PKL 2019: 3 teams which have surprised with their performances so far

It has just been around two weeks since Season 7 of the Pro Kabaddi League started and this edition is already a witness to several moments of brilliance on the mat. While a few teams have announced themselves in this season, a few of them are yet to get going in the first two weeks.

There is still a long way to go for all the teams in this season and anything could happen over the course of a long tournament such as the Pro Kabaddi League. It is too early to make any predictions as of now but based on their performances on the mat so far, here are 3 teams which have surprised us so far in this edition.

Ahead of the tournament, these teams had a certain line-up based on which the fans had varying expectations from them. However, the way their plans have been executed on the matchday has come out different from the one expected and has, in turn, made this season more interesting.

Here's a look at three such teams:

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#3 Puneri Paltan

Anup Kumar's men are yet to score a win in the competition

With no wins in the tournament so far, Puneri Paltan are at the bottom of the current points table. Not only has the Pune squad lost all the 3 games, but all of them have been lost by a heavy margin which is likely to affect them in the latter stages of the tournament.

However, for the kind of team they have on paper, this mediocre performance was never expected from them in this competition. In Surjeet Singh and Girish Ernak, they have one of the strongest defensive units in the tournament. Although Nitin Tomar missed the first 3 games, they have a few capable raiders in Pawan Kadian, Darshan Kadian and Manjeet to take his place. Most importantly, Pune have one of the greatest readers of a kabaddi game, Anup Kumar at the helm of the franchise.

All these factors are yet to contribute to a victory for the Puneri Paltan squad so far in this season. If the defensive unit can step up in the coming games, this team could see a change in its fortunes.

#2 Telugu Titans

Siddharth Desai is yet to justify his hefty price-tag

Ahead of the tournament, Telugu Titans had a decent squad in place which was capable of dominating a few opponents in the competition. With a star raider in Siddharth Desai, a solid defensive unit comprising the likes of Vishal Bhardwaj, C Arun, and Abozar, this team had all the ingredients to set this tournament on fire.

However, after playing 5 games so far, the team is yet to score a win in this tournament. The home leg was disappointing for this squad where they lost all the 4 games. They did tie a game with UP Yoddha but a win has been eluding them.

The failure of Siddharth Desai has exposed the team's lack of a quality second raider which has hurt the team. The defense has been way too inconsistent and the constant changes in the team selection have not helped their cause.

The Titans have still got 17 games to play and if they can pick themselves up even now, anything is possible in this competition.

#1 Jaipur Pink Panthers

Jaipur Pink Panthers have been exceptional in the tournament so far

Jaipur Pink Panthers did have a decent squad on paper after the auctions. They were expected to reach the playoffs but from what we have seen of them in this edition so far, Pink Panthers have definitely set their aspirations higher.

While Deepak Niwas Hooda has been excellent as usual, he has received good support from the other raiders, something which was missing in Season 6. Deepak Narwal has done well so far and with Nilesh Salunke also waiting for his opportunities, this team's raiding unit looks very strong now.

However, it has been the work of Amit Hooda and Sandeep Dhull which has set the ball rolling for Jaipur. Both these defenders have been influential in the defensive unit which has helped their team maintain a 100% record in the tournament so far.

If this squad can stick to its basics for a few more weeks, a repeat of Season 1 could well be in the offing.