PKL 12: Puneri Paltan Probable Playing 7

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is here, and Puneri Paltan are ready to hit the mat with a strong team. As the champions of Season 10, Puneri Paltan are looking to reclaim their glory after a tough Season 11. With a well-balanced squad and a solid probable playing 7, Puneri Paltan are set to make waves in PKL 12. So, what will be their probable starting lineup, full squad, key players, and how Puneri Paltan plan to dominate the league? Let’s take a look at what makes Puneri Paltan a top team in PKL 12.

Puneri Paltan’s Probable Playing 7 for PKL 12

Puneri Paltan have carefully selected their probable starting 7 for PKL 12, blending experienced raiders, tough defenders, and versatile all-rounders. Here’s the lineup expected to lead Puneri Paltan on the mat:

• Sachin Tanwar (Centre): A star raider, Sachin was bought for over a crore in the PKL 12 auction. His ability to lead raids from the center makes him a key player for Paltan.
• Aslam Inamdar (Right-In): The captain of Paltan, Aslam is a retained all-rounder who shines in raiding and leadership. He won the Most Valuable Player award in Season 10, proving his value to the team.
• Mohit Goyat (Left-In): Retained as a raider, Mohit is known for his quick moves and ability to score crucial points. He works well with Aslam, strengthening Paltan’s attack.
• Abinesh Nadarajan (Right Cover): A retained defender, Abinesh is a reliable right cover who excels at stopping raiders. His skills are vital for Paltan in PKL 12.
• Gurdeep (Left Cover): A new addition to Paltan, Gurdeep brings strength to the left cover position, making it tough for opponents to break through.
• Gaurav Khatri (Right Corner): Retained for his defensive skills, Gaurav is a key player in the right corner. His tackles helped Paltan win Season 10.
• Mohammad Amaan (Left Corner): Secured through the Final Bid Match (FBM) for INR 35 lakhs, Mohammad Amaan is a young defender who adds energy to Paltan’s defense.

This probable playing 7 gives Paltan a perfect mix of attack and defense, setting them up for success in PKL 12.

Full Squad of Puneri Paltan for PKL 12

Puneri Paltan’s full squad for PKL 12 is a combination of retained players and smart auction buys. The team has focused on keeping their core strong while adding new talent. Here’s the complete squad for Puneri Paltan:

Retained Players

• Elite Retained Players: 
  • Abinesh Nadarajan (Defender, Right Cover)
  • Gaurav Khatri (Defender, Right Corner)
  • Pankaj Mohite (Raider)
• Retained Young Players (RYP): 
  • Aslam Mustafa Inamdar (All-Rounder)
  • Mohit Goyat (Raider)
  • Dadaso Shivaji Pujari (Defender, Right Corner)
  • Aditya Tushar Shinde (Raider)

Purchased Players

• Sachin Tanwar (Raider): A big buy of over a crore rupees, Sachin is a top raider who can change the game for Paltan.
• Milad Mohajer (Raider, Overseas): An Iranian raider who adds an international touch to the attack.
• Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh (All-Rounder, Overseas): A versatile Iranian player who can raid and defend for Paltan.
• Gurdeep (Defender, Left Cover): A strong defender to bolster Paltan’s backline.
• Mohammad Amaan (Defender, Left Corner, FBM): Bought for INR 35 lakhs to strengthen the defense.
• Stuwart Singh (Raider): A new raider to support Paltan’s attacking lineup.
• Vishal Bhardwaj (Defender): An experienced defender to add depth.
• Rohan Tupare (Defender): A young talent for Paltan’s defensive unit.
• Sanjay Enania (Defender, Right Corner): Adds versatility to the defense.
• Vaibhav S. Rabade (Defender, Right Cover): A promising defender for Paltan.
• Abhishek Tukaram Gunge (Raider, Right Raider): A young raider with potential.

This 18-player squad gives Puneri Paltan plenty of options to mix and match players based on their opponents in PKL 12.

What Makes Puneri Paltan’s Squad Special

Puneri Paltan have built a squad that balances experience with youth, making them a strong contender in PKL 12. After winning Season 10, they hit a rough patch in Season 11, finishing eighth. However, with new head coach Ajay Thakur, a former PKL star, Paltan are ready to fight back. Here’s why their squad stands out:

Powerful Raiding Unit

Puneri Paltan’s raiding department is led by Sachin Tanwar, Aslam Inamdar, and Mohit Goyat. Sachin’s consistent scoring ability pairs well with Aslam’s all-round skills and Mohit’s quick raids. Pankaj Mohite and Aditya Shinde, both retained, add depth to the attack. New players like Milad Mohajer and Stuwart Singh bring fresh energy, ensuring Paltan can keep opponents on their toes.

Strong Defensive Core

The defense, anchored by Gaurav Khatri and Abinesh Nadarajan, is one of Paltan’s biggest strengths. Gurdeep and Mohammad Amaan add toughness, while Vishal Bhardwaj and Sanjay Enania bring experience. Dadaso Pujari’s versatility in the right corner makes Paltan’s defense adaptable, ready to stop top raiders in PKL 12.

Versatile All-Rounders

Aslam Inamdar and Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh give Paltan flexibility. Aslam’s ability to raid and defend, combined with his leadership, makes him a key player. Nabibakhsh, an experienced overseas all-rounder, can step up in crucial moments, helping Paltan adjust their strategy during matches. On paper, Paltan’s have only a few all-rounders but off-paper the whole team is filled with all-rounder. 

Expert Coaching

Ajay Thakur, Paltan’s new head coach, brings a wealth of knowledge from his days as a top raider. His understanding of the game and focus on team unity will help Paltan find the right combinations. Thakur’s leadership is expected to guide Puneri Paltan back to their winning form after a tough Season 11.

How Puneri Paltan Built Their Squad

Puneri Paltan took a smart approach to building their PKL 12 squad. They retained key players from their Season 10 championship team, including Aslam Inamdar, Mohit Goyat, Pankaj Mohite, and Abinesh Nadarajan. This core group has proven chemistry, which is crucial in kabaddi. Gaurav Khatri and Dadaso Pujari were also kept to maintain defensive strength.

At the PKL 12 auction on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, Paltan made big moves. Spending over a crore rupees on Sachin Tanwar showed their ambition to strengthen their attack. Adding overseas players like Milad Mohajer and Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh brought an international edge. Using the FBM card to secure Mohammad Amaan for two seasons was a clever move to lock in a young defender for Paltan.

Strengths of Puneri Paltan in PKL 12

Puneri Paltan have several strengths that make them a top team in PKL 12:

• Balanced Squad: With raiders like Sachin and defenders like Gaurav, Paltan can compete in all areas of the game.
• Strong Leadership: Aslam Inamdar’s captaincy and Ajay Thakur’s coaching provide clear direction for Paltan.
• Squad Depth: With 18 players, including all-rounders and young talents, Paltan can adapt to any opponent.
• Smart Auction Moves: Big buys like Sachin Tanwar and budget-friendly additions like Stuwart Singh show Paltan’s financial planning within the INR 5 crore salary cap.

Challenges for Puneri Paltan

Despite their strengths, Puneri Paltan face challenges in PKL 12. Their Season 11 performance was inconsistent, with injuries and lack of momentum holding them back. Integrating new players like Sachin Tanwar and Gurdeep into the team’s system will take time. Additionally, PKL 12 is packed with strong teams like Haryana Steelers and Patna Pirates, so Puneri Paltan will need to stay sharp and work as a unit.

Why Puneri Paltan Are a Team to Watch

Paltan’s probable playing 7, with stars like Sachin Tanwar and Aslam Inamdar, is built for high-energy matches. The defensive unit, led by Gaurav Khatri and Abinesh Nadarajan, can handle top raiders. With Ajay Thakur’s coaching, Puneri Paltan are ready to overcome their Season 11 struggles and aim for the title.

The addition of international players like Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh and Milad Mohajer adds a unique edge, while retained players like Pankaj Mohite and Aditya Shinde ensure team chemistry. Puneri Paltan’s squad depth and smart auction strategy make them a formidable force in PKL 12.

Puneri Paltan are entering PKL 12 with a strong squad and a clear goal. Their probable playing 7, featuring Sachin Tanwar, Aslam Inamdar, Mohit Goyat, Abinesh Nadarajan, Gurdeep, Gaurav Khatri, and Mohammad Amaan, is a perfect balance of attack and defense. The full squad, with retained stars and new additions, gives Puneri Paltan the tools to compete at the highest level. Under Ajay Thakur’s guidance, Puneri Paltan are set to make a strong impact in PKL 12 and fight for the championship.

FAQs About Puneri Paltan in PKL 12

Who will be the captain of Puneri Paltan in PKL 12?

Aslam Mustafa Inamdar will be the captain of Puneri Paltan for PKL 12. He led the team to the Season 10 title and is a key all-rounder.

Which players did Puneri Paltan buy in the PKL 12 auction?

Puneri Paltan bought Sachin Tanwar, Milad Mohajer, Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh, Gurdeep, Mohammad Amaan (FBM), Stuwart Singh, Vishal Bhardwaj, Rohan Tupare, Sanjay Enania, Vaibhav S. Rabade, and Abhishek Tukaram Gunge in the PKL 12 auction.

What is Puneri Paltan’s probable playing 7 for PKL 12?

The probable playing 7 for Puneri Paltan in PKL 12 includes Sachin Tanwar (Centre), Aslam Inamdar (Right-In), Mohit Goyat (Left-In), Abinesh Nadarajan (Right Cover), Gurdeep (Left Cover), Gaurav Khatri (Right Corner), and Mohammad Amaan (Left Corner).