Formerly known as the Gujarat Fortunegiants, the Gujarat Giants have been one of the most consistent sides in the PKL since season 5. They have appeared in the finals twice in the past three seasons, and coach Manpreet Singh has been phenomenal in unearthing young talents. They are known for their defensive prowess and are expected to deliver yet another solid performance this year.
The duo of cover defenders, Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bhainswal, were retained by the franchise and will lead the side’s campaign. Corners Ankit and Sumit were added to bolster the team’s defence while also adding experienced players like Hadi Oshtorak and Ravinder Pahal.
The Giants have taken a punt on young raiders Mahendra Rajput and Sonu, who will be trying to fill in the absence of Rohit Gulia and Sachin Tanwar.
Squad: Parvesh Bhainswal, Sunil Kumar, Sumit, Ankit, Soleiman Pahlevani, Harmanjeet Singh, Sonu, Rathan K, Maninder Singh, Harshit Yadav, Pardeep Kumar, Ajay Kumar, Hadi Oshtorak, Girish Maruti Ernak
Coach Manpreet Singh is known for his ability to get the best out of the young raiders and this year they will hope the same. In spite of stacking up their defensive unit with proven performers, the lack of experienced raiders will mean that Gujarat giants will fail to qualify for the playoffs.
Haryana Steelers
Haryana has been a strong contender ever they made their debut in PKL 5. They finished fifth on the points table in the previous season but were knocked out by U Mumba in the second eliminator last season.
Vikash Khandola was retained by the Steelers ahead of the auction and will be the prime raider for Haryana in the upcoming season. Along with him, Rohit Gulia, who was impressive for the Gujarat fortune giants in the previous season has been roped in by the franchise.
Brijendra Singh Chaudhary is yet to make his tournament debut, but his incredible performance in the nationals made him a hot property on the auction table. Surender Nada will return to the side and will be leading the defence.
Squad: Vikash Kandola, Vinay, Vikas Chillar, Mohammad Esmaeil Maghsodlou, Chand Singh, Surender Nada, Ravi Kumar, Rajesh Gurjar, Hamid Mirzaei Nader, Rohit Gulia, Vikas Jaglan, Brijendra Singh Chaudhary, Ajay Ghanghas, Rajesh Narwal
The Steelers have put their weight behind the all-rounders, and they look like a formidable side. The Steelers will certainly be one of the teams to beat and will finish in the top 5.
Tamil Thalaivas
The team has been below-par in all of their three seasons and will be eyeing a fresh start in PKL 8. The franchise will miss Thalaivas like Ajay Thakur, Manjeet Chhillar and Rahul Chaudhari, and the onus will be on Surjeet Singh and K Prapanjan to lead the side.
Manjeet and K. Prapanjan will be leading the offensive unit for the Thalaivas. Prapanjan was instrumental in leading the Bengal Warriors to victory in the previous season. Their defence is led by Surjeet, who is the lone experienced defender in the ranks.
Squad: Sagar, Himanshu, M. Abishek, Mohammad Tuhin Tarafder , Surjeet Singh, Mohammad Tuhin Tarafde, Surjeet Singh, Sahil , Anwar Saheed Baba, Sourabh Tanaji Patil, Sagar B Krishna, Santhapanaselvam, K Prapanjan, Manjeet, Athul MS, Bhavani Rajput
TT have opted for a fresh start, and they will be aiming to finish in the top half of the points table in the upcoming season. However, with the inexperience in the defence as well as the raiding departments, a playoffs finish will be unlikely.
