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Tamil Thalaivas have named Nitin Chandel as the replacement for injured captain Sagar Rathee in the ongoing Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 season. The announcement came on November 17 via the team’s social media handles.
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Sagar Rathee, the Thalaivas’ captain and dependable right-corner defender, sustained an injury in their opening match against Telugu Titans. In the encounter, he secured three tackle points before being forced to leave the mat in the 32nd minute. Since then, his absence has been palpable, leaving a significant gap in the team’s defensive strategy. Amir Hossein Bastami has taken over Sagar’s role on the right corner, but the Thalaivas’ performance has shown signs of struggle without their captain’s anchoring presence.
Sagar’s importance to Tamil Thalaivas cannot be understated. Since joining the team in Season 7, he has become a cornerstone of their defense, amassing 226 tackle points in 71 matches with an impressive average of 2.84 and a success rate exceeding 50%. His consistency and leadership were key factors in the team’s strategies over the years.
In his absence, Sahil Gulia has stepped up as captain, and while he has been reliable, the team has found it difficult to replicate Sagar’s influence on the mat. Their season record so far reflects this challenge, with only four wins, six losses, and one tie in their 11 games.
Who is Nitin Chandel?
The Tamil Thalaivas have turned to Nitin Chandel to fill the void left by Sagar. A right-corner defender, Nitin has had limited opportunities in his PKL career thus far. He debuted in Season 9 with Jaipur Pink Panthers but featured in only three matches as a substitute, scoring just one point. Despite his limited contributions, he was part of the title-winning squad that season.
In Season 10, Nitin moved to Dabang Delhi KC, where he played in eight matches and earned four tackle points. His performances didn’t make a significant impact, and he went unsold in the PKL 11 auction. Now, as a replacement player for Tamil Thalaivas, he has a chance to revive his career and make his mark on the league.
