PKL Auction LIVE: 6 likely retentions from each team in the Pro Kabaddi League season 8 – Mashal Sports, organizers of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), has formally announced the return of the highly anticipated Pro Kabaddi League, starting with the Season 8 Player Auction that will take place between August 29th and 31st, 2021. The auction marks the return of the league after a gap of nearly two years. Each team has the option of being allowed to retain up to six players under the Elite Retained Players category and up to six New Young Players (NYPs) under stipulated conditions.
Here’s a look at 6 likely retentions from each team in the Pro Kabaddi League season 8
Bengal Warriors: 6 retentions
- Maninder Singh
- K Prapanjan
- Nabbibaksh
- Rinku Narwal
- Jeeva Kumar
- Sukesh Hegde
Bengal Warriors are the defending champions and are likely to retain the stars that helped them lift the title last time out. Maninder Singh and Rinku Narwal will form the core of the side, along with Jeeva Kumar, Sukesh Hegde, K Prapanjan and Nabbibaksh. Singh was superb as captain of the side and the Warriors will be keen to retain the services of the aforementioned players.
Bengaluru Bulls: 6 retentions
- Pawan Kumar Sehrawat
- Amit Sheoran
- Saurabh Nandal
- Banty
- Mohit Sehrawat
- Vindo Kumar
Pawan Kumar Sehrawat will be key retention for the Bengaluru Bulls and was one of the star players during their campaign win in Season 6. Sehrawat will be well supported by Amit Sheoron and Saurabh Nandal who put in impressive performances last time out, while Banty and Mohit Sehrawat further add to the quality of the side. Vindo Kumar should also be retained for his vast amount of experience despite not having the best of form over the past two seasons.
Dabang Delhi: 6 retentions
- Naveen Goyat
- Ravinder Pahal
- Joginder Narwal
- Vijay Malik
- Sombir
- Vishal Mane
Runners up in season 7, the onus will be Naveen Goyat and Co.to turn their fortunes around and put in yet another inspired performance in season 8. Goyat is the Daband Delhi’s star raider and will be well complemented by the likes of Ravinder Pahal and in form Johinger Narwal. The likes of Vijay Mali, Vishal Mane and Sombir add much-needed support cast to the trio.
PKL Auction LIVE: 6 likely retentions from each team in the Pro Kabaddi League season 8
Gujarat FortuneGiants: 6 retentions
- Sunil Kumar
- Parvesh Bhainswal
- Rohit Gulia
- Sonu
- Pankaj
- Amit
Gujarat FortuneGiants have failed to hit the heights of the inaugural seasons over the years but in Captain Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bhainswal, the team has a powerful duo who could command a title challenge. With Rohit Gulia, Sonu, Amit and Pankaj for support, Gujarat will hope that they can form a core that can challenge for top honours again win the PKL.
Haryana Steelers: 6 retentions
- Vikash Kandola
- Naveen
- Vinay
- Sunil
- Dharmaraj
- Kuldeep
Despite Kabaddi being a top sport in the state, Haryana steelers have failed to make the most in their PKL history so far. The onus will be on raider Vikash Kandola to get them through again, while Vinay and Naveen proved to be capable of supporting raiders last time out. Sunil, Kuldeep and Dharmaraj could form a top-five core, which could help Haryana restore their glory days.
Jaipur Pink Panthers: 6 retentions
- Sandeep Dhull
- Amit Hooda
- Vishal Lather
- Nitin Rawal
- Sunil Siddhagavali
- Ajinkya Pawar
Sandeep Dhulll and Amit Hooda will be looked at as leaders of the Pink Panthers, who remain one of the most popular PKL sides. Sunil Siddhagavali, Vishal Lather, Nitin Rawal and Ajinkya Pawar form a potent supporting cast, which should set them up well for the upcoming auctions.
Patna Pirates: 6 retentions
- Pardeep Narwal
- Hadi
- Vikas Jaglan
- Monu
- Neeraj Kumar
- Jang Kun Lee
Patna Pirates have been the most successful team in history but they have slumped in recent seasons, falling outside the knockout spots. Pirates will be keen to correct that streak and Pardeep Narwal is an obvious pick for retention. The likes of Jang Kun Lee, Hadi, Monu, Vikas Jaglan and Neeraj Kumar should also be retained as they enter a phase of transition.
PKL Auction LIVE: 6 likely retentions from each team in the Pro Kabaddi League season 8
Puneri Paltan: 6 retentions
- Pankaj Mohite
- PO Surjeet Singh
- Giresh Ernak
- Balasahab Jadhav
- Pawan Kadiyan
- Sanket Sawanth
In Pankaj Mohite and Surjeet Singh, Puneri paltan will have that the duo can recapture their best form and a lead resurgence with Paltan having traditionally struggled in the PKL. Alongside the duo, Pune are liley to retain Goresh Ernak, Balasaheb Jadhav, Sanket Sawanth and Pawan Kadiyan before setting the ball rolling in the auction.
U Mumba: 6 retentions
- Abhishek Singh
- Arjun Desheal
- Sandeep Narwal
- Akinkya Kapre
- Fazel Athreachali
- Rohit Baliya
One of the most successful franchises in history, U Mumba will count on the successes of Abhishek Singh, Arjun Deshwal along with Rohit Baliya, Sandeep Narwal and Akinkya Kapre. Mumbai should also retain Fazel Athrachali, who showed his capability as a defender over the last few seasons.
UP Yoddha: 6 retentions
- Nitesh Kumar
- Sumit
- Monu Goyat
- Sachin Kumar
- Ashu Singh
- Shrikant Jadhav
Yoddha have made it to the playoffs in all three seasons they have been part of the PKL and captain Nilesh Kumar and Sumit will have the onus to take this team forward. Monu Goyat, Sachin Kumar, Shrikant Jadhav and Ashu Singh can be the other retention candidates have proved to be valuable picks over the years.
Telugu Titans: 6 retentions
- Vishal Bharadwaj
- Abozar
- Farhad Milagardhan
- Krushna Madane
- Rakesh Gowda
- Siddharth Desai
After the Rahul Chaudhari and Siddharth Desai era, the Titans could move into the Vishal Bharadwaj era. Farhad and Abozar provide a lot of support along with Rakesh Gowada and Krushna Madane, they could become often the perfect allies to Bharadwaj. Desai could also be retained but could see his star role shift to Bharadwaj over the course of the season.
Tamil Thalaivas: 6 retentions
- Ajith Kumar
- M Abishek
- Ajeet
- Rahul Chaudhari
- Mohit Chhillar
- Ran Singh
In Rahul Chaudhari and Mohit Chillar, Thalaias have two veterans leading the outfit. Ajit Kumar and M Abhishek will come to the team and add support to the balance of the team.
PKL Auction LIVE: 6 likely retentions from each team in the Pro Kabaddi League season 8
Editors pick
