In a shocking move for Kabaddi fans, Mohammadreza Shadloui has been relieved from Gujarat Giants captaincy. Moreover, the management has also decided to bench him.
The development comes after his consistently poor campaign for the Giants in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 so far. They have played seven matches but managed to win only one. They are currently placed at the bottom of the table.
Why Mohammadreza Shadloui has been sacked from captaincy?
Shadloui was last season’s Most Valuable Player and was acquired by the Gujarat-based franchise for a massive ₹2.23 crore, making him the highest bid of the PKL Player Auction 2025.
Before this season, Shadloui had an average close to 4 tackle points per game. However, he has failed to live up to the expectation so far, scoring only 9 tackle points in 7 matches, an average of just 1.28 tackle points per game, and managing only 6 raid points as well.
Having paid a huge amount to buy him, the Gujarat Giants were expecting a phenomenal season from Shadloui and appointed him as the captain. He already had captaincy experience having previously led the Iran national side.
However, in this season, he has struggled badly, with his own performances dipping under the pressure of captaincy.
Also Read: Top 6 Best PKL Coaches In History
Shadloui not part of Starting 7
Mohammadreza Shadloui mad his debut in Pro Kabaddi League since Season 8 and has represented four teams so far.
Ever since he joined the league, he has consistently found a place in the starting 7. During this period, he was the league’s best defender across three seasons.
But for the first time in five years, the Iranian is not part of a starting 7, as the Giants’ management decided to bench him ahead of the clash against the Telugu Titans, considering his poor run of form and ongoing struggles in PKL 12.
Gujarat Giants assistant coach Varinder Singh, when asked if there was captaincy pressure on Mohammadreza Shadloui, said: “Look, there is no pressure because he has not become captain for the first time. He has been a captain before and has performed well.”
“I think he is not under pressure, but he is having trouble making any decision, and he is definitely facing problems in controlling himself somewhere. It may be that he himself is not in form. So because of this, he is also making some mistakes,” he added.
Who will be the new captain for Giants?
According to latest reports, Rakesh Sungroya will lead the team. While official statement is awaited, he remains the top contender for the position.
