Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5: Telugu Titans predicted starting line-up

Over the last three years, the Telugu Titans have employed a wide array of defensive formations to keep the back line in check. They haven't worked. As a raiding unit, they’ve been more than potent but defence has always proven to be their Achilles heel.

At the recent auctions, they made sure they addressed this issue by finally signing some solid and dependable defenders. This Titans team can no longer be viewed as a Rahul Chaudhari one-man army. But it also means they can no longer fall back on the excuse of lacking defensive cover.

On that note, let’s take a look at the seven probable starters for the Telugu Titans this season.

#1 Rahul Chaudhari

After four seasons and 500 points, we’ve run out of superlatives to describe Rahul Chaudhari. On two occasions, he came close to reaching the final and clinching the title but lack of defensive solidity proved to be his team’s undoing.

He will be a key component in the Telugu Titans’ title-challenging squad in Season 5. Unless tragedy strikes, he will start every single match.

#2 Nilesh Salunke

Salunke doesn't get the credit he deserves

Nilesh Salunke’s role in this team isn’t recognised as much as it should be. Over time, he’s progressed and cemented himself as a part of the core of the team. In a team game like kabaddi, the responsibility of winning the match should never rest on a single man’s shoulders. Time and again, Salunke ensures Rahul doesn’t feel the heat by coming up with the goods in crunch situations.

#3 Amit Chhillar

Manning the left corner will be 25-year-old, Amit Chhillar. The former Bengal Warriors defender will have his hands full. Amit will have to ensure he keeps the backline intact, something that the Titans have consistently struggled with in the past. With 34 matches under his belt, he has spent enough time on the mat to know what will be expected of him this time around.

#4 Rakesh Kumar

Rakesh brings with him unparalleled experience

By signing Rakesh Kumar this season, the Telugu Titans made their wisest decision since the inception of the Pro Kabaddi League. With season 5 scheduled to be played over the course of three months, teams that lack experience will struggle to keep up the momentum when the going gets tough. Rakesh knows every trick in the book and will use it consistently to ensure the Titans remain on track.

#5 Vinoth Kumar

While Rahul and Nilesh will lead the raiding department, Rakesh Kumar will in all likelihood function more as a defender than an attacker. This means 23-year-old Vinoth Kumar will be tasked with the role of the third raider in this team. The Titans do have options in this department but Kumar should edge out the others, given his speed and fitness. He will ensure the opposition defenders are on their toes at all times.

#6 Rohit Rana

Rana knows what it takes to win a title

Having spent four seasons with Jaipur Pink Panthers, Rana knows what it takes to win a title. A vital component of this team, he will lead the side’s defence from the left cover position. Every single team has a group of elite players and Rohit Rana can surely be considered one for the Telugu Titans. If injuries don’t affect him, he will be a regular starter for the team from Hyderabad.

#7 Vinod Kumar

U Mumba coach, Bhaskaran, recently said that according to him, every team is missing specialised defenders. His statement to a large extent is true. 20-year-old, Vinod Kumar operates primarily as a left cover but Rohit Rana will take up that position. Which means the young Kumar may have to display his versatility by playing in a defensive position that he may not be used to. Vinod will have to display adaptability, something he’s very well capable of doing.