Pro Kabaddi League: Three struggling PKL teams that could improve in season nine

A handful of the franchises are perpetually under the limelight and are expected to win, or these clubs have the most followers. However, based on the 2022 player auctions in Mumbai, we think the following three teams have the most chances!

Telegu Titans

The Titans hit a low phase after the fourth season, but this time, Manjeet Chillar could turn the tables as the mentor with a new-look squad with well-known names. 

Players like Rajnish and Ankit Beniwal will have Monu Goyat and Siddharth Desai to guide them. At the same time, Ravinder Pahal, Vishal Bhardwaj, Parvesh Bhainswal, and Surjeet Singh are the pillars of defence. 

As a result, they make the team with enormous squad strength, versatility and many options. The defence and the raiding unit provide more power to the team. 

Former U Mumba raider Abhishek Singh was their star signing in the raiding department. Meanwhile, Siddharth Desai was roped in for his base price of only ₹20 Lakhs.  

In addition, youngsters Ankit Beniwal and Rajnish, besides Monu Goyat, were also purchased.

Jaipur Pink Panthers

Inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers have a reputation of starting a season powerfully, but they fade out as the tournament progresses. After their first season victory, the last time they qualified for the playoffs was back in season four, where they finished runners-up.

Their prolonged failure has prompted the franchise to call for seasoned pros like Rahul Chaudhari and Sunil Kumar. In-form young raiders like Arjun Deshwal (250 raid points for the Pink Panthers in season eight) and V. Ajith Kumar (159 raid points in just 20 matches).

Their defence has respected names like right corner defender Sahul Kumar (45 tackle points in 18 seasons) and former Gujarat Giants' captain Sunil Kumar as the right cover. 

On the left side, Ankush and Reza Mirbagheri are expected to form. Moreover, the Panthers might win their second trophy if Rahul Chaudhari is in top form. 

Bengal Warriors

Former champions Bengal Warriors couldn't enter the playoffs last season and finished ninth in the PKL points table, scoring only nine wins from 22 matches. 

Before the new season, they offloaded many players and only retained their skipper Maninder Singh. Now, the team has experienced players like Deepak Niwas Hooda, Girish Maruti Ernak, and Surender Nada. 

Despite securing 262 raid points in 22 matches for the Kolkata-based franchise, Maninder Singh did not have an efficient support system. However, Shrikant Jadhav and Deepak Niwas Hooda, part of the new squad, could lead the attack in his absence.

The franchise was in dire need of good defenders, and this time, the likes of Surender Nada, Ashish Sangwan, and Girish Ernak, besides young stars Shubham Shinde and Soleiman Pahlevani, might boost the squad. 

In addition, Deepak Hooda, the league's prolific all-rounder, reassured that his performance in the ninth season would enthral the crowd.