Kabaddi
PKL 2024: Haryana Steelers have a task to cut with a formidable defence & shaky attack
Here is everything you need to know about the Haryana Steelers in the Pro Kabaddi League 2024.
With the Pro Kabaddi League set to commence on the 18th of October, all eyes are on how the runners-up from last year, Haryana Steelers, will fare, having strengthened their squad further.
With many players retained and one marquee signing, the Steelers will aim to go one step higher and land on the coveted PKL title this time.
Haryana Steelers Season 10 Review
Haryana was agonizingly close to winning the PKL the previous year, losing out to the Puneri Paltans in the final.
This was the head coach Manpreet Singh's third final loss as coach, who has won the PKL as a player with Patna Pirates and this year, he will look to put an end to that streak.
PKL Season 11- Squad changes
With a strong squad already in place, the Steelers have not made any changes to their team, and even during the auctions, they remained quiet largely.
But they did go big for Iranian allrounder Mohammadreza Chiyaneh, getting him for a sum of INR 2.07 crore.
With Chiyaneh added to the squad, the Steelers look like the team to beat in the upcoming season.
Haryana Steelers full squad for PKL 2024
Vishal, Sanskar Mishra, Shivam Patare, Vishal Tate, Jayasoorya Ns, Ghanshyam Magar, Gnana Abishek, Vikas Jadhav, Manikandan N, Hardeep, Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Ashish Gill, Manikandan S, Sanjay, Mohammadreza Chiyaneh, Naveen Rawal, Sahil.
PKL 11 Preview- Strength and Weakness
Haryana Steelers showcased exceptional defensive strength in Season 10, making their defensive capabilities well-known throughout the league.
With three defenders ranking in the top 10 for tackle points last season, two key players will return for the upcoming season, further bolstering their defensive prowess.
Rahul Sethpal led the team with an impressive 73 tackle points, while Jaideep Dahiya closely followed with 68.
The addition of Mohammadreza Chiyaneh, who dominated the charts with 99 tackle points last season, further solidifies the Steelers' reputation.
Opposition raiders will find it challenging to face such a tough and formidable defense.
Meanwhile, the Steelers’ attack will be an area of concern for the team, primarily due to their lack of well-established raiders who are capable of taking on the mantle of being the lead raider.
Apart from Vinay, who scored 163 raid points for the Steelers last season, the Steelers don’t have any experienced raiders who can lead from the front.
Vinay will be supported in attack by Shivam Patare, who enjoyed a good debut campaign in Season 10 after scoring 116 raid points for the Steelers.
That being said, most of the attacking onus will depend on Shivam and Vinay since the rest of the Haryana Steelers’ attackers aren't very experienced.