5 major transfers ahead of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi season 3

The 3rd coming of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League is upon us and all the eight franchises are geared up for the battle as champions U Mumba try to defend their crown they won six months ago. Since U Mumba’s triumph, the league management has decided to stage the tournament twice a year, much to the delight of the fans who are primed for two doses of action now.There has been a lot of movement as clubs have tried to strengthen their squads ahead of season 3 and players have switched cities and colours to embark on a new challenge. Notable among those are last year’s most valuable player, Manjeet Chhillar, his team-mate Ajay Thakur, former Patna Pirates skipper Rakesh Kumar, most successful defender Sandeep Kandola, Puneri Paltan skipper Wazir Singh, veteran Dharmaraj Cheralathan and Surjeet Narwal. But it’s these five players whose moves churned out more talking points than any other:

#5 Ajay Thakur (Bengaluru Bulls to Puneri Paltan)

Ajay Thakur was a revelation for Bengaluru Bulls

A massive signing for Puneri Paltan and, similarly, a huge blow for the Bengaluru Bulls. Ajay Thakur has followed his skipper Manjeet Chhillar to Puneri Paltan where coach Ashok Shinde seems to be heading a revolution. With Wazir Singh and Pravin Niwale gone, Ashok Shinde had to replace his top raider with someone equally good and in Ajay Thakur, Shinde has found a perfect replacement. Ajay will resume his partnership with Manjeet Chhillar and their understanding will be key to Puneri Paltan’s success.

The 29-year-old was among the top five raiders for both the seasons so far and there is no reason why the tall raider won’t be able to replicate that with his new side. Ajay, once again, will have to lead the raiding department. The young players in the team will also thrive with the presence of Ajay in the team.

#4 Wazir Singh (Puneri Paltan to Dabang Delhi)

Wazir Singh

The lone ranger at Puneri Paltan for the past two seasons, Wazir Singh showed what he is capable of with some jaw dropping performances for the Paltan in testing times. Wazir joins Dabang Delhi to substantially strengthen their raiding force, which includes last year’s top raider Kashiling Adake. The duo is all set to take the Pro Kabaddi League by storm and all the teams facing them will be wary of the threat posed by Kashi and Wazir.

Wazir also adds experience and leadership to the table, which is something Dabang Delhi would certainly do with. Coach Honnappa Gowda will be hoping his new signing stays fit throughout the season as that will guarantee him a good return of points at the end of the campaign. With Kashiling Adake and Ravinder Pahal retained for this season, Wazir’s contribution could prove decisive for Dabang Delhi, as they look to make the semis.

#3 Rakesh Kumar (Patna Pirates to U Mumba)

Rakesh Kumar waving goodbye to the fans?

A real coup by the defending champions to get their hands on Rakesh Kumar, the captain of the Indian kabaddi team. After a near perfect campaign that culminated in glory, it was difficult to see how the U Mumbai side could be improved. But coach Bhaskaran Edachery managed to pull the rabbit out of the hat and sign Rakesh Kumar ahead of the new season.

Rakesh is one of the finest raiders in the game and his combination with U Mumba skipper Anup Kumar would be a mouth-watering prospect for every kabaddi fan. Rakesh Kumar’s arrival completes a very strong raiding department for U Mumba with Rishank Devadiga and Shabeer Bapu also in their ranks.

The 33-year-old’s experience will come in handy for U Mumba. The only question mark that remains about his inclusion is whether with him in the team, if U Mumba will be able to showcase the same level of chemistry displayed last time out. But, if there is anyone who can seamlessly slot into that U Mumba team and actually improve them, it is this Arjuna Awardee – Rakesh Kumar.

#2 Sandeep Kandola (Telugu Titans to Patna Pirates)

Sandeep Kandola was the find of season 2

The find of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi Season 2 and the most successful defender of last season, Sandeep Kandola made 55 successful tackles playing for the Telugu Titans last season. But the youngster moved to the Patna Pirates for Season 3, adding to the already strong Patna defence.

Sandeep was one of the brightest players in Telugu Titans’ revolutionary run to the semis last season and it was expected that the Telugu Titans would hold onto their prized asset. But the Titans’ loss was Patna Pirates’ gain as they swooped for one of the best defenders in the league.

After impressing last season in what was a weak defensive unit, Kandola could thrive in the Pirates’ strong defence. Unlike last season, there will be a weight of expectation on Sandeep’s shoulders being the biggest Patna Pirates signing and the young defender will be expected to better his performance from last season.

#1 Manjeet Chhillar (Bengaluru Bulls to Puneri Paltan)

Manjeet Chhillar was the MVP of season 2

Easily the biggest transfer ahead of Season 3. Manjeet Chhillar was the most valuable player last season, when he almost guided the Bengaluru Bulls to the title. With over hundred points under his belt, Manjeet once again proved he could turn any team into a champion side. Puneri Paltan have had two seasons to forget and coach Ashok Shinde has turned to the perfect guy to not just solve their problems, but also add a real leader to their squad following Wazir Singh’s departure.

The man from Nizampur is a real warrior. He was diagnosed with typhoid mid-way through last season, but he didn’t miss a minute for the Bulls as they stormed into the final. The 29-year-old will add a lot to the Puneri Paltan set-up and after two years in shambles, the Maratha Warriors look set to compete for top spots in the Pro Kabaddi Season 3 finally.