U Mumba
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In-12
Out-16
Finalists in every single season, U Mumba wouldn’t have been too happy with the auction proceedings. On paper, at least, they look a shadow of their former selves. As teams clamoured to get their hands on the U Mumba players, the team management managed to buy back 3 of their stars apart from retaining Anup Kumar and Rishank Devadiga.
The Indian national kabaddi team captain has led U Mumba admirably in the previous 3 editions and will be looking to carry his team to success in the fourth edition as well. By retaining Rishank, U Mumba have with them Season 3’s second most successful raider, statistically. He scored a massive 106 points last time and will look to build upon his good form under Anup's tutelage.
The orange army have also secured the services of Rakesh Kumar, who has managed to successfully transform himself into an all-rounder. Defensively, this squad looks weak compared to previous seasons. As Mohit Chhillar, Fazel Atrachali and Surender Nada left for pastures anew, they managed to buy back Jeeva Kumar, who will have to shoulder the bulk of the team’s defensive responsibilities.
The new faces include two former Patna Pirates players – raider, Gurvinder Singh and defender, Sunil Kumar. The signing of defender Surjeet from Puneri Paltan could be the wild card coach Bhaskaran Edachery was so eager to bring to his team.
While it’s too soon to predict, this U Mumba team will have to put in a Herculean effort to ensure they’re in the fray for a semi-final spot this time around. With coach Bhaskaran and captain Anup at the helm, one can never rule them out.
Jaipur Pink Panthers
In- 12
Out - 13
Season one champions, Jaipur have been on the downfall ever since their victory in the inaugural edition. Abhishek Bachchan’s team finished in sixth position last season. They have retained their star all-rounder Rajesh Narwal and raider Jasvir Singh while managing to buy back Rohit Rana, Ran Singh and Wei Yang ensuring the nucleus of the team remains intact.
A very important addition for the team this year is former U Mumba raider Shabeer Bapu. The raider from Kerala had a stellar season two and his performances led to Anup Kumar calling him the best raider in the country. Niggling injuries prevented him from carrying on this form into Season 3. His touch and roll over technique is second to none. When Shabeer is in the zone, he is one of the best raiders around. It will be up to coach Kasinathan Baskaran to get the best out of him.
The Pink Panthers have also added two players from the Services squad - Ajay Kumar and Jawahar. This squad looks relatively different to the previous three seasons. It could bode well for them in terms of unpredictably, when they take to the mat.
Dabang Delhi
In- 17
Out- 21
The team from the capital finished last in Season 3, managing just a solitary win. As expected, they’ve made a host of changes, bringing in seventeen players to the squad. They chose to retain their two bright spots from last season – raiders Kashiling Adake and Selvamani K. The former made sure he gives it his all by amassing 75 raid points last time around and has deservedly been named captain of the team for the upcoming season. Unfortunately for him, his teammates couldn’t keep up.
In Selvamani, Delhi have a highly underrated player whose long strides and reach keep the opposition defenders on their toes. The 24-year-old was sparingly used last season, but that might not be the case this time. They’ve also brought in former Patna raider, Deepak Narwal. The 20-year-old is a welcome addition and will add dynamism to this Delhi team.
One of their biggest buys this season is former Telugu Titans all-rounder, Meraj Sheykh. The boisterous Iranian has been one of the best foreigners in the history of the tournament having won 30 defence points and 56 raid points.
Things look bright for Dabang Delhi ahead of the season. Rest assured, they won’t be finishing last this time.
Bengaluru Bulls
In- 14
Out-17
The Bengaluru Bulls were one of the most active teams at the auction. Having fallen from grace in the last edition, the Bulls completely revamped their squad and snapped up the core of U Mumba’s defence - Mohit Chhillar and Surender Nada, at the auction. The former has now become the most expensive player after the Bulls paid Rs. 53 lakhs for his services. By securing Surender, the Bulls have ensured their corners are Fort Knox-like.
However, what would excite the Bengaluru faithful the most is the presence of last season's MVP Rohit Kumar in the side. The Services raider shocked everyone with stupendous performances with Patna in his debut season.
He’s played only twelve matches but has already amassed a massive 102 raid points to his name. Former Telugu Titans raider Rohit Baliyan will also be donning the Bulls' colours as they look to re-establish themselves as one of the strongest teams at the tournament.
The trophy is up for grabs and Bengaluru Bulls look determined to get their hands on it.
