UP Yoddhas PKL 12 Auction Strategy
The UP Yoddhas are heading into the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 with confidence after a strong showing in PKL 11. Reaching the semifinals, the Yoddhas showcased a well-balanced team that relied on teamwork rather than individual stars. Led by raiders Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda, and defenders Hitesh and Sumit Sangwan, the team performed consistently but fell short in a close semifinal loss to defending champions Haryana Steelers. With a solid core of 11 players retained, the UP Yoddhas are in a strong position for the PKL 12 auction, set for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai.
A Successful PKL 11 Campaign
In PKL 11, the UP Yoddhas proved they were a force to be reckoned with, finishing in the top four with 11 wins, 8 losses, and 3 ties in 22 matches. Unlike teams that depended on star players, UP’s strength was their teamwork. Raiders Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda led the attack, with Bhavani scoring 142 raid points and Gagan adding 119 raid points. The defense was even more impressive, with Hitesh (74 tackle points) and Sumit Sangwan (72 tackle points) ranking among the top 10 defenders in the league. Their balanced approach carried them to the semifinals, where they narrowly lost to Haryana Steelers.
For PKL 12, the Yoddhas have retained their core squad, including Bhavani Rajput, Gagan Gowda, Hitesh, Sumit Sangwan, and right-cover defender Ashu Singh. With 11 players retained, UP have a stable foundation, making their auction strategy less hectic than teams like Gujarat Giants or Bengal Warriorz. Under coach Jasveer Singh, the Yoddhas aim to address a few weak spots and build a squad capable of winning the PKL 12 title.
Retaining a Strong Core
The UP Yoddhas’ decision to retain 11 players shows confidence in their existing squad. Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda provide a reliable raiding duo, while Hitesh, Sumit Sangwan, and Ashu Singh form a strong defensive unit. Other retained players, such as Bharat Hooda, Shivam Chaudhary, and Sahul Kumar, add depth to the squad. This core gives UP a balanced team even before the PKL 12 auction begins, allowing them to focus on specific improvements rather than a complete rebuild.
With a smaller salary purse compared to teams that released more players, UP Yoddhas will need to make smart, targeted purchases in the auction. Their goal is to strengthen the left cover position and add a quality all-rounder to provide flexibility, ensuring they can compete against top teams like Puneri Paltan and Patna Pirates.
Strengthening Key Areas
While the UP Yoddhas had a well-balanced team in PKL 11, there were a couple of areas that needed improvement. The left cover position was a weak spot, with Mahinder scoring only 29 tackle points in 21 matches. This lack of consistency in the left cover allowed opponents to exploit UP’s defense in crucial moments. Strengthening this position is a top priority for the PKL 12 auction.
Additionally, the raiding department, while solid, could benefit from added flexibility. Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda performed well, but Surinder Gill’s inconsistent form was a concern. Adding a quality all-rounder who can serve as a third raider and contribute to defense will give UP more options during the league stages. This versatility will help the Yoddhas adapt to different opponents and maintain consistency throughout the season.
Players to Target in the PKL 12 Auction
The UP Yoddhas’ auction strategy will focus on addressing the left cover position and adding a quality all-rounder, with a few emerging domestic and foreign talents to bolster the squad. Here are some potential targets for PKL 12:
Raiding Department
With Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda leading the attack, UP Yoddhas don’t need a marquee raider like Pawan Sehrawat or Naveen Kumar. Instead, they should target a third raider who can provide depth and consistency. Sachin Tanwar, despite an average PKL 11 with Tamil Thalaivas, is a strong candidate. With 1,107 raid points in his career, Sachin brings experience and could thrive as a supporting raider alongside Bhavani and Gagan.
Another option is Vinay Virender, who impressed in limited appearances last season. As a young raider, Vinay could develop into a reliable third raider, adding energy to the squad. Both Sachin and Vinay are cost-effective options, allowing UP to save their budget for defensive signings.
Defensive Department
To strengthen the left cover position, UP Yoddhas could target Parvesh Bhainswal. Although his recent form has been inconsistent, Parvesh has a strong track record with 312 tackle points in his PKL career. His experience could complement Hitesh and Sumit Sangwan, creating one of the league’s strongest defensive units. Other options include Sanket Sawant, known for his reliability, or Gurdeep, who offers versatility in the cover position.
All-Rounders
A quality all-rounder is a key target for UP Yoddhas to address Surinder Gill’s inconsistent form and add flexibility. Vijay Malik, who has scored 392 raid points and 83 tackle points in his career, would be an ideal pick. His ability to contribute in both raiding and defense makes him a valuable asset, though his price tag could be a challenge due to budget constraints. Alternatively, Ashish, who played for Dabang Delhi in PKL 11, is a cost-effective option. With 68 raid points and 29 tackle points last season, Ashish can provide balance and depth.
UP could also look for emerging foreign talents like Amirhossein Bastami or Vahid Rezaeimehr to add versatility to the squad. These players can contribute in both raiding and defense, giving coach Jasveer Singh more tactical options.
Building Depth and Flexibility
The UP Yoddhas’ retention of 11 players provides a strong foundation, but depth is crucial in the Pro Kabaddi League. Injuries, form slumps, and tough opponents can disrupt a team’s momentum, so UP must ensure they have quality backups. In raiding, players like Shivam Chaudhary (retained) or Vinay Virender can step up if Bhavani or Gagan are unavailable. In defense, Bharat Hooda and Sahul Kumar provide cover, but adding a left cover like Parvesh Bhainswal will ensure stability.
An all-rounder like Vijay Malik or Ashish will add flexibility, allowing UP to adjust their strategy based on the opponent. For example, against raiding-heavy teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers, an all-rounder can bolster the defense, while against defensive teams like Haryana Steelers, they can contribute raid points. This depth and flexibility will make UP Yoddhas a formidable team in PKL 12.
Challenges in the PKL 12 Auction
The PKL 12 auction will be highly competitive, with teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers, Gujarat Giants, and Puneri Paltan having larger salary purses due to fewer retentions. Top players like Vijay Malik and Parvesh Bhainswal may attract bids from multiple teams, making it challenging for UP Yoddhas to secure their targets within their budget. Additionally, the team’s reliance on teamwork means they must carefully select players who fit their cohesive playing style.
However, with coach Jasveer Singh’s experience and a strategic approach, UP Yoddhas are well-positioned to make smart purchases. By focusing on cost-effective players like Sachin Tanwar, Vinay Virender, and Parvesh Bhainswal, they can strengthen their squad without overspending.
The UP Yoddhas are entering the PKL 12 auction with a strong and balanced squad, thanks to the retention of 11 key players like Bhavani Rajput, Gagan Gowda, Hitesh, and Sumit Sangwan. Their auction strategy will focus on addressing minor weaknesses, particularly in the left cover position and the addition of a quality all-rounder. Targeting players like Parvesh Bhainswal for defense, Sachin Tanwar or Vinay Virender for raiding, and Vijay Malik or Ashish for all-round skills will enhance their depth and flexibility.
With the PKL 12 auction set for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, UP Yoddhas are in a strong position to build on their PKL 11 success. Will they add the right players to become title contenders? Fans are eager to see how the Yoddhas’ strategy unfolds in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.
FAQs
1. Why are UP Yoddhas retaining 11 players for PKL 12?
UP Yoddhas retained 11 players, including Bhavani Rajput, Gagan Gowda, Hitesh, and Sumit Sangwan, to maintain their balanced and cohesive squad from PKL 11, giving them a strong foundation for the auction.
2. Who are UP Yoddhas’ top targets in the PKL 12 auction?
UP Yoddhas are likely to target Parvesh Bhainswal for the left cover position, Sachin Tanwar or Vinay Virender for raiding, and all-rounders like Vijay Malik or Ashish for flexibility.
3. How will UP Yoddhas address their left cover weakness in PKL 12?
UP Yoddhas plan to strengthen their left cover position by targeting experienced defenders like Parvesh Bhainswal or Sanket Sawant to complement their strong defensive core of Hitesh and Sumit Sangwan.
