Coaches in PKL 12: Who is Coaching Which Team? Know Here

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is gearing up for its 12th season, and a major highlight for PKL 12 is the lineup of coaches in PKL 12, who bring fresh strategies and leadership to their teams. With the player auction set for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, these coaches are ready to shape their squads for a shot at the title. Every team’s head coach has their share of successes and failures, and now they are ready to lead their teams.

First, let’s talk about why coaches in PKL 12 are so important. A coach is the backbone of a team, creating game plans, motivating players, and ensuring teamwork. The coaches in PKL 12 will face tough competition, and their strategies will decide which teams shine. Now, let’s meet the coaches in PKL 12 for all 12 teams.

1. Jaipur Pink Panthers – Narender Redhu

The Jaipur Pink Panthers, who have won the PKL title twice, have welcomed Narender Redhu as their head coach for PKL 12. Previously, the team was coached by Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan, who joined in Season 9. Baliyan led the Panthers to the playoffs in all three seasons of his tenure, including a title win in PKL 10 (2022) – the team’s first since PKL 1 (2014). He also helped develop star raider Arjun Deshwal and defender Ankush Rathee.

However, Season 11 was tough for the Panthers. They finished sixth and lost heavily to UP Yoddhas in the Eliminator. As a result, the team decided to part ways with Baliyan. Enter Narender Redhu, one of the new coaches in PKL 12, who previously led Patna Pirates to the Season 11 final with a young squad. Redhu also guided the Pirates to the semifinals in Season 10. His knack for nurturing talent makes him a great fit for the Panthers in PKL 12.

2. Patna Pirates – Anup Kumar

The Patna Pirates, with three PKL titles, have made a big move by appointing Anup Kumar as their head coach for PKL 12. In Season 11, few expected the Pirates to shine, but they finished fourth and reached the final under coach Narender Redhu. Young players like Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab stood out. Surprisingly, the Pirates released Redhu, who had also taken them to the Season 10 semifinals.

Now, Anup Kumar, a kabaddi legend and Arjuna Award winner, steps in as one of the coaches in PKL 12. The 41-year-old from Gurgaon led U Mumba to the finals in the first three PKL seasons, winning the title in Season 2. His experience as a top raider and leader will be key for the Pirates in PKL 12, and fans are excited to see his impact.

3. Tamil Thalaivas – Sanjeev Baliyan

The Tamil Thalaivas have brought in Sanjeev Baliyan as their head coach for PKL 12. Baliyan is a proven winner, having coached the Jaipur Pink Panthers to the Season 9 title. In fact, he has won the PKL trophy twice as a coach, making him one of the most experienced coaches in PKL 12.

The Thalaivas have struggled in recent seasons, often finishing near the bottom of the points table. However, with Baliyan’s expertise, the team hopes to turn things around in PKL 12. His ability to build strong teams gives fans hope that the Thalaivas will climb higher this season.

4. Bengaluru Bulls – BC Ramesh

The Bengaluru Bulls have appointed BC Ramesh as their head coach for PKL 12, a major change for the team. Ramesh is a two-time PKL title-winning coach, having led Bengal Warriors and Puneri Paltan to championships. He was also part of the Bulls’ coaching staff when they won their only title in Season 6 (2018).

This move ends the 11-year tenure of Randhir Singh Sehrawat, making Ramesh only the second head coach in the Bulls’ history. As one of the coaches in PKL 12, Ramesh’s experience will be crucial for the Bulls, who had a tough Season 11 with just 2 wins. Fans are eager to see him lead the team back to glory in PKL 12.

5. U Mumba – Rakesh Kumar

U Mumba, the Season 2 champions, have named Rakesh Kumar as their head coach for PKL 12. The team parted ways with Gholamreza Mazandarani, who led them to the Season 11 playoffs after three seasons without qualifying. Now, Rakesh Kumar, a kabaddi legend and all-rounder, takes over as one of the coaches in PKL 12.

Rakesh played for U Mumba in Seasons 3 and 4, so this is a homecoming. With over 20 years of kabaddi experience, he’s expected to bring a winning mindset to the team. U Mumba fans are thrilled to see one of the coaches in PKL 12 with such a strong connection to the team.

6. Puneri Paltan – Ajay Thakur

The Puneri Paltan announced Ajay Thakur as their head coach for PKL 12 on Buddha Purnima, a special occasion. Thakur was the team’s assistant coach in Season 11 and also played for them during his career. His work last season helped the Paltan perform well in key matches.

As one of the coaches in PKL 12, Thakur’s goal is to build on the team’s Season 10 title win. His ability to motivate players and create smart game plans makes him a strong choice for the Paltan, who aim to stay among the top teams in PKL 12.

7. Bengal Warriorz – Naveen Kumar

The Bengal Warriorz have appointed Naveen Kumar as their head coach for PKL 12. A kabaddi veteran from Haryana, Naveen brings years of experience as both a player and a coach. The Warriorz struggled in Season 11, finishing 10th with only 5 wins, but Naveen’s leadership could change their fortunes.

As one of the coaches in PKL 12, Naveen’s challenge is to guide the Warriorz to the playoffs. His winning mindset and deep knowledge of the game make him a key figure for the team in PKL 12.

8. Gujarat Giants – Jaivir Sharma

The Gujarat Giants are preparing for PKL 12 with Jaivir Sharma as their new head coach, supported by assistant coach Varinder Singh Sandhu. Jaivir, with over 30 years of kabaddi experience, is one of the most respected names in the sport. The Giants, who finished 11th in Season 11, are making big changes to build a strong team for PKL 12.

As one of the coaches in PKL 12, Jaivir will focus on creating a fearless squad. With the auction on May 31 and June 1, 2025, his experience will help the Giants pick the right players to compete for the title.

9. Haryana Steelers – Manpreet Singh

The defending champions, Haryana Steelers, will stick with Manpreet Singh as their head coach for PKL 12. Manpreet led the team to their first PKL title in Season 11, defeating Patna Pirates in the final. His strategies helped players like Mohammadreza Shadloui and Vinay shine.

As one of the coaches in PKL 12, Manpreet’s focus is on defending the title. Even after releasing key players like Shadloui for the auction, his coaching skills make the Steelers a top contender in PKL 12.

10. Telugu Titans – Krishan Kumar Hooda

The Telugu Titans have named Krishan Kumar Hooda as their head coach for PKL 12. The Titans showed improvement in Season 11, finishing seventh with 12 wins. Hooda’s experience will be vital as the team, which has never won a PKL title, aims for the playoffs in PKL 12.

As one of the coaches in PKL 12, Hooda’s challenge is to build a balanced squad, especially after releasing star raider Pawan Kumar Sehrawat for the auction.

11. UP Yoddhas – Jasveer Singh

The UP Yoddhas have appointed Jasveer Singh as their head coach for PKL 12. The Yoddhas had a strong Season 11, finishing third and reaching the semifinals. Jasveer, as one of the coaches in PKL 12, will aim to keep this momentum going and guide players like Pardeep Narwal to the final.

12. Dabang Delhi K.C. – Joginder Narwal

Dabang Delhi K.C. have chosen Joginder Narwal as their head coach for PKL 12. The team finished second in Season 11 and reached the semifinals, showing their strength. As one of the coaches in PKL 12, Joginder will work to lead Delhi to their second PKL title.

Each of the coaches in PKL 12 has something unique to offer. For instance, Anup Kumar’s raiding expertise will help Patna Pirates’ young players grow. Similarly, BC Ramesh’s title-winning experience will boost Bengaluru Bulls. The coaches in PKL 12 will also focus on developing new talent, as seen with Narender Redhu’s work with Patna Pirates in Season 11. With a double round-robin schedule and tough matches, their game plans will decide which teams reach the playoffs and compete for the title.

FAQs About Coaches in PKL 12

1. Who are the new coaches in PKL 12?
   The new coaches in PKL 12 include Narender Redhu (Jaipur Pink Panthers), Anup Kumar (Patna Pirates), Sanjeev Baliyan (Tamil Thalaivas), BC Ramesh (Bengaluru Bulls), Rakesh Kumar (U Mumba), Ajay Thakur (Puneri Paltan), Naveen Kumar (Bengal Warriorz), Jaivir Sharma (Gujarat Giants), Krishan Kumar Hooda (Telugu Titans), Jasveer Singh (UP Yoddhas), and Joginder Narwal (Dabang Delhi).
2. Which coach in PKL 12 has the most PKL titles?
   BC Ramesh (Bengaluru Bulls) and Sanjeev Baliyan (Tamil Thalaivas) are the most successful coaches in PKL 12, each with two PKL titles as coaches.
3. How will the coaches in PKL 12 affect the player auction?
   The coaches in PKL 12 will play a big role in the May 31-June 1, 2025, auction, choosing players to match their game plans. Coaches like Jaivir Sharma and Manpreet Singh will aim to build strong teams after releasing key players.