The UP Yoddha is one among the four new franchises to have joined Pro Kabaddi ahead of season 5. Prior to the players’ auction, the Lucknow-based outfit, which is owned by GMR Group, had an opportunity to make a priority pick. While the new teams like Haryana Steelers, Gujarat FortuneGiants and Tamil Thalaivas acquired Surender Nada, Fazel Atrachali and Ajay Thakur, the Yoddhas did not pick any priority player.
UP took the players’ auction by storm as they shelled out Rs 93 lakh to acquire the services of star raider Nitin Tomar, making him the most expensive player in the history of the league. Subsequently, they roped in a few experienced players in Rajesh Narwal, Jeeva Kumar and Rishank Devadiga before spending on a bunch of youngsters.
The franchise also appointed former Patna Pirates coach Arun Singh, who has the experience of lifting the trophy, to guide its 18-man squad. Before the UP Yoddha take up their first assignment, let us take a look at some the Indian gems that are likely to bring an element of surprise.