Mohit Nandal was one of the star performers for Haryana Steelers in the Pro Kabaddi Season 10.

Right cover Mohit Nandal played a pivotal role in guiding Haryana Steelers to the Pro Kabaddi Season 10 final.

The former Haryana Steelers captain scored a total of 74 points in 24 games, including six Super Tackles and as many High 5s to his name last season.

However, Haryana Steelers lost to Puneri Paltan 28-25 in a thrilling Pro Kabaddi 2023-24 final at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad.

In a surprising turn of events, Haryana Steelers have parted ways with Mohit Nandal ahead of the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season. Know why Haryana Steelers released Mohit Nandal ahead of Pro Kabaddi Season 11.

Know why Haryana Steelers released Mohit Nandal ahead of Pro Kabaddi Season 11

Haryana Steelers have released Mohit Nandal ahead of Pro Kabaddi Season 11 due to doping charges.

Mohit Nandal was one of the three retained young players by Haryana Steelers ahead of Pro Kabaddi 2024 Player Auction.

However, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) has handed a two-year ban to the talented defender for doping, according to a report by Sportskeeda.

The report stated that Nandal has tested positive for consumption of a banned substance after he was summoned by NADA for a test during a local kabaddi tournament.

After making his Pro Kabaddi debut during PKL Season 8, Nandal was an important member of the Haryana Steelers squad for the last three seasons.

The right cover defender accumulated 42 points in 22 matches in his debut campaign. In Pro Kabaddi Season 9, Nandal scored 45 points in 21 games. 

Overall, Nandal amassed 161 points in three seasons, including 156 tackle points and five raid points.

Meanwhile, Haryana Steelers have roped in Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Chiyaneh for a whopping INR 2.07 crore at Pro Kabaddi 2024 auction. They have also added right cover defender Sanjay for INR 13.20 lakh.

Last season’s finalists Haryana Steelers have also acquired defenders Ashish Gill, Manikandan S, all-rounders Naveen and Sanskar Mishra at the auction to assemble a balanced squad for Pro Kabaddi Season 11.

Photo credit: Imago