The Tamil Thalaivas, a prominent force in the Pro Kabaddi League, have made a significant announcement ahead of the upcoming season 11. The Chennai-based franchise has appointed defender Sagar as their captain for the new season. Sagar, who was retained by the team, returns to the captaincy role after a successful stint last season. He previously led the Thalaivas in season 10, but missed six matches due to an injury. Despite this, Sagar still managed to contribute significantly to the team, accumulating 67 points and proving instrumental in several crucial moments.
His leadership was especially valuable in season 9, where he guided the Thalaivas to a semifinal finish even after losing star raider and skipper Pawan Sehrawat to an injury in the first match of the season. Sagar’s leadership and defensive prowess will be crucial for the Thalaivas’ ambitions in season 11.
Adding to the excitement, the franchise has also announced a unique coaching structure for the upcoming season. They have appointed Udaya Kumar as the chief coach and Dharmaraj Cheralathan as the strategy coach. This is the first time a PKL team has opted for a two-coach system, hinting at a strategic approach to the season.
The Thalaivas further bolstered their squad during the PKL 11 auction by acquiring raider Sachin for a staggering Rs. 2.15 crore, making him the second-most expensive Indian player in PKL history. This acquisition, coupled with the team’s leadership appointments, signifies the Thalaivas’ ambition to make a strong impact in the upcoming season.
The Tamil Thalaivas finished ninth last season with nine wins in 22 matches. The team will be looking to improve on this performance and challenge for a top spot in season 11 under the leadership of Sagar and their new coaching strategy. With a strong squad and a clear vision, the Thalaivas are set to embark on an exciting new chapter in the Pro Kabaddi League.
