PKL 12: Tamil Thalaivas Squad Analysis 2025 for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is set to kick off, and the Tamil Thalaivas have assembled a strong squad for the 2025 season. Tamil Thalaivas squad for PKL 12 looks well-balanced and ready to compete for the title. Coached by Sanjeev Baliyan, the team made smart moves in the PKL 12 auction, including signing star raider Arjun Deshwal for INR 1.405 crore and ‘Hi-Flyer’ Pawan Sehrawat for INR 59.50 lakh.
The Tamil Thalaivas squad for PKL 12 consists of 19 players. The team retained 14 players from their Season 11 roster, including key names like Narender Kandola, Moein Shafaghi, Nitesh Kumar, and Sagar Rathee. In the auction, they added five players, with Arjun Deshwal and Pawan Sehrawat being the standout buy.
Raiders in the Tamil Thalaivas Squad for PKL 12
The raiding unit is a major strength for the Tamil Thalaivas in the PKL 12. Arjun Deshwal, acquired for INR 1.405 crore, is a proven star who helped Jaipur Pink Panthers win the PKL title in Season 9. With over 1000 raid points in his PKL career, Deshwal brings experience and consistency to the team. Narender Kandola, a retained raider, has over 500 raid points and was key to the Thalaivas’ playoff run in Season 9. Vishal Chahal, a right raider, impressed with his skills in his debut season. Additionally, young raiders like Dhiraj Bailmare, Yogesh Yadav, Abhiraj Pawar (left raider), and Rohit Beniwal (left raider) add depth to the team’s attacking lineup.
The variety in the raiding unit, with left and right raiders, allows the Thalaivas to adapt to different defensive setups. This makes the Tamil Thalaivas squad for PKL 12 one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the tournament.
Defenders in the Tamil Thalaivas Squad for PKL 12
The defense of the Tamil Thalaivas is equally impressive, led by captain Sagar Rathee at the right corner. Sagar, with 200+ tackle points, is a reliable defender who anchors the backline. Nitesh Kumar, a left corner defender, was among the top defenders in PKL 11, earning praise for his ankle holds and tackles. The team also added Iranian defender Alireza Khalili at the right corner, bringing international experience to the squad. Other defenders include Himanshu (left corner), Aashish (left cover), Anuj Gawade (left cover), Ronak (right cover), Tarun (right cover), and Mohit (left corner).
All-Rounders in the Tamil Thalaivas Squad for PKL 12
The all-rounders in the Tamil Thalaivas squad add balance to the team. Pawan Sehrawat, the current Indian captain, was a steal at INR 59.50 lakh. Despite a dip in his auction price from INR 2.605 crore in Season 10, Pawan’s 1300+ raid points show his ability to contribute in raiding. Moein Shafaghi, an Iranian all-rounder, who has impressed everyone with his all-round skills in PKL 11. Suresh Jadhav, another all-rounder, provides depth to the PKL 12 Tamil Thalaivas squad.
While Pawan’s experience is a major asset, the lack of established all-rounders with PKL experience could be a concern. Nevertheless, the Tamil Thalaivas squad’s all-rounders offer flexibility to adapt to various match situations in PKL 12.
The Tamil Thalaivas squad for the PKL 12:
Raiders
- Narender Kandola – India
- Vishal Chahal – Right Raider, India
- Dhiraj Bailmare – India
- Arjun Deshwal – India
- Yogesh Yadav – India
- Abhiraj Pawar – Left Raider, India
- Rohit Beniwal – Left Raider, India
Defenders
- Nitesh Kumar – Left Corner, India
- Anuj Gawade – Left Cover, India
- Aashish – Left Cover, India
- Himanshu – Left Corner, India
- Ronak – Right Cover, India
- Sagar Rathee – Right Corner, India
- Tarun – Right Cover, India
- Alireza Khalili – Right Corner, Iran
- Mohit – Left Corner, India
All-Rounders
- Moein Shafaghi – Iran
- Pawan Sehrawat – India
- Suresh Jadhav – India
Coaching and Strategy
Sanjeev Baliyan, the new head coach, brings a wealth of experience to the Tamil Thalaivas squad. Having worked with Pawan Sehrawat before, Baliyan’s strategies will likely focus on maximizing the raiding trio of Arjun Deshwal, Narender, and Pawan. The team’s focus on a balanced squad was evident in the auction, where they targeted key players like Arjun Deshwal and Pawan Sehrawat to strengthen their squad.
The team’s strategy will likely revolve around aggressive raiding to score quick points and a disciplined defense to counter opposition attacks. By leveraging Arjun and Pawan’s raiding skills and Sagar and Nitesh’s defensive strength, the Thalaivas aim to maintain consistency throughout the season.
Strengths of the Tamil Thalaivas Squad for PKL 12
The Thalaivas squad has several strengths. First, their raiding unit, led by Pawan Sehrawat and Arjun Deshwal, is one of the strongest in the league. Second, the defensive core of Sagar Rathee and Nitesh Kumar provides reliability. Third, retaining 14 players ensures team chemistry, which is crucial in a fast-paced league like PKL. Finally, the addition of Pawan Sehrawat adds versatility, making the Thalaivas squad a well-rounded unit capable of challenging top teams like Patna Pirates and Haryana Steelers.
Weaknesses of the Tamil Thalaivas Squad for PKL 12
Despite their strengths, the PKL 12 Tamil Thalaivas squad has some weaknesses. The lack of experienced all-rounders could be a challenge, especially if Pawan Sehrawat struggles. Additionally, the team’s defensive depth is a concern. If key defenders like Sagar or Nitesh face injuries, backups like Himanshu and Mohit will need to perform under pressure. Last season, Sagar’s injury affected the team’s balance, and the Tamil Thalaivas must avoid similar setbacks.
Opportunities for the Tamil Thalaivas Squad for PKL 12
The Thalaivas squad has a golden opportunity to make a mark in PKL Season 12. With Arjun Deshwal and Pawan Sehrawat leading the attack, the team can dominate opposition defenses. Young raiders like Vishal Chahal and Dhiraj Bailmare have a chance to shine alongside established stars. The coaching staff’s experience provides a platform for young players to grow, ensuring the Thalaivas remain competitive throughout the season.
The Tamil Thalaivas are one of the most balanced teams in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12. With star raiders like Pawan Sehrawat and Arjun Deshwal, a solid defense led by Sagar Rathee and Nitesh Kumar, the team is well-equipped to challenge for the title. The strategic additions in the auction and the experienced coaching duo of Sanjeev Baliyan and D Suresh make the Thalaivas a team to watch. While concerns about defensive depth and all-rounder experience remain, the team’s strengths outweigh their weaknesses, setting them up for a strong campaign in PKL 12.
FAQs About Tamil Thalaivas Squad Analysis
1. Who are the key raiders in the PKL 12 Tamil Thalaivas squad?
The key raiders in the PKL 12 Tamil Thalaivas squad are Arjun Deshwal, Narender Kandola, Vishal Chahal, Dhiraj Bailmare, Yogesh Yadav, Abhiraj Pawar, and Rohit Beniwal.
2. Who is the coach of the PKL 12 Tamil Thalaivas squad?
Sanjeev Baliyan, two-time PKL champion, is the coach of the PKL 12 Tamil Thalaivas squad.
3. What are the main strengths of the PKL 12 Tamil Thalaivas squad?
The main strengths of the PKL 12 Tamil Thalaivas squad include a strong raiding unit with Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal and Narender, a reliable defense led by Sagar Rathee and Nitesh Kumar, and team chemistry from retaining 14 players.
