When Mohammadreza Shadloui, the 24‑year‑old Iranian star, was stripped of his captaincy and dropped from the starting seven, the shock rippled through Gujarat Giants like a missed raid in the final minutes. The announcement came on September 9, 2025, just before the Giants faced the Telugu Titans at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur. With only one win in their first seven outings, the franchise – owned by Adani Sportsline – felt a dramatic captaincy change was the only way to halt the slide.
Background: Shadloui’s Rise and the PKL 12 Auction
Shadloui burst onto the Pro Kabaddi League scene in 2021, quickly becoming a two‑time champion and a league‑wide MVP. His reputation as a clutch defender earned him a place on Iran’s national squad that clinched silver at the 2022 Asian Games. In August 2025, during a glittering jersey‑unveiling press conference in Ahmedabad, the Giants announced their new leader. "I am proud to captain Gujarat Giants in PKL 12," the Iranian said, his confidence echoing through the hall. The franchise paid a record INR 2.23 crore for his services – the highest bid of the auction – signalling that they expected him to be the linchpin of a young, energetic unit.
Before joining Gujarat, Shadloui had stints with the Haryana Steelers (2024), Puneri Paltan (2023/24) and Patna Pirates (2021‑22), accumulating 177 tackle points in 45 matches – roughly four tackles per game. That track record made his dramatic dip this season all the more bewildering.
Season‑12 Struggles and the Trigger
The Giants kicked off PKL 12 on August 30, 2025, against U Mumba in Hyderabad. By the time they stepped onto the Jaipur mat for Match 47, their ledger read six losses, zero draws and a solitary win. Defensive stats tell a grim story: 399 total tackles with a 41 % success rate, and Shadloui himself managing just nine tackle points across seven games – an average of 1.28 per match, far below his career norm.
Off the mat, the mood was tense. After a 28‑23 loss to Puneri Paltan on September 1, Shadloui admitted in a Star Sports interview, "We lost focus in the first five minutes," while head coach Jaivir Sharma lamented, "Our over‑reliance on raiders backfired." The turning point came when management – led by Adani Sportsline Chief Business Officer Sanjay Adesara, head coach Sharma and assistant coach Varinder Singh Sandhu – convened an emergency meeting. The consensus: a fresh voice was needed on the court.
Management’s Decision and New Leadership
In a brief statement released from the Giants’ headquarters in Ahmedabad, the club confirmed the captaincy switch and the benching of Shadloui. The new leader? A player simply referred to as Rakesh. While his full surname and prior PKL résumé remain undisclosed, insiders say he earned a reputation for vocal defense coordination during the team’s training camps.
"Rakesh brings a different energy," Adesara told reporters. "We needed someone who could rally the younger lads in high‑pressure moments, and his work ethic fits that bill." The decision sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. Some fans expressed disappointment, noting Shadloui’s past heroics, while others cheered the bold move, hoping it would spark a turnaround.
What the Shift Means for Gujarat Giants
From a tactical standpoint, removing Shadloui from the starting seven frees up a slot for a more aggressive raider, potentially balancing the Giants’ offense‑defense ratio. The team’s offensive numbers – 718 total raids with a 33 % success rate – have lagged behind league leaders, so injecting fresh aggression could lift that figure.
Psychologically, the captaincy change sends a clear message: performance trumps reputation. For a franchise that invested heavily in a marquee foreign player, the move underscores a willingness to adapt quickly, a trait that could pay dividends as the league enters its second half.
Looking Ahead: Remaining Fixtures
With eleven matches left, Gujarat Giants must claw their way out of the 12th‑place abyss. Upcoming clashes include a home game against the table‑toppers Jaipur Pink Panthers on September 15 and a crucial away bout with the formidable Tamil Thalaivas on September 22. If the new captain can rally the squad and improve the success rate on raids, the Giants could realistically aim for a mid‑table finish – a dramatic swing from their opening week. The next few weeks will also test the resolve of Shadloui. Though benched, his experience remains a valuable asset, and a strong comeback could see him return to the mat in a specialist defensive role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Gujarat Giants remove Shadloui despite his hefty contract?
The Giants’ management said the decision was purely performance‑based. After seven matches Shadloui recorded only nine tackle points and six raid points, far below his career averages, and the team’s record stood at 1‑6. With the franchise fighting to avoid the bottom of the table, they felt a leadership change was necessary.
Who is Rakesh and what does he bring to the side?
Rakesh is a domestic defender known for his vocal on‑court communication and high tackle success in training camps. While the Giants have not disclosed his full name or PKL history, coaches praised his work ethic and ability to motivate younger players, traits they hope will translate into more coordinated defense.
How might the captaincy change affect Gujarat Giants’ standing?
Analysts suggest that a fresh leader could improve morale and tactical clarity. If Rakesh can tighten the defense and encourage raiders to capitalize on opportunities, the Giants could convert close losses into wins, potentially climbing out of the league’s last place before the final stretch.
Will Shadloui return to the playing roster?
Club officials have not ruled out a comeback. Shadloui’s experience, especially in high‑pressure matches, remains valuable. If he can rediscover his form in training, the Giants may deploy him in a specialist defensive role later in the season.
What are the Giants’ next crucial matches?
The immediate tests are a home game against the Jaipur Pink Panthers on September 15 and an away tie versus the Tamil Thalaivas on September 22. Winning these would be essential for any hope of climbing the table.
