Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5: Jaipur Pink Panthers's predicted starting line-up

Heading into Season 5, having finished fifth and sixth respectively in the previous two editions, the Panthers will be keen to once again cement themselves among the elite. With 12 teams vying for the trophy this time, even the most optimist person in the room would hesitate to label Jaipur as the favourites this season.

But coach, Balwan Singh has at his disposal an extremely able squad, capable of aiming for glory. On that note, let’s take a look at seven players who will probably start for the Jaipur Pink Panthers this season.

#1 Jasvir Singh

Only four players have managed to continue to play for the same team since Pro Kabaddi’s inception – one of them being veteran raider, Jasvir Singh. Now 34 years old, Singh isn’t getting any younger but there’s no doubt he will play a vital role for Jaipur this season.

The fact that he was last season’s fifth best raider (82 points), speaks volumes about his ability to deliver, irrespective of the situation. Jasvir is as dynamic as they come and with no captaincy responsibilities this season, he has a chance to truly test his limits as a raider.

#2 Manjeet Chhillar

Manjeet Chillar is set to captain the Jaipur side this year

An extremely emotional and expressive player, some could argue Manjeet isn’t the ideal man to captain a side. But the fact is the all-rounder lives for challenges and he realises never before has he faced a challenge of this magnitude.

The man who will be calling the shots on the mat will be leading players younger than him as well as those with more experience. There are times when emotions get the better of him but there’s no doubt he will play an integral role in Jaipur’s pursuit for the title.

#3 Selvamani K

Selvamani will be a sure shot starter

All eyes will be on Jaipur’s new recruit when they play their first match on July 29^th against Dabang Delhi. There couldn’t have been a better time for Selvamani to catapult himself from sub par to elite.

He finished Season 4 with 45 raid points to his name but his teammates and the management will be expecting a lot more from the promising youngster after paying a hefty sum to acquire his services. There’s no doubt he will be part of the starting line-up.

#4 Somvir Shekhar

The right cover will once again rekindle his partnership with captain, Manjeet Chhillar after having played together for Puneri Paltan last time.

His calm and no-nonsense approach perfectly complements Manjeet’s aggressive stance. He may have only scored 22 points in season 4 but one ought to know that a right cover’s responsibility is to provide the right corner with opportunities to execute tackles. He will be tasked with doing the dirty work and in return receive minimum plaudits.

#5 Manoj Dhull

The 21-year-old has the opportunity to shine like never before. In the previous editions, he wasn’t deployed regularly which hampered his progress. Consider this – as a whole, Jaipur have a 39% success rate in executing tackles.

Manoj, meanwhile. has a success rate of 41%, which pegs him a tad higher than average. The right corner will be tasked with keeping tabs on some of the best raiders in the league. If he comes out on top, Jaipur can go a long way in the tournament.

#6 Navneet Gautam

Navneet led Jaipur to their first title

The man who led Jaipur to their first and till date, only Pro Kabaddi title will once again take to the mat after a hiatus during which he coached the Australian kabaddi team at the World Cup. The Panthers don’t have too many options in the left corner position which means Navneet will in all likelihood be part of the starting seven.

He may not be as athletic as his peers, but his capability to read the oppositions game plan is second to none.

#7 Pawan Kumar

At the tender age of 19, under the tutelage of Anup Kumar, Pawan Kumar had the opportunity to learn and absorb the ways of his mentor during multiple match situations. Now 23, the raider is at the stage of his career where he will be expected to deliver and not learn. We’ve seen glimpses of his effortless yet effective technique at U Mumba. Though he doesn't possess the style of the league’s best raiders, Pawan is a reliable raider that Manjeet can bank on.