Abhishek Bachchan reveals the Panthers’ strategy for this Pro Kabaddi League
India’s second most popular sports league, Pro Kabaddi League is all set to kick-off from 7th October 2018 in Chennai. The league will start with the opening match between Tamil Thalaivas and Patna Pirates.
Abhishek Bachchan, the owner of Jaipur Pink Panthers in an interview with Sportstar revealed many things about the PKL, Jaipur teams’ preparations, combination.
Before the auctions for PKL season 6, Jaipur Pink Panthers did not retain any the player from the previous season. Talking about this Abhishek said, “Even two years ago, we hadn’t retained any players. It is challenging to sign your ideal team in the auctions. This season we have a great squad and new coach too.” According to him, on paper, this seasons’ Panthers squad is the strongest than previous Panthers squad.
Jaipur Pink Panthers has signed Sandeep Dhull for Rs. 66 Lakhs who did not play last season. Commenting on this Abhishek said, “Due to some technical reasons he was not available for the auctions in last season. But he has always been someone we’ve had our eye on. And, I think, since he didn’t get to play last season, he has a point to prove (this time). It’s exciting to have Sandeep and Mohit in the corners. Selvamani who got injured in the previous season is fit now. So, not only do we have a good starting seven, but I also think we have a good second seven.”
Having a long pre-season training camp, Abhishek said, “Due to Asian Games 2018 and PKL a lot of teams did strength and conditioning way in advance like three months ago. There are different strategies (that different teams follow). Kabaddi is a body-contact sport. So, the chance of injury is a lot. And, although you’re meant to have a squad of 25, the way the auction pans out, most teams end up having 18 to 20 players. So, you can’t have a player injured for the entire season. I think that’s what the pre-season helps with – (Physical) conditioning.”
While Pro Kabaddi League will start from 7th October 2018 Abhishek owned Jaipur Pink Panthers will take on against U Mumba on 10th October 2018.