The ProKabaddi League (PKL) has got to be the only league that has single-handedly raised a sport’s profile. For one, it has helped the sport attract unprecedented TV viewership and in-stadium audience. Then, it has bred cultures — of having a cricket-like team of support staff and using analysts to perform better.
Also, it introduced the review system that seems essential in kabaddi. In a match where the teams quickly raid alternately for 40 minutes, error in judgement costs dearly.
There are a lot of close matches, and even the losing team gets a point (in the league stage) if it loses by a margin of seven points or less.
Tamil Thalaivas was one team that lost a lot of close matches last season. The team finished last in its zone and now approaches this season with some new players and coach.
“The team lacked experience last time. It largely had young players.
“This time we believe we have a balance,” said Thalaivas coach E. Bhaskaran at the trophy unveiling on Friday.
Numbers (highest team and individual scores and other such) suggest the overall playing standard has bettered with seasons. One team that has highly contributed to it is the defending and three-time champion Patna Pirates.
Led by prodigy Pardeep Narwal (21), it will look to meet expectations, facing Tamil Thalaivas in the inaugural match of the opening leg in Chennai here on Sunday. As for Thalaivas, it will also hope for a winning start.
Sunday’s matches: Tamil Thalaivas vs Patna Pirates; Puneri Paltan vs U Mumba.