Sonipat Stars Build a Balanced Squad with Star Signing Ayan Lochab at KCL Auction

The Sonipat Stars entered the KCL auction with a clear strategy, making star raider Ayan Lochab their marquee signing for Rs. 18.4 lakhs. They fortified their defense with key purchases like Navdeep Duhan and Nitin Rawal to ensure solidity in the corners. The franchise also invested in a mix of raiding talent and promising young players to create a balanced, future-ready squad. Team owners and the coach expressed confidence that this well-structured group, built for their specific system, is ready to compete when the league begins.

Key Points: Sonipat Stars KCL Auction Strategy & Squad Analysis

  • Star signing Ayan Lochab
  • Defensive spine with Duhan & Rawal
  • Balanced raiding department
  • Focus on long-term talent
2 min read

Sonipat Stars set the pace with purposeful picks at KCL auction

Sonipat Stars secured star raider Ayan Lochab and built a balanced squad focused on defense and flexibility at the Kabaddi Champions League auction.

"Our approach was simple, identify players who fit our system and mindset. - Somesh Mittal & Aditya Goel, Owners"

New Delhi, December 30

Sonipat Stars entered the Kabaddi Champions League auction with clarity and conviction, assembling a squad built around intensity, structure, and game intelligence that was anchored by one of the biggest names of the night.

At the heart of Sonipat's auction campaign was Ayan Lochab, the franchise's star signing, picked up for Rs. 18.4 lakhs. The dynamic left raider was among the most in-demand players at the auction, and the Stars moved swiftly to secure a player capable of turning matches with speed, control, and composure under pressure, as per a press release from KCL.

The team further strengthened its defensive spine with Navdeep Duhan (Rs. 6.2 lakhs) and Nitin Rawal (Rs. 3.4 lakhs), ensuring solidity in the corners, while the inclusion of Mohit and Avi Duhan adds reliability and depth to the cover positions. Sonipat also invested smartly in raiding options with Harsh, Parveen Banta, Mohit Kalkanda, and Vijay, creating healthy competition and tactical flexibility.

Balancing experience with future-ready talent, the Stars rounded off their squad with promising names like Ankush Mor, Kushal, Nikhil, and Sonu Krishan Kumar, reinforcing the franchise's focus on long-term growth alongside immediate impact.

Speaking about the auction strategy, the Sonipat Stars owners, Somesh Mittal & Aditya Goel, said, "Our approach was simple, identify players who fit our system and mindset. This squad is what we have been mapping since the inception of the team, and we are immensely proud of all the players we have chosen for our squad."

Sharing his thoughts on the team build, the head coach, Ramesh Kumar, added, "We have a well-structured squad with options across departments. The balance between raiders and defenders gives us flexibility, and I'm confident this group will rise to the challenge together."

Expressing his excitement after becoming Sonipat's top buy, Ayan Lochab said, "Being part of Sonipat Stars is a big opportunity for me. The faith shown by the team motivates me to push harder and deliver consistent performances for the fans."

With a clear game plan and a squad chosen for both present battles and future seasons, Sonipat Stars now shift focus to preparation, ready to bring sharp, fearless kabaddi to the mat when the Kabaddi Champions League kicks off.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
ज़बरदस्त picks! They've balanced star power with solid domestic talent. Investing in young players like Ankush Mor shows they're thinking long-term, not just one season. Hope the team gels quickly.
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Aman W
Spending 18.4 lakh on one raider is a huge risk. What if he gets injured? I feel they could have spread that budget more evenly across the squad. The strategy looks good on paper, though.
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Priyanka N
As a kabaddi fan from Haryana, it's fantastic to see a team from our region building such a purposeful squad. The Duhan brothers in defence will be a wall! Jai mata di, bring the trophy home! 🏆
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David E
Just getting into kabaddi. This article was a clear breakdown. The focus on a "system and mindset" sounds very modern, like how top football clubs operate. Excited to follow Sonipat's journey.
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Karthik V
The coach is right about flexibility. Having multiple raiding options like Harsh and Parveen means they can adapt to any opponent's defence. Smart, structured buying. Now the real test begins on the mat!

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