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Jaipur Pink Panthers, the inaugural champions of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), have etched their name in history once again by securing the championship in the last edition.
Ahead of the upcoming season, the Pink Panthers have made some smart retentions and strategically worked around the auction to muster a squad to defend the title.
As they gear up for the 10th season, Jaipur boast a well-rounded squad, including talents like Arjun Deshwal, and Ajit Kumar, and defensive stalwarts Sunil Kumar and Ankush.
On that note, let's delve into a comprehensive SWOT analysis to understand their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and potential threats.
Strengths: Well-balanced squad
Jaipur Pink Panthers enter the upcoming season with a squad that reflects balance and skill. Arjun Deshwal, named the Most Valuable Player in the last edition, scored over 250 raid points, showcasing his prowess. Complementing him is Ajit Kumar, a reliable presence in critical moments, particularly in do-or-die raid encounters.
The defensive line-up is formidable, with Ankush leading the charts last year with 83 tackle points and captain Sunil Kumar adding over 60 tackle points. Sahul Kumar further bolsters the defensive strategy.
With such a well-balanced squad, Jaipur Pink Panthers clinched the PKL trophy for the second time in the previous season, and they are poised to repeat the feat this year.
Weaknesses: Lack of experienced all-rounders
While Jaipur Pink Panthers exhibit strength in raiding and defence, a notable weakness in their ranks is the absence of experienced all-rounders. In fast-paced matches and high-pressure situations, an experienced all-rounder becomes crucial, capable of both raiding and defending. This void could be a potential area of concern for the team.
Opportunities: Robust bench and tactical flexibility
The Panthers have several opportunities at their disposal. Retaining young players like Lucky Sharma and Abhishek KS, who excelled in super tackle scenarios last season, provide continuity and a foundation for success.
The inclusion of international players like Reza Mirbageri and Amir Hossain, who showcased their skills with the Iran National team in the Asian Games 2023, adds a layer of depth to the squad. These opportunities position Jaipur Pink Panthers to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Threats: Over-dependence on Arjun and Ankush
A significant threat lies in the evolving landscape of PKL, with matches escalating in tempo and intensity each season. The absence of experienced all-rounders could potentially hinder the Jaipur Pink Panthers in pressure scenarios.
Teams like Puneeri Paltan, Gujarat Giants, and Bengaluru Bulls, armed with versatile all-rounders, may pose a substantial threat. As the league progresses, adapting to the increasing demands of high-tempo situations becomes imperative to navigate potential threats successfully.
