UP Yoddha was one of the new franchises added last year to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) tournament. The Lucknow-based franchise did well to qualify for the playoffs after finishing on the third spot in Zone A by securing 60 points from 22 matches. However, they lost to Puneri Paltan in the first Eliminator and thus were knocked out of the tournament. Nonetheless, going past the group stage was an achievement itself for a team making its debut. Now in their second season, UP Yodhha will be eyeing to go the distance this time around. Puneri Paltan Team in Pro Kabaddi League 2018.

Going into the auction, UP Yoddha retained the only defender Nitesh Kumar. However, during the auctions, the franchise managed to build a decent looking squad with the likes of Rishank Devadiga, their costliest player, Jeeva Kumar, Prashanth Kumar Rai, Shrikant Jadhav and all-rounder Sagar Krishna in their ranks.

In the New Young Players (NYP) category, UP Yodhha hired the services of raider Azad Singh and all-rounders Pankaj Singh and Arkam Shaikh. With fresh season ahead and having gained title bit experiences, the UP Yoddha will be hoping to better their performance.  Jaipur Pink Panthers Team in Pro Kabaddi League 2018.

UP Yoddha Squad for PKL Season 6:

Raiders: Rishank Devadiga (INR 111 lakh), Prashanth Kumar Rai (INR 79 lakh), Shrikant Jadhav (INR 37 lakh), Sulieman Kabir (INR 8 lakh), Rohit Kumar Choudary (INR 8 lakh), Bhanu Pratap Tomar (INR 8 lakh), Azad Singh [NYP] (INR 6.6 lakh). Defenders: Nitesh Kumar [Retained] (INR 6.6 lakh), Jeeva Kumar (INR 45 lakh), Sachin Kumar (INR 19.2 lakh), Nitin Mavi (INR 8 lakh) Amit (INR 8 lakh), Vishav Chaudhary (INR 5 lakh). All-rounders: Sagar Krishna (INR 14.25 lakh), Pankaj Singh [NYP] (INR 6.6 lakh), Narender (INR 8 lakh), Seong Ryeol Kim (INR 8.2 lakh), Arkam Shaikh (INR 6.6 lakh).

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 13, 2018 02:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).