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The Puneri Paltan entered Pro Kabaddi 2024 as the defending champions. However, they could not even qualify for the PKL 2024 playoffs. The Pune-based franchise finished eighth in the points table, with nine wins from 22 matches.
The Paltan started their title defense brilliantly under Aslam Inamdar's captaincy. However, once Aslam got injured, the team lost momentum. Frequent changes of captain and the alterations in the backroom staff didn't help Pune either.
Despite having a home leg in the tournament, the Puneri Paltan could not progress to the next round. With Ajay Thakur and Ashok Shinde joining Pune's coaching staff, fans should expect some changes in the team next season.
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Here are five players the Puneri Paltan might release.
#1 Puneri Paltan might not retain V Ajith Kumar
V Ajith Kumar received a massive contract worth ₹66 lakh from Pune at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction. During his stint with the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the last two seasons, Ajith played the secondary raider's role to perfection. However, he could not do a similar job in the Pune jersey.
Ajith earned only 38 points in 11 matches, averaging less than four. He went into raid 87 times and was successful on only 39.08 percent of raids. Considering his price tag, Pune might not want to retain Ajith for the next season.
#2 Amir Hassan Noroozi
Iranian all-rounder Amir Hassan Noroozi was one of the two overseas players signed by Pune for the PKL 2024 season. Noroozi was picked in three matches, where he scored only two raid points.
The Iranian averaged 0.66 raid points per match, while he did not try for any tackles. It would be better if Pune looks for another overseas player instead of Amir next season.
#3 Satyappa Matti
Rising star Satyappa Matti featured in nine matches in the Pune jersey during the Pro Kabaddi 2024 tournament. The right cover specialist scored only one tackle point, averaging 0.11 successful tackles per match.
Notably, Matti tried for six tackles, but only one of them was successful. Perhaps, a change in franchise can lead to a change in fortunes for Matti.
#4 Vaibhav Kamble
Left corner Vaibhav Kamble played 11 matches for the Puneri Paltan in Pro Kabaddi 2024. He tried for 11 tackles, and unfortunately, all 11 of them were unsuccessful. As a result, he ended the season with zero tackle points to his name.
With players like Aman and Mohit Khaler present as left-corner options for Pune, Vaibhav could find himself in the auction pool next season. Vaibhav might even return to Pune if he works harder during the off-season.
#5 Mohammed Amaan
All-rounder Mohammed Amaan got 14 matches to play for Puneri Paltan in Pro Kabaddi 2024. He could not make the most out of the opportunities he received, as he earned only six points.
Amaan has enormous talent, which is why the Pune-based franchise may think of releasing him, boosting their purse value, and then trying to get him back at the auction for a bargain price. Notably, Amaan executed two super tackles, but he averaged only 0.28 successful tackles per match.
