Tamil Thalaivas, which is owned by Iquest Enterprises Private Ltd, were the only team to fill their full quota of 25 players in the auction. They have 15 players that are 25 or under, the most by any team which is emblematic of their youth-centric policy.
India international Ajay Thakur will lead their raiding department, which is short of PKL experience. They spent Rs 63 lakh on Amit Hooda, who will lead their defence, which comprises talented players like Anil Kumar and C Arun.
But, the team is short of PKL experience and proven match-winners. Consequently, the likes of Prapanjan and Thangadurai, who are yet to be given extended runs, will be given plenty of chances to prove themselves.
The captain of the team is yet to be decided.
They also have a couple of talented youngsters like Bhavani Rajput and Sombir, who are highly rated and are expected to make an impact. It remains to be seen whether Ajay and Amit can guide the talented youngsters present in the team in their quest to reach the play-offs.
The Tamil Thalaivas will face off against Telugu Titans in Hyderabad on Friday.
Squad Profile
Transfers
Strengths – Ajay Thakur and Amit Hooda
Ajay Thakur had a brilliant Kabaddi World Cup 2016, where he was the top raider with 64 raid points and played a key role in India’s final win over Iran. He comes in to PKL 5 in a good form and high on confidence.
Their defense will be led by Amit Hooda, who scored 51 tackle points in PKL 4. Only Fazel Atrachali scored more tackle points in PKL 4.
Weaknesses – Cover Defending & Not Many Raiders
Their covers are likely to be one of C Arun, Vijin Thangaduraior and Anil Kumar. All are yet to make a mark in PKL. Alternatively, they have youngsters who do not have PKL experience.
And there is a cause for concern in the raiding department. Apart from Ajay Thakur, the only recognised raider in the Tamil Nadu ranks is K Prapanjan, who has scored just 19 raid points so far. Thus, he or someone else will need to step up.
Opportunities – Fringe Players Can Shine
Players like K Prapanjan, Vijin Thangadurai, Anil Kumar have been part of the teams but have got only a few opportunities.
Sombir, too, is highly rated by coaches and has a chance to shine, given the lack of alternatives available for Tamil Nadu in the raiding department.
Threat – Over Dependence on Ajay Thakur
He is their only star raider. The lack of an alternative might hurt them, given injuries or loss of form.
Also, after scoring 201 raid points in the first two PKL campaigns, he has scored 115 raid points in the last two PKL campaigns.
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