Puneri Paltan Team Preview Season 7: The Maharashtra-based franchise, Puneri Paltan has been one of the most inconsistent teams in the Pro Kabaddi League over the seasons. Puneri Paltan started their Pro Kabaddi League journey badly as they couldn’t make it to the playoffs in first two seasons. However, Puneri Paltan qualified for the playoffs in next three seasons -Season 3, Season 4 and Season 5 consecutively but unfortunately, they were knocked-out by Patna Pirates on all three occasions.
How they Performed in Season 6?
After a commendable performance in Season 5, Puneri Paltan finished fourth in Zone A and missed out on a play-offs spot by a relatively long distance.
How did the Auctions Go for Puneri Paltan?
Ahead of the auctions, Puneri Paltan decided against retaining any player for the upcoming season. They further appointed the former Indian Kabaddi team captain Anup Kumar as their coach.
Puneri Paltan charged its raiding department with a hefty signing in Nitin Tomar for ₹ 1.20 crores. With an idea to assemble a strong raiding unit Puneri Paltan shelled out a hefty sum of ₹ 63 lakhs to acquire the services of Manjeet.
Paltan also signed two useful raiders in Pawan Kumar and Darshan Kadian for ₹ 20 lakhs each as their backup options.
Puneri Paltan pulled off a coup by signing PO Surjeet Singh for ₹56 lakhs. However, the biggest steal for them in the auction was Girish Ernak as they acquired him at a mere ₹33 lakhs by using the FBM card.
Puneri Paltan also added the likes of Satpal, Jadhav Shahaji, Shubham Shinde, Deepak Yadav, and the Iranian Hadi Tajik in their defensive line-up in this season.
Strengths:
With some good raiders in their ranks including Nitin Tomar, Darshan Kadian, and Pawan Kumar Kadian the raiding department of Puneri Paltan wears a solid look. Furthermore, Manjeet’s ability to pluck raid points at the crucial junctures adds an extra plus to the Puneri Paltan setup.
Weaknesses:
While Girish Ernak and Surjeet certainly add some steel to the Paltan’s defensive unit, lack of support from the bench for these two stars could prove to be a matter of concern as the other defenders in the team are yet to prove their worth on the big stage.
How do they Look? 
Half baked
The raiding unit of the Paltan has the potential to be destructive. Nitin Tomar before getting injured was unstoppable last year and adding ex-Patna Pirate Manjeet into the mix, Paltan has a drool-worthy raiding combination. The defense of Puneri Paltan looks a bit tardy though; with Surjeet Singh and Girish Ernak both having a forgettable season last year, Puneri Paltan will monitor their form closely.
What to Expect from Puneri Paltan in Season 7?
With the appointment of ‘Captain Cool’ Anup Kumar as the head coach of Puneri Paltan, expect the unexpected from the team. If Puneri Paltan can strike the right balance and find the form early in the tournament, then they have the ingredients to reach the playoffs stage.
Players to Watch Out For:
Surjeet Singh: With 215 tackle points from 73 matches, Surjeet has immense experience of playing in the Pro Kabaddi League. Surjeet will need to bring out his A-game to see Pune achieving greater heights in the league this season.
Nitin Tomar: Playing in the Pro Kabaddi League, Tomar has scored 377 raid points in the 53 matches he has played so far including 13 super 10s as well. Nitin is a prolific raider, and the onus will be on him if Pune has to make it to the playoffs.
Puneri Paltan Full Squad: 
Raiders: Nitin Tomar, Darshan Kadian, Manjeet, Pawan Kumar Kadian, Amit Kumar, and Emad Sedaghat Nia
Defenders: Surjeet Singh, Shubham Shinde, Deepak Yadav, Hadi Tajik, Girish Ernak, and J Shahaji
All-Rounders: Amit Kumar, Sandeep, Sagar B Krishna
Preferred Playing 7 for Puneri Paltan in Season 7:
Shubham Shinde (Right Corner), Darshan Kadian (Right In), PO Surjeet Singh (Right Cover), Nitin Tomar (Center), J Shahaji (Left Cover), Manjeet (Left In), and Girish Ernak (Left Corner).
