Following a disappointing PKL 11, Tamil Thalaivas are all set to start afresh in PKL 12. With new leadership and a revamped strategy, the team is all set to establish consistency, strengthen defense, and balance out.
Will the changes help them make a comeback with strength? Stay tuned for the latest news, and what the Thalaivas will be up to this season!
Tamil Thalaivas’ PKL 11 Struggles
Tamil Thalaivas had a disappointing campaign in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11, finishing ninth with 60 points from 22 matches.
They began the season brightly, leading the table in week three, but struggled thereafter and failed to make it to the playoffs. They ended the season with eight wins, 13 losses, and one tie, and had a point difference of 16.
On top of that, inconsistency of performance was one of the main reasons for their problems. Even though their defense was good, frequent changes in strategy and lack of proper leadership affected their game, as a whole.
At the end of the season, the Tamil Thalaivas decided to bring in dramatic changes, aware that a new game plan was needed. Those changes are headed their way towards their defense and attack to add strength, as well as enhancing team harmony and strategic capabilities, before the next season. That is an action, in line with the franchise’s strategy, to renew and return in PKL 12 stronger than ever before.
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Coaching Staff Changes
In response to their lackluster performance in PKL 11, Tamil Thalaivas underwent drastic changes in their coaching department. The franchise bid farewell to chief coach Udayakumar, and strategy coach Dharmaraj Cheralathan, ending their time with the franchise.
With PKL 12 approaching, Tamil Thalaivas have hired Sanjeev Baliyan as their new head coach. This is the end of the dual-coach system they tested out in PKL 11 to strengthen the team’s strategy.
Baliyan’s hiring is intended to simplify decision-making, and make the team’s strategy more transparent. The franchise believes this will improve their performance in the next season.
Key Defender Exits
Before PKL 12, Tamil Thalaivas made important changes to their team, including letting go of key defenders to restructuring their squad.
Sahil Gulia, an important defender for Tamil Thalaivas since Season 8, and a key leader when captain Sagar Rathee was injured, was let go after his performance declined in the second half of PKL 11. This marks a major shift in the team’s defensive lineup.
Another significant release was Mohit Jakhar, the left-corner defender, who signed up with PKL in Season 8. Though Mohit was better in his first few seasons, his form dipped in Season 11, as a result of which he was released by the team.
Also, the right-cover defender, M. Abhishek, was also released. He played 17 games in PKL 11 and scored 31 points, but the franchise parted ways with him since they re-reshuffled their squad.
Plans for PKL 12
In PKL 12, the Tamil Thalaivas are making big changes to improve after a tough season in PKL 11. With Sanjeev Baliyan as the new head coach, the team aims to play in a more organized and united way.
Likewise, the team intends to improve its defense after changing their lineup, and releasing important players. They will most likely focus on teamwork and communication in defense to solve the problems they experienced in the previous season.
Moreover, the Thalaivas will be able to improve their overall game by enhancing their raiding strategy to support their defense, thereby making both halves of the game support each other for better performance overall.
Under Baliyan, the team will adopt flexible structures, which will allow them to handle different situations in a match. Overall, they will ensure consistency, adaptability, and mental strength in order to play better in PKL 12.
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