Pro Kabaddi League 2016 team preview: Jaipur Pink Panthers looking for change of fortune

Coming into Season 3 though, Jaipur are the only other side apart from U Mumba that has retained the core of their unit. After a non-impactful Season 2, Prashant Chavan is the lone departure from the squad and that gives room to the youngsters to shine. While Jasvir’s antics might often be remembered, the stylish left-raider, Rajesh Narwal, was the standout performer in Season 2 and will hopefully carry that confidence into Season 3 where there will be heavier reliance on his raiding prowess. Rajesh was instrumental in support as a defender as well as was the case with young Kuldeep Singh, who accounted for a quarter of Jaipur’s tackle points and was no slouch in the raiding department either. Add Ran Singh to the fold and Jaipur are spoilt for riches with all-rounders. A change of fortune on their home turf, however, is something they will be chasing this time around.

There aren’t too many people I know that are as passionate as Abhishek Bachchan on the sidelines of a sporting encounter and he seems to have the midas touch when it comes to picking his teams to compete too. Coach Bhaskaran & Abhishek expected a lot more from their men last season and with a renewed Navneet Gautam back at the helm, who surprised many at the Kabaddi Nationals, anticipate a strong start from the men in pink.

Transfers

Prashant Chavan to Puneri Paltan

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

* Largely same squad as Seasons 1 & 2 which gives them a solid base to work off

* Coach Bhaskaran is a key man in the Jaipur camp & will get his troops to bounce back after last season

* No gaping holes in any department. A very complete side with balance

Weaknesses

* Leadership on the mat still a question mark – Jasvir wasn’t the most solid captain and Navneet had a horrific PKL 2

* Defensive unit less experienced without Prashant Chavan on RT corner

Opportunities

* Raiding department and all-rounders got better as PKL 2 wore on – Rajesh Narwal, Kuldeep Singh, Ran Singh & Sonu Narwal are the ones to watch

* I watched Navneet Gautam in the Kabaddi Nationals and he looks a different player and hungry for success in PKL 3

Threats

* Jasvir Singh was found wanting quite often as a raider & needs to find another gear

* Important to try and get a good start to the tournament as it’s been an area of concern in both previous seasons

* Record at home isn’t great and needs to get better as the Home leg is crucial for big points