Pro Kabaddi 2022: Five players who failed in the first half of PKL nine but can return to form in the second half
The first half of the VIVO Pro Kabaddi League is over, and the second half is currently underway. However, it still needs to be determined which six teams will advance from the group stage
Image credit: PA Images Pro Kabaddi 2022Almost all players have had their ups and downs, with several youngsters leaving their mark with impressive performances, while some top-tier raiders still need to pull their weight.
Let’s take a look at five raiders who had a disappointing first half but can still impress in the second half of the ninth season of the Pro Kabaddi League:
V Ajith Kumar
Team: Jaipur Pink Panthers
Jaipur Pink Panther acquired the former star raiders of Tamil Thalaivas for INR 66 lakhs. However, V Ajith Kumar has failed to justify the price tag with his new franchisee, racking up 32 raid points in his first 12 matches with Jaipur Pink Panthers.
V Ajith Kumar is a top-tier raider who can still rediscover his form to support Arjun Deshwal and Rahul Chaudhari.
Chandran Ranjit
Team: Gujarat Giants
Chandran Ranjit has been a regular face since the inaugural edition of the Pro Kabaddi League. He played with Gujarat in the fifth season and has returned to the franchisee this season.
Chandran Ranjit was appointed as the new skipper for the Gujarat Giants, but the veteran raider has scored just 60 points from 11 matches this season. If Chandran Ranjit can pull his weight in the remaining matches, he will be crucial in helping the Gujarat Giants clinch more wins.
Abhishek Singh
Team: Telugu Titans
Abhishek Singh was the top raider for U Mumba in the previous two seasons, but his performance has suffered since joining Telugu Titans this year.
The 23-year-old Uttar Pradesh native has scored a disappointing eight raid points from seven matches. He made it to the mat despite being troubled by injuries and can pull off a surprise in the remaining matches.
Vikash Khandola
Team: Bengaluru Bulls
Bengaluru Bulls acquired Vikash Khandola for a whopping INR 1.7 crore at the 2022 Pro Kabaddi League auction. He was expected to replace Pawan Sehrawat but has failed to replicate his past performances with Haryana Steelers, racking up only 76 raid points.
Monu Goyat
Team: Telugu Titans
Monu Goyat was one of the top raiders in the eighth season of the Pro Kabaddi League. However, he still needs to enter even the top 30 on the leaderboard this year.
The 28-year-old Haryana native has earned 31 raid points from nine matches, but he has consistently worked on his mistakes and will be looking to impress in the remaining clashes.