Balaji D: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
Balaji D, whose full name is Balaji Dhanabal, is an Indian kabaddi player who has played in multiple seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League. Born on February 12, 1998, in Tamil Nadu, this 26-year-old defender has been part of the PKL journey across five seasons, playing for teams like Patna Pirates, Bengal Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants. What makes Balaji D unique is his dual career – he works in the Income Tax Department while pursuing his passion for professional kabaddi. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall, Balaji D represents the growing number of government employees who also excel in professional sports.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Balaji Dhanabal |
| Date of Birth | February 12, 1998 |
| Age | 26 years |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Position | Defender/All-rounder |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Tamil Nadu, India |
| Current Team | Patna Pirates (Season 12) |
| PKL Debut | Patna Pirates (Season 8) |
| Occupation | Income Tax Department Officer |
Early Life & Family
Balaji D was born on February 12, 1998, in Tamil Nadu, India. His father’s name is Dhanapal S, while his mother’s name is not publicly known. Growing up in Tamil Nadu, a state known for its strong kabaddi culture, Balaji D developed an interest in the sport from a young age.
His zodiac sign is Aquarius, and he belongs to the Indian nationality. Like many kabaddi players from Tamil Nadu, Balaji D started playing the sport at the grassroots level before moving to competitive kabaddi. His family supported his interest in sports while also encouraging him to pursue education and a stable career.
The combination of sports and academics shaped Balaji D’s early life. This balance later helped him secure a government job while continuing his kabaddi career. His upbringing in Tamil Nadu exposed him to traditional kabaddi styles that are popular in South India.
Domestic Career
Before joining the Pro Kabaddi League, Balaji D made his mark in domestic kabaddi competitions. His most notable domestic achievement came in 2019 when he played for the Tamil Nadu Men’s Kabaddi team. During that year, he helped Tamil Nadu secure a bronze medal at the 45th Junior National Kabaddi Championship held in Kolkata.
This bronze medal performance was a turning point in Balaji D’s career. It showcased his skills as a defender and all-rounder player, catching the attention of PKL scouts. His performance in the Junior National Championship proved that he could compete at higher levels of kabaddi.
Apart from the Junior National Championship, Balaji D participated in various state-level and regional tournaments in Tamil Nadu. These competitions helped him develop his defensive skills and understand different playing styles. His domestic career provided the foundation for his later success in professional kabaddi.
The experience gained from domestic tournaments taught Balaji D important lessons about teamwork, strategy, and match pressure. These skills became valuable when he transitioned to the more competitive environment of the Pro Kabaddi League.
PKL Journey
Balaji D’s professional kabaddi career began in 2021 when he made his PKL debut with Patna Pirates in Season 8. His journey across multiple teams and seasons shows his adaptability as a player and his value to different franchises.
Patna Pirates (Season 8)
Balaji D started his PKL career with Patna Pirates in Season 8 (2021). As a newcomer to the league, he had limited playing opportunities but gained valuable experience training with experienced players. He played in one match during this season, scoring 2 raid points and 1 tackle point for a total of 3 points.
Bengal Warriorz (Season 9)
In 2022, Bengal Warriorz acquired Balaji D for Rs 20.6 lakhs for PKL Season 9. This was a significant step up in his career as he got more playing opportunities. During Season 9, he participated in 18 matches and became a key defensive player for the team. He scored 25 tackle points and achieved one super tackle during the tournament. His performance with Bengal Warriorz established him as a reliable defender in the PKL.
Gujarat Giants (Season 10 & 11)
For Season 10 (2023), Gujarat Giants purchased Balaji D for Rs 13 lakhs. He continued to be an important part of the team’s defensive setup, playing 16 matches and scoring 16 tackle points along with 7 raid points for a total of 23 points. His consistent performance led to his retention by Gujarat Giants for Season 11 under the Emerging Players category. However, in Season 11, he did not get playing opportunities despite being part of the squad.
Return to Patna Pirates (Season 12)
For the current Season 12 (2025), Balaji D returned to where his PKL journey began – Patna Pirates. This move brings him back to the team where he started his professional kabaddi career. His experience with different teams and defensive systems makes him a valuable addition to the Patna Pirates squad.
PKL Statistics
| Season | Team | Matches | Raid Points | Tackle Points | Total Points |
| Season 8 | Patna Pirates | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Season 9 | Bengal Warriorz | 18 | 0 | 25 | 25 |
| Season 10 | Gujarat Giants | 19 | 0 | 16 | 16 |
| Season 11 | Gujarat Giants | 7 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| Season 12 | Patna Pirates | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Overall | Total | 45 | 0 | 45 | 45 |
Achievements
Balaji D has achieved several milestones in his kabaddi career, both at domestic and professional levels. His achievements reflect his dedication to the sport and his ability to perform at different levels of competition.
Domestic Achievements:
- Bronze medal at the 45th Junior National Kabaddi Championship (2019) representing Tamil Nadu
- Participation in multiple state-level and regional kabaddi tournaments
PKL Achievements:
- PKL debut with Patna Pirates in Season 8 (2021)
- Highest single-season tackle points: 25 points in Season 9 with Bengal Warriorz
- Total PKL career: 35 matches played across 4 active seasons
- Overall PKL statistics: 54 total points (42 tackle points + 12 raid points)
- One super tackle achieved during his PKL career
- Multi-team experience: Played for three different PKL franchises
- Contract values: Purchased for Rs 20.6 lakhs (Season 9) and Rs 13 lakhs (Season 10)
Professional Achievements:
- Successful dual career balancing government service and professional sports
- Income Tax Department officer while maintaining PKL career
- Consistent performance across multiple seasons showing longevity in the sport
Social Media and More
Balaji D maintains an active presence on social media, particularly on Instagram with the handle @balaji_dhanabal. His Instagram bio reflects his journey and achievements in kabaddi and his professional life. According to his Instagram profile, he describes himself as a “Pro kabaddi player” who has been part of seasons 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 of the PKL.
His bio also mentions his current team Patna Pirates and his profession in the Income Tax Department. The phrase “Working hard nothing else” in his bio shows his dedication and work ethic. He also includes “Ella pugazhum Ulaipavanuke” which is a Tamil phrase showing his cultural roots and spiritual beliefs.
On social media, Balaji D shares updates about his kabaddi career, training sessions, and team activities. His posts often feature moments from PKL matches, team celebrations, and behind-the-scenes content from his professional kabaddi journey. He uses hashtags like #vivoprokabaddiseason to connect with kabaddi fans and the PKL community.
Personal Interests:
According to available information, Balaji D is a bike lover and is often seen riding motorcycles. This hobby shows his adventurous side beyond kabaddi. His interest in bikes reflects the active lifestyle that many athletes maintain.
Physical Stats:
Balaji D maintains excellent physical condition for his dual career demands. He weighs approximately 65 kg (143 lbs) and has body measurements of 36-inch chest, 30-inch waist, and 14-inch biceps. His fitness regime supports both his government job requirements and the physical demands of professional kabaddi.
Conclusion
Balaji D represents a unique example in Indian sports – successfully managing a government career while competing at the highest level of professional kabaddi. His journey from winning a bronze medal at the Junior National Championship in 2019 to playing across multiple PKL seasons shows his growth as a player and his commitment to the sport.
His experience with three different PKL teams – Patna Pirates, Bengal Warriorz, and Gujarat Giants – has made him a well-rounded defender who understands various tactical approaches. With 54 total points in 35 PKL matches, including 42 tackle points and one super tackle, Balaji D has proven his value as a consistent defensive player.
The return to Patna Pirates for Season 12 brings Balaji D full circle in his PKL journey. His experience, defensive skills, and understanding of the game make him a valuable asset for the team’s championship aspirations. As he continues to balance his responsibilities in the Income Tax Department with his passion for kabaddi, Balaji D serves as an inspiration for many young athletes who want to pursue sports while maintaining stable careers.
His story shows that with dedication and proper planning, it is possible to excel in both professional sports and government service. Balaji D continues to work hard, as reflected in his social media motto, and remains focused on contributing to his team’s success in the Pro Kabaddi League.
