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PKL 7 preview: The story of every team in one line

File photo of a game between Gujarat Fortunegiants and Bengaluru Bulls. PKL

The first line here sums up each team's previous season, while the second looks at their upcoming Season 7 campaign. Plus, preseason predictions for the six teams that will make it to the playoffs.

Bengal Warriors

Made the playoffs but captain Surjeet Singh's decision-making and defence were disastrous.

Defence remains a concern again and Maninder Singh is their only proven raider.


Bengaluru Bulls

Pawan Kumar Sehrawat's heroics took them all the way to the title.

Their core remains intact but can Sehrawat repeat his heroics?


Dabang Delhi KC

Punched above their weight with young Naveen Kumar being the standout.

Strong raiders and experienced defenders should take them into the playoffs again.


Gujarat Fortunegiants

A strong defence and Manpreet Singh's astuteness saw them top the table again.

Parvesh Bhainswal and Sunil Kumar make a mean defence but Sachin will need support from other raiders.


Haryana Steelers

Had a torrid time since Monu Goyat couldn't deliver on being the most expensive player.

Raiders are a good mix of youth and experience but will the defence step up?


Jaipur Pink Panthers

Had a star-studded squad but failed to make the playoffs.

The addition of Deepak Narwal and Amit Hooda might help them recapture past glory.


Patna Pirates

Three-time champions had their worst season ever and failed to make the playoffs.

Among the strongest squads on paper, anything less than a final appearance will count as a disappointment.


Puneri Paltan

Made a bright start but Nitin Tomar's injury saw their campaign fizzle out.

Rebuilt from scratch but over-reliance on Tomar remains a concern.


Tamil Thalaivas

Finished last for the second season in a row with their young players failing to step up.

If Ajay Thakur and Rahul Chaudhari succeed in tandem, they could be unstoppable.


Telugu Titans

Injuries to key defenders at inopportune moments saw them miss the playoffs.

Siddharth Desai's acquisition might turn their fortunes around.


U Mumba

Were unstoppable in the league stage but failed to win a match in the playoffs.

The decision to not retain Desai might come back to haunt them.


UP Yoddha

Surpassed all expectations to finish third.

Look good for an encore with a well-balanced outfit after smart auction buys.


ESPN's picks for six playoff places -- Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi KC, Gujarat Fortunegiants, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Patna Pirates and UP Yoddha.