Fans in Haryana are etching to see their team, Haryana Steelers back in action, know what might be their team and players for PKL 2021
The Parth Jindal owned Steelers might have joined the league in season V but they have a huge following because of the popularity of the game in the state.
This article looks at Steelers auction strategy for the new season. There are reports doing the rounds that the new season will begin in the second half of 2021. The auction too might just be around the corner.
Haryana Steelers Performance in the Past seasons Of Pro Kabaddi League
Haryana Steelers announced themselves to the league in a grand style in 2017. They didn’t have many popular names when they started the season but the likes of Vikas Khandola performed exceedingly well to ensure Steelers reach the play offs. In season 6 they didn’t perform well, but came roaring back in the last season that was played. They yet again qualified for the play offs but couldn’t qualify for the finals.
Haryana Steelers Auction Strategy And Team For Pro Kabaddi League 2021
If the Steelers decide to retain players factoring in performances from the last season, the first name on the retention sheet should definitely be that of Vikas Khandola. He has been their star raider for three seasons consecutively.
In the last season as well, Khandola scored over 200 raid points and was on 6th position in the top raiders list of the league. Steelers might have to spend 70-100 lac on Khandola for retaining him but they shouldn’t mind. The management can centre the team around Khandola.
The management might not retain any other players from last season. They surely would be looking at a new captain as Dharmaraj Cheralathan didn’t perform according to expectations. Steelers might look to buy back Vinay as a support raider who had a decent season with them in 2019.
But along with Vinay they would ideally like to buy a more renowned raider who could support Vikas Khandola. They had Prashant Kumar Rai in the last season but they would be looking at the likes of Nilesh Salunke. Salunke could form a good combination with Khandola.
Who Could be Their Defensive Picks In PKL 8?
Steelers struggled with their defence in the last season. But Sunil showed glimpses of his brilliance as he managed 54 tackle points. Steelers might use FBM for him. Ravi Kumar too showed his potential as a defender but he could manage only 51 tackle points.
The team might not retain him or use FBM but they might look to buy him back if he doesn’t go for big bucks in the auction. The potential defenders they could bid for include Sandeep Dhul who is expected to go for big money. They can also look to get in someone like a Sandeep Narwal who is a good all rounder and could potentially replace Anna as the captain of the side.