Pro Kabaddi League: All-Time Playing 7 of Gujarat Giants in PKL

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The Gujarat Fortune Giants made an immediate impact upon joining the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in season five. Among the four new franchises that debuted that season, Gujarat stood out as the most successful, topping the Zone A standings in both 2017 and 2018.

Despite their dominance, the Giants narrowly missed out on the title both years, losing the finals to Patna Pirates and Bengaluru Bulls, respectively. Since then, the team has gone through its share of ups and downs, yet managed to unearth some remarkable talent, solidifying their presence in the PKL.

In 2019, Gujarat shifted gears by appointing Rohit Gulia as captain, but the move didn't bear fruit. The Giants finished ninth in the standings with 51 points from 22 games, missing out on the playoffs.

However, in their brief time in the league, they have developed and nurtured a core group of players who have consistently performed at the highest level. One notable name who slipped through their ranks was Pawan Sehrawat, who was part of their squad in season five before being released ahead of the 2018 edition.

The team reached the playoffs again in the 2023 season but fell short in the eliminator against Haryana Steelers.

Here is the all-time best playing 7 for Gujarat Giants.

Sachin Tanwar (Left In)

Sachin Tanwar has been the cornerstone of Gujarat's raiding unit. In 63 matches, he has amassed 433 raid points. He was vital to Gujarat's success in their early seasons, although his form fluctuated in later editions. Despite these ups and downs, Tanwar's ability to put up points consistently makes him the natural choice as the lead raider.

Rohit Gulia (Center)

Rohit Gulia's journey with Gujarat has been impressive, and his versatility as an all-rounder makes him an automatic pick for the center position. In 76 matches, Gulia notched up 292 total points, with 275 of those coming from raids. He was Gujarat's top raider in season seven and was equally capable of making defensive contributions when needed.

K Prapanjan (Right In)

For the third raider, K. Prapanjan stands out. In the 2018 season, Prapanjan played a pivotal role in guiding the team to the finals, contributing 122 raid points in 22 matches, including four Super 10s. His ability to support Sachin Tanwar in the raiding department earned him a key place in Gujarat's all-time seven.

Parvesh Bhainswal (Left Cover)

Parvesh Bhainswal has been the backbone of Gujarat's defense, particularly during the peak seasons of the franchise. His ability to read the game and execute perfect tackles has earned him 245 tackle points in 94 matches. Alongside Sunil Kumar, Parvesh formed one of the most formidable defensive pairs in PKL history.

Sunil Kumar (Right Cover)

Sunil Kumar, with his exceptional defensive prowess, has consistently performed for Gujarat. He has accumulated 179 tackle points in 67 matches for the franchise, often tormenting opposition raiders with his well-timed ankle holds and blocks. Together with Bhainswal, Sunil was at his best during season six, although 2019 proved to be a tough year for the pair.

Fazel Atrachali (Left Corner)

The Iranian sensation Fazel Atrachali made an indelible mark during his time with Gujarat in season five. Known for his aggressive tackling and leadership, Fazel secured 119 tackle points in 47 matches. His contributions made Gujarat's defense nearly impenetrable during their inaugural season, and he remains one of the top corner defenders the franchise has ever had. He returned to lead the side last season and was released again.

Abozar Mohajermighani (Right Corner)

Another defensive powerhouse from Iran, Abozar Mohajermighani formed an excellent partnership with Fazel in the corners. Abozar registered 65 tackle points in 24 matches, finishing in the Top 10 of the defender leaderboard in season five. Though Gujarat did not retain the Iranian duo for subsequent seasons, their impact remains a significant part of the team's legacy.