Whom will UP Yoddhas RETAIN or RELEASE ahead of PKL Season 13? Let’s take a look at the most likely retention decisions for the franchise.
Retention Rules for PKL Season 13
The PKL Season 13 retention process is expected to remain the same as in previous seasons. We have already explained the complete retention process and the rules in a previous blog.
You can read and understand the PKL Season 13 Retention Rules – Click here to read.
UP Yoddhas Possible Retained Players
# Elite Retained Players
(1) Bhavani Rajput
Bhavani Rajput is undoubtedly a quality Right Raider who has consistently contributed for UP Yoddhas. Last season, he scored 77 Raid Points in 17 matches, putting up decent numbers throughout the campaign. With his experience and familiarity with the franchise, UP Yoddhas could once again place their trust in him. He is one of the most likely players to be retained ahead of PKL Season 13.
(2) Surender Gill
Surender Gill is another talented Right Raider who has been one of UP Yoddhas’ key players over the years. However, last season was one he would probably like to forget. He played only 5 matches and managed 18 Raid Points, mainly due to limited opportunities.
That doesn’t mean Surender Gill has lost his quality. He has already proven what he is capable of while representing UP Yoddhas. Although releasing him remains an option, he still has plenty of potential, and with the coaching setup expected to remain the same, the franchise may choose to back him for another season.
(3) Ashu Singh
Ashu Singh has been UP Yoddhas’ primary Right Cover Defender for the past few seasons. He once again delivered a solid campaign, scoring 32 Tackle Points in 18 matches last season. His consistency and importance in the defensive unit make him one of the strongest candidates to be retained.
(4) Sumit Sangwan
Sumit Sangwan is a highly talented Left Corner Defender who has consistently performed well for UP Yoddhas. Last season, he registered 46 Tackle Points in 18 matches, once again proving his value to the team. Given his performances and consistency, he is expected to continue with the franchise for another season.
# Retained Young Players
(1) Shivam Chaudhary
Shivam Chaudhary is a young Left Raider who enters the second year of his Retained Young Player (RYP) contract, meaning he will automatically remain with UP Yoddhas for the upcoming season.
Last season, he scored 41 Raid Points in 15 matches. While his performances weren’t extraordinary, the franchise will be hoping he takes another step forward and improves his numbers next season.
(2) Gagan Gowda
Gagan Gowda is a talented Right Raider who enjoyed an impressive campaign last season. He now enters the second year of his RYP contract, so he will automatically be retained by UP Yoddhas.
He scored 130 Raid Points in 18 matches, establishing himself as one of the franchise’s brightest young raiders. UP Yoddhas will be expecting him to continue that form in the upcoming season.
(3) Hitesh Kadian
Hitesh Kadian is a Right Corner Defender who had an excellent PKL Season 12. He scored 48 Tackle Points in 18 matches, making a significant impact in UP Yoddhas’ defence.
As he enters the second year of his RYP contract, Hitesh will automatically be retained for PKL Season 13. His performances have already established him as one of the team’s most dependable young defenders.
# Existing New Young Players
Players in this category are those who enter the second year of their two-season NYP contract. Since they were signed as NYPs last season, they will automatically remain with the franchise next season under the Existing New Young Player category.
(1) Jatin Singh (Right Raider)
Did not play any matches in the PKL Season 12.
UP Yoddhas Possible Releases
1. Guman Singh (Left Raider)
2. Dong Geon Lee (Left Raider)
3. Keshav Kumar (Right Raider)
4. Pranay Rane (Right Raider)
5. Gagaram (Left Cover)
6. Mahender Singh (Left Cover)
7. Ronak Nain (Left Cover)
8. Sachin Manipal (Right Cover)
9. Jayesh Mahajan (Left Corner)
10. MD.Reza Kaboudrahangi (Left Corner)
11. Sahul Kumar (Right Corner)
12. Krishan Dhull (Right Corner)
So, these are the most likely retention decisions for UP Yoddhas ahead of PKL Season 13. A clearer picture will emerge once the recategorised players list is released and the franchise finalizes its retention strategy.
You can also share your thoughts in our detailed YouTube video discussing UP Yoddhas’ possible retentions.
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