PKL 11: 3 Reasons why Gujarat Giants currently ruled out from the Tournament

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 has reached its decisive stages, with the competition intensifying as teams battle for the playoff spots. While some teams have already secured their place in the next round, others find themselves on the brink of elimination. Unfortunately, Gujarat Giants have been knocked out of contention, and their performance this season has been far from satisfactory. Let’s dive into three key reasons behind their disappointing campaign in PKL Season 11.

1. Flawed Team-Building Strategy:

One of the primary reasons for Gujarat Giants’ downfall was their unbalanced team composition. The franchise opted to invest heavily in one marquee player, spending over 2 crore of their budget on him. This left them with minimal resources to build a strong supporting squad, forcing them to assemble the rest of the team with players costing just 2lakh each. This approach resulted in a lack of depth and balance in the squad, making them overly reliant on their star player. As the saying goes, a shaky foundation cannot support a strong structure, and this flawed strategy undoubtedly played a significant role in their struggles throughout the season.

2. Defensive Frailties and Tactical Missteps:

Defensive performance has been a major letdown for Gujarat Giants this season. The defenders consistently underperformed, leaving gaps that opponents were quick to exploit. Moreover, some tactical decisions by head coach Ram Meher Singh backfired significantly, exacerbating the team’s struggles. The inability to adapt to opponents’ strategies and the lack of effective defensive coordination proved costly for Gujarat, further pushing them down the points table.

3. Below-Par Performances from Key Players:

Players like Parteek Dahiya and Sonu Jaglan, who were instrumental in the team’s success last season, failed to live up to expectations in Season 11. Both raiding and defense were below par, and the team lacked the spark that could turn games in their favor. Without consistent performances from their key players, Gujarat Giants found themselves outclassed in crucial matches.

My Perspective: 
As of now, Gujarat Giants are languishing at the bottom of the points table. If they wish to avoid a repeat of this debacle in the next season, significant changes in their roster and strategy will be imperative.