PKL 12: Telugu Titans Squad Analysis 2025 for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is here, and the Telugu Titans have put together an exciting squad for the 2025 season. The Telugu Titans squad is ready to make a strong impact in PKL 12. Led by captain Vijay Malik and guided by coach Krishan Kumar Hooda, the team made smart choices in the PKL 12 auction, including key signings like Bharat Hooda. 

The PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad consists of 20 players, including 7 raiders, 9 defenders, and 4 all-rounders. The team retained core players like Vijay Malik and Shankar Gadai while adding new faces during the auction held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai. Notable additions include raider Bharat Hooda, who was bought for INR 80 lakh, and Iranian defender Amir Ejlali. The Telugu Titans aim to improve on their inconsistent performances in recent seasons and challenge top teams like Patna Pirates and Puneri Paltan.

Raiders in the Telugu Titans Squad for PKL 12 

The raiding unit is a key strength of the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad. Bharat Hooda, a seasoned raider with 599 raid points, leads the attack. His experience and ability to score crucial points make him a vital asset. Ashish Narwal, another key raider, contributed crucial raid points in PKL 11, showing his potential to support Bharat and Vijay Malik. Chetan Sahu and Jai Bhagwan, both players, add consistency. Young raiders like Rohit Singh, Praful Zaware (left raider), and Nitin bring energy and depth to the Titans squad.

The variety in the raiding lineup, with both left and right raiders, allows the Titans to adapt to different defensive setups. However, the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad will need their young raiders to step up in high-stakes matches to avoid over-reliance on Bharat and Vijay.

Defenders in the Telugu Titans Squad for PKL 12 

The defense of the Telugu Titans for PKL 12  is robust, with a mix of experienced and emerging players. Shubham Shinde, a right corner defender, is a standout player with match-winning performances in the past. Ankit (Left Corner), Ajit Pawar (left cover) and Sagar (right cover) provide stability. The addition of Iranian defender Amir Ejlali at the right corner brings international experience to the squad. Other defenders include Avi Duhan (right cover), Aman (left corner), Ankit (left corner), Bantu Malik (left corner), and Rahul Dagar (left corner).

The combination of Shubham Shinde and Ankit in the corners strengthens the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad’s ability to execute ankle holds and dash tackles. Meanwhile, cover defenders like Ajit Pawar and Sagar add versatility. However, the team must ensure their backup defenders, such as Aman and Rahul Dagar, are ready to perform if key players face injuries or form dips.

All-Rounders in the Telugu Titans Squad for PKL 12

The all-rounders in the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad provide flexibility. Vijay Malik, the team captain, is a versatile player with title winning experience in PKL season 8. Shankar Gadai, another retained all-rounder, showcased glimpses of brilliance in PKL 11. Bharat, a new addition, brings energy to both raiding and defense, while Ganesh Parki from Nepal makes his PKL debut, adding an international flair to the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad.

While Vijay Malik’s leadership and all-round skills are a major strength, the inexperience of Ganesh Parki could be a challenge. The PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad will rely on Vijay and Bharat to balance the team’s raiding and defensive needs, especially in close matches.

Full Squad List

• Raiders: Ashish Narwal, Manjeet, Chetan Sahu, Nitin, Rohit Singh, Praful Zaware (Left Raider), Jai Bhagwan
• Defenders: Ajit Pawar (Left Cover), Sagar (Right Cover), Shubham Shinde (Right Corner), Avi Duhan (Right Cover), Amir Ejlali (Right Corner, Iran), Aman (Left Corner), Ankit (Left Corner), Bantu Malik (Left Corner), Rahul Dagar (Left Corner)
• All-Rounders: Vijay Malik, Shankar Gadai, Bharat, Ganesh Parki (Nepal)

Coaching and Strategy 

Head coach Krishan Kumar Hooda, who has been with the Titans from last season. His strategy focuses on leveraging Bharat and Vijay’s raiding skills and Shubham Shinde’s defensive strength while developing young players like Jai Bhagwan and Rahul Dagar. The addition of Amir Ejlali and Ganesh Parki shows Sharma’s intent to mix international talent with Indian players. The Telugu Titans are likely to adopt an aggressive raiding style to score quick points, paired with a tight defense to counter opposition raiders.

The coaching staff’s decision to retain 12 players ensures team chemistry, which is crucial for success in PKL’s fast-paced format. However, Hooda must address the team’s inconsistency from previous seasons to make the Telugu Titans squad a title contender in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.

Strengths of the Telugu Titans Squad for PKL 12 

The PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad has several strengths. First, their raiding unit, led by Bharat Hooda and supported by Ashish Narwal and Vijay Malik, is dynamic and versatile. Second, the defensive core of Shubham Shinde, Ajit, Sagar, and Amir Ejlali is reliable and capable of stopping top raiders. Third, the all-rounders, particularly Vijay Malik and Bharat Hooda add balance, allowing the team to adapt to various game situations. Finally, retaining a large core of players ensures familiarity, giving the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad an edge in teamwork.

Weaknesses of the PKL 12 Telugu Titans Squad

Despite their strengths, the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad faces some challenges. The reliance on Vijay and Bharat for raid points could be a concern if they face form issues or injuries. Additionally, the inexperience of young raiders like Jai Bhagwan and Praful Zaware might affect performance in crucial matches. The defensive depth, while strong, depends heavily on Shubham Shinde, Ajit and Sagar, and backups like Aman and Rahul Dagar need to prove themselves. 

Key Players to Watch in the PKL 12 Telugu Titans Squad

Several players are expected to shine in the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad:

1. Bharat (All-Rounder): With 599 raid points and 37 tackle points, he is the team’s main attacking threat.
2. Shubham Shinde (Defender): His 207 tackle points make him a cornerstone of the defense.
3. Vijay Malik (All-Rounder): The captain’s versatility is crucial for team balance.
4. Sagar Sethpal (Defender): The Indian defender’s strong skills adds strength.
5. Ashish Narwal (Raider): His 120 raid points in PKL 11 show his growing potential.

The Telugu Titans squad is a well-rounded team with a strong raiding unit, a solid defense, and versatile all-rounders. With star players like Bharat Hooda, Shubham Shinde, and Vijay Malik, and new additions like Amir Ejlali and Jai Bhagwan, the team has the potential to challenge for the title in PKL 12. Coach Krishan Kumar Hooda’s focus on discipline and teamwork, combined with strategic auction buys, makes the Titans a formidable contender. While concerns about raiding depth and defensive backups remain, the team’s strengths position them for a strong campaign in the Pro Kabaddi League 2025.

FAQs About Telugu Titans Squad Analysis

1. Who is the captain of the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad?

Vijay Malik, an all-rounder, is the captain of the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad.

2. Which international players are in the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad?

The PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad includes Amir Ejlali (Iran, defender) and Ganesh Parki (Nepal, all-rounder).

3. What are the main strengths of the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad?

The main strengths of the PKL 12 Telugu Titans squad include a dynamic raiding unit led by Bharat Hooda and Vijay Malik, a reliable defense with Shubham Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and strong team chemistry from retaining 12 players.