MUMBAI: Reigning champions Haryana Steelers will be aiming to become just the second team to successfully defend their Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) crown in the upcoming season.
Since their Pro Kabaddi debut in 2017, the Steelers have been one of the most consistent teams in recent years and have reached the Playoffs in four of the seven seasons that they have competed in.
Manpreet Singh, one of the most successful coaches in PKL history, will continue as head coach of the Steelers after guiding them to their maiden PKL triumph last season. Under his guidance, the Steelers earlier finished runners-up in Season 10.
A former Pro Kabaddi champion as a player with Patna Pirates, Manpreet began his coaching journey on a brilliant note after he led Gujarat Giants to back-to-back PKL finals in Seasons 5 and 6.
Having retained their title-winning core ahead of the PKL Season 12 Player Auction, the Steelers have added 10 players at the auction to bolster their squad. With a total amount of Rs 4.983 crore, the Steelers have built a strong squad to challenge for the title. Let’s assess the strengths and weaknesses of the squad before their title defence begins in Season 12.
Strengths
The Steelers’ biggest strength heading into the new season is the retention of most of their championship-winning squad. In attack, the defending champions have retained Vinay, Shivam Anil Patare and Vishal Tate, all of whom contributed raid points at crucial junctures throughout last season. With 164 points in 24 games, Vinay was the lead raider of the Steelers' last campaign and was ably supported by Shivam, with 158 raid points in 24 matches. Vishal also chipped in with 43 raid points in 13 games.
Captain Jaideep Dahiya and right corner Rahul Sethpal will once again be part of the Steelers’ defensive unit in PKL Season 12.
Additionally, the Steelers have further strengthened their attack by roping in accomplished raider Naveen Kumar for INR 1.20 crore at the Player Auction. Having racked up 1, 102 raid points in 107 games, Naveen will bring a wealth of experience to the Steelers’ setup. The seasoned raider won the PKL title with Dabang Delhi K.C. in 2022, and also bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in consecutive editions in Seasons 7 and 8.