In the grand auction a total of 422 players, including 58 overseas players, went under the hammer during the two-day of bidding battle where 87 players from the Future Heroes Kabaddi programme were also up for bidding. The Paltans from Pune have done more than a splendid job in the auctions as they managed to sign some star players in the auction. They allready retained players like Rajesh Mondal (Rs 24.55 lakh), GB More (Rs 13.57 lakh), defender Girish Ernak (Rs 49.10 lakh) and star all-rounder Sandeep Narwal (Rs 72.60 lakh). On that note, here’s a look at Puneri Paltan team for PKL 2018.
In the raiding department the retained players like Rajesh Mondal and GB More will hold a key alongside team’s highest bid Nitin Tomar, who was part of UP Yoddha in the past season.
In the defense retained defender Girish Maruti Ernak will be a force to reckon with alongside Vinod Kumar and Ravi Kumar. Bajrang can be a young defender to watch out for in the league.
Sandeep Narwal adds the right flexibility in the team with his all-round skills and will be an asset for the Pune based franchise team.
Puneri Paltan team for PKL 2018
Raiders:
Rajesh Mondal [Retained] – ₹24.55 lakh
More GB [Retained] – ₹13.57 lakh
Nitin Tomar – ₹115 lakh
Deepak Kumar Dahiya – ₹12 lakh
Parvesh – ₹8 lakh
Akshay Jadhav – ₹8 lakh
Monu [NYP] – ₹6.6 lakh
Vikash Khatri [NYP] – ₹6.6 lakh
Defenders:
Girish Maruti Ernak [Retained] – ₹49.10 lakh
Vinod Kumar – ₹20.2 lakh
Ravi Kumar – ₹16 lakh
Rinku Narwal [NYP] – ₹6.6 lakh
Bajrang – ₹5 lakh
All-rounders:
Sandeep Narwal [Retained] – ₹72.60 lakh
Amit Kumar [NYP]- ₹6.6 lakh
Takamitsu Kono – ₹8 lakh
Sanjay Shreshta – ₹8 lakh
Puneri Paltan team coach: Ashan Kumar
Puneri Paltan owner: Insurekot Sports
Home stadium: Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune
DS Verdict: The team is the perfect blend of youth and experience, however, their raiding department looks one of the best in the tournament.
