INDIAN ACES: Manjeet’s performance key to Jaipur Pink Panthers’ desire of topping group A

THE JAIPUR PINK PANTHERS were the winners of the inaugural season of the Pro Kabaddi. However, the franchise, which is owned by actor Abhishek Bachchan and managed by GS Entertainment Worldwide, failed to qualify for the playoffs in the next two – finishing fifth and sixth in Season 2 and 3 respectively. They made it to finals in the fourth edition, but lost out to Patna Pirates in a nail-biting match. 

In an effort to keep the hopes of lifting the trophy for the second time, alive, the Panthers built a robust squad during this year’s auction. Prior to the bidding event, all existing teams were allowed to retain a player each and the side from the Pink City were the only ones to not retain any player. Among the list of 20 players acquired by the franchise, there are some prominent names across both defensive and offensive departments.

The team also appointed veteran coach Balwan Singh, who led the Indian side to World Cup victory last year, to look after their side in Season 5.

Let us take a close look at some of the Indian gems that are likely to take the Panthers to glory.