeraj Kumar, Monu, Raj D. Salunkhe, Himanshu, Himanshu Singh, Aadesh Siwach, Harsh Mahesh Lad, Rohan Singh, Mohit, Manuj and Nitesh.
