GUJARAT GIANTS SQUAD ANALYSIS 2023
After having an off season in PKL - 9, Gujarat Giants were expected to make some big changes to the squad which was quite visible when they retained just 6 players from their last squad including their main raider Rakesh & Right Corner Manuj.
As the squad lacked prolific names, they went behind some super Star raiders & defenders in the auction. They
went desperately behind Fazel Atrachali & it resulted in Fazel becoming the most expensive defender in the history of Pro Kabbadi League. They got some other good defenders like Sombir & Sourav Gulia too. But, Their purse did not allow them to grab any Super Star raider even if they shown some willingness. However, Giants left behind others in the All Rounders category when they bagged in Rohit Gulia, Mohammad Nabibakhsh & Arkam Shaikh at decent prices.
SQUAD
Raiders
Rakesh Sungroya (Right Raider)
Parteek Dahiya (Right Raider)
G B More (Left Raider)
Nitin
Jagdeep
Sonu (Right Raider)
Defenders
Fazel Atrachali (Left Corner)
Sombir (Right Corner)
Manuj (Right Corner)
Ravi Kumar (Right Cover)
Sourav Gulia (Right Cover)
Deepak Singh (Right Cover)
Nitesh (Left Corner)
All Rounders
Arkam Shaikh (Left Cover)
Mohammad Nabibakhsh
Rohit Gulia (Left Raider)
Vikash
Jitender Yadav
D Balaji (Left Cover)
Rohan Singh
Probable 7
Fazel Atrachali (Left Corner)
Parteek Dahiya (Right Raider)
Arkam Shaikh (Left Cover)
Sourav Gulia (Right Cover)
Rakesh Sungroya (Right Raider)
Mohammad Nabibakhsh (All Rounder)
Sombir (Right Corner)
STRENGTH
Fazel is back with Giants
Fazel Atrachali - the most successful defender of the League is back with Gujarat Giants. He had carried Giants to the Finals in their debut season & led Puneri Paltan to the finals last season. Apart from being the most successful defender of the league, Fazel brings mammoth experience & incredible leadership qualities. Fazel will be the cornerstone of the Gujarat defence & his addition is going to be a serious boost to the Giants.
Depth & Balance in All Rounder Category
Giants clinched some top all rounders like Mohammad Nabibakhsh, Rohit Gulia, Arkam Shaikh & D Balaji to strengthen their squad. Mohammad Nabibakhsh is no new name in PKL. However, his last season was very par but Giants can expect a good season after his performance in Asian Games. Arkam Shaikh & Rohit Gulia have already shown in the last season what they are capable of.
Quite A Good Defence
Giants' defence will be led by Fazel Atrachali at left corner with Sombir at right corner. The covers in starting 7 should be Arkam Shaikh (Left) & Sourav Gulia (Right). Fazel, as mentioned, is the most successful defender of the league. Sombir, Sourav & Arkam too were quite good last season with 33, 35 & 37 tackle points against their name last season. This combination makes them a good defensive side.
WEAKNESS/CHALLENGES
No Prolific Names
Giants have a squad which looks quite balanced but what is apparent is they don't have those prolific names to trust. In defence, Fazel Atrachali is the big asset for the team. But, one can't find any other pre - proclaimed defender in the side whi has impressed & performed regularly. Same is the case with the Raiding department. Rakesh Sungroya has been a find for Gujarat Giants. Rohit Gulia & NabiBhakhsh will be key as well. But, they lack a raider who can perform regularly with 10-12 points every match.
However, if all their key players can perform in tandem, they can surely overcome the issue.
Young Covers
Gujarat Giants covers are Arkam Shaikh, Sourav Gulia, Ravi Kumar, Deepak Singh & D Balaji.
Arkam Shaikh & Sorav Gulia were decent last season with 35 & 37 successful tackles respectively. However, 'if they can raise up the performance' will be a question mark. Ravi Kumar played for Haryana Steelers where he was very inconsistent & was used only as substitute in later half of the tournament. D Balaji was also on & off for Bengal Warriors having clinched 24 tackle points in 18 matches.
EXPECTATIONS
Gujarat Giants had surprised many with their final apperance in the debut season & then again entering the final next season. But, their performance kept touching new lows after those final losses.
They haven't been at their best in last 2 seasons. But, with the balance in squad they have maintained this season, knockout entry can surely be manifested. We all are aware of Fazel's leadership qualities & this side, even if lacks prolific names, can be dark horse of the season provided they perform in tandem & not as individual players.
PREDICTIONS
Top Raider - Rakesh Sungroya
Top Defender - Fazel Atrachali
Knock Out Chances - Good
*Important*
*Disclaimer- This article is only for Educational Purpose, This game involves element of financial risk and can be addictive, Please play responsibly and at your own risk*