Pro Kabaddi League 2019: 3 Teams which have the least chances of winning the tournament

Pro Kabaddi League has done a lot for the game in our country since its inception. The League has given us a number of good players and has also helped the game widen its reach across the globe.

The season 7 of the competition is set to start in July this year. The auctions for the same was held recently and the teams have already started their preparation for the tournament.

As seen from the past few seasons, PKL has become a much more closely competed tournament now. A major reason for that is the quick rate at which talented players are emerging out of the league every year. Hence, a major battle which is fought during the competition is either won or lost in the auctions.

On that note, here is the list of 3 teams which may find it difficult to win the upcoming edition owing to their weak squad on paper.

#3 U Mumba

U Mumba won the second season of the Pro Kabaddi League

U Mumba has been a franchise which has always done well in the Pro Kabaddi league. They were the winners of Season 2 and has always boasted of an experienced squad. Although they did make it to the playoffs in Season 6, their chances look bleak in the upcoming edition.

U Mumba has a fantastic defense comprising the likes of Fazel Atrachali, Rajaguru Subramanian and, Surender Singh. They purchased Sandeep Narwal who will be an asset in both the departments of the game. However, the squad from Mumbai might find it difficult when it comes to the raiding department. Apart from Arjun Deshwal and Rohit Baliyan, the team lacks a cutting edge in this department. They have also released Siddharth Desai who was a revelation in Season 6.

In a long tournament like PKL, this imbalance could affect the squad and hence, they might find it difficult to go all the way in Season 7.

#2 Bengal Warriors

Bengal Warriors could have a few problems in Season 7

Bengal Warriors had retained Maninder Singh and Baldev Singh ahead of the Season 7 auctions. Both these players will yet again play an important role in the team for Season 7. Bengal has also made a few other notable purchases in the auction with Mohammad Nabibakhsh being purchased for ₹77.75 lakh and K Prapanjan for ₹55 lakh.

Bengal Warriors have hired the likes of Sukesh Hegde, Rakesh Narwal and K Prapanjan to beef up the raiding department. Although all these players have done well in the past, it needs to be seen how the trio will assist Maninder in the upcoming edition.

The defense comprises Baldev Singh, Jeeva Kumar, Rinku Narwal and Viraj Langde. The team will hope that these players can produce successful tackles on a consistent basis.

Nabibakhsh is the only notable all-rounder in the squad and hence, the team feels slightly unbalanced on paper. They need to bring their "A" game in if they want to make a statement next season.

#1 Haryana Steelers

Haryana Steelers might require extraordinary performances to make a mark next season

Haryana Steelers had a forgettable campaign last season and the team will hope that a similar performance will not repeat in the upcoming edition.

Defense was a concern last season and hence, the team has invested heavily on defenders this season. Dharamaraj Cheralathan will be a part of the defense which also comprises Kuldeep Singh, Vikash Khandola, Sunil and Vikas Kale. However, this department looks weak and the latest addition Dharamaraj Cheralathan may not be the fantastic player he earlier was.

Prashanth Kumar Rai and K Selvamani will be lead the raiding department. Although both these players have done well in the past, it needs to be seen how they would perform if the entire raiding responsibility of a team is put on their shoulders.

There are very few players who can contribute in both the departments of the game which will affect the balance of the squad.

Hence, Harayana Steelers could be the squad which will receive the wooden spoon next season.