Pune, Sep 26 (IANS): Pro Kabaddi League franchise Puneri Paltan on Wednesday announced defender Girish Ernak would be the captain for the upcoming sixth season.

Girish has been associated with the franchise since the last season.

The CEO of the franchise Kailash Kandpal along with Ernak and head coach Ashan Kumar unveiled the team's jersey for the upcoming season.

Commenting on the development, Ernak said: "I am extremely honoured to have been bestowed with this duty of leading the team. I know that this is not just a designation but also a great responsibility.

"I am humbled to know that the management has immense faith in me and I promise to put forth my best foot forward to ensure that the Puneri lions roar the loudest in all the matches.

"We as a unit are putting in lots of efforts to train and strengthen our battalion. With Ashan Sir's guidance, we are confident about bringing the trophy home this season," he added.

Kailash Kandpal, CEO Puneri Paltan said: "I am thankful to all the sponsors who have shown faith in the sport Kabaddi and team Puneri Paltan. Girish will take charge of the team this season. With his leadership skills, I am sure he will up the team's game in Season 6."

The team has been one of the most consistent teams of the league and finished in the top four for the last three seasons.

This year the team has a perfect blend of experience and young talent. Veteran players like Rajesh Mondal, Girish Ernak and Sandeep Narwal bring with them truckloads of experience that can help the team in clinching the title this year. Also young and charged up players like Nitin Tomar, Akshay Jadhav, GB More and Rinku further add to the strength of the team.

The league will begin on October 7 and Puneri Paltan will be playing its first match against U Mumba on October 7 in Chennai.