Puneri Paltan beat Tamil Thalaivas to advance to the final of Vivo PKL season 9. Pune finished second in the points table and were level on points with table toppers Jaipur Pink Panthers. Pune will look to lift their maiden PKL championship on Saturday when they take on the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the final. Pune have also been unbeaten against Jaipur this season and here are three reasons why Puneri Paltan are favorites to win Vivo PKL season 9.
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Experienced Coach Puneri Paltan’s coach BC Ramesh is an experienced coach who has won championships previously with the Bengaluru Bulls and Bengal Warriors. The player retention and the auction strategy were absolutely spot on from BC Ramesh.
Pune spent big on the Iranians Fazel Atrachali and Mohammed Nabibaksh, who have been exceptional for them this season. He has plugged all the loopholes in the team and has built a team with both experience and youth. He is a keen observer of the game and makes tactical changes quickly to ensure the team’s victory. Coach BC Ramesh’s experience will certainly give Puneri Paltan the edge over Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Fazel Atrachali’s Leadership Puneri Paltan’s team lacked leadership last season and Fazel Atrachali has filled that void perfectly this season. Fazel has marshaled his troops brilliantly this season and his leadership has been instrumental for Pune.
Puneri Paltan has been solid defensively this season, conceding 775 points in 23 games. Pune are not overdependent on Fazel and other defenders have also ably assisted their captain. Fazel maintains his cool during tough situations and comes alive in the clutch moments of the game. The Sultan’s leadership makes Pune the favorites to be crowned champions.
Comradery and Squad Depth Puneri Paltan players have great comradery between each other and always give their best to the team. They fight right till the end and never give up. Their competitive spirit and youthful exuberance have benefitted them immensely.
Apart from this, they also have excellent squad depth. Akash Shinde and Pankaj Mohite have stepped up in the absence of Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat. Right corners Gaurav Khatri and Sombir have also performed consistently.
Their squad depth gives them an advantage over Jaipur and certainly makes them the favorites to win the championship. The Jaipur Pink Panthers are in rampaging form and Puneri Paltan have to be at their absolute best to win Vivo PKL Season 9. The Final will be held on 17th December at the Dome, NSCI SVP stadium in Mumbai.
Also Read – Pro Kabaddi League Season 9 Semi-Finals live updates and results : Jaipur to face Puneri Paltan in the Final
