Dominated by elite defenders and powerful attackers, Patna Pirates aim for a historic fourth victory in the Panchkula tournament
Patna Pirates Appoint Anup Kumar as Head Coach Ahead of PKL Season 12
After a narrow loss in the Season 11 final, Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) team Patna Pirates have made a strategic move by appointing former India Kabaddi captain Anup Kumar as their new head coach.
Anup Kumar, an Arjuna Award winner and experienced leader, brings significant experience and leadership to the team. He previously coached U Mumba to PKL finals, including a title win in Season 2.
Under Anup Kumar's guidance, Patna Pirates have retained their core squad and strengthened it by signing eight new players in the Season 12 auction. The team aims to overcome the setback of losing the Season 11 final and target a record-extending fourth PKL title.
One of the key signings is Deepak Singh, a top right cover in the league, who was reacquired by Patna Pirates using their Final Bid Match (FBM) card. Ankit Jaglan, a star left corner for Patna Pirates, was retained using the FBM option. Sombir Gulia and Amin Ghorbani were signed as right corners, while Maninder Singh joined the squad, bringing valuable depth and experience with 100 raid points in 15 matches in the previous season.
However, the team faces some concerns over the lack of quality all-rounders apart from Jaglan, which could influence their Season 12 fortunes. Devank, a former raider for Patna Pirates who was instrumental in their success, is no longer with the team.
Ayan Lochab, the rising star of Patna Pirates, is expected to take over as the lead raider in the absence of Devank Dalal. Lochab earned the New Young Player Award in Season 11 with 184 raid points, 4 Super Raids, 7 Super 10s, and 9 tackle points.
Anup Kumar's appointment was seen as a strategic move to leverage his winning experience and tactical acumen for improving the team's performance. His player-first mindset could potentially shape a new era for the Patna Pirates in Season 12.
Former head coach Narender Redhu was released by Patna Pirates after Season 11. Anup Kumar, the most successful captain in PKL, has returned as head coach for the Patna Pirates after his stint with Puneri Paltan in Season 8.
Patna Pirates have retained their core from the previous campaign and signed eight new players, including Shubham Shinde, former captain and right corner for Patna Pirates, who has joined Telugu Titans for INR 80 lacs at the recent auction.
Anup Kumar has won Asian gold medals in 2010 and 2014, South Asian gold medal, and the Kabaddi World Cup in 2016. Under his guidance, the Patna Pirates will aim to win their fourth PKL title in Season 12.
- Anup Kumar's appointment as head coach for Patna Pirates could potentially shape a new era in sports, especially in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), where he aims to win the team's fourth title.
- With the addition of experienced players like Maninder Singh and Deepak Singh, along with the potential of rising star Ayan Lochab, Patna Pirates are hoping to overcome the setback of losing the PKL Season 11 final and dominate the games again in Season 12.
- The opinion among sports analysts is that Anup Kumar's vast experience, both as a player and a coach, and his player-first mindset could significantly contribute to boosting Patna Pirates' career prospects in Season 12.
