Jaipur Pink Panthers PKL 12 Auction Strategy
The Jaipur Pink Panthers are gearing up for the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 with a bold plan to address their weaknesses from Season 11. Finishing sixth in the points table, the Panthers had a decent run but were knocked out in the playoffs with a one-sided loss to UP Yoddhas. Star raider Arjun Deshwal led the team brilliantly, but their over-reliance on him exposed gaps in the raiding unit. The defense, led by Ankush Rathee and Reza Mirbagheri, performed well but lacked depth. For the PKL 12 auction, scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, the Panthers have made surprising moves by releasing Arjun and Ankush, retaining only six players.
A Mixed PKL 11 Performance
In PKL 11, the Jaipur Pink Panthers showed promise by finishing sixth with 10 wins, 9 losses, and 3 ties in 22 matches. Arjun Deshwal, the team’s MVP, was a standout performer, scoring 227 raid points in 23 matches to become the third-best raider in the league. However, the team relied too heavily on Arjun, and their second-best raider, Neeraj Narwal, managed only 74 raid points in 18 matches. This lack of support in the raiding department was a major reason for their playoff defeat against UP Yoddhas.
The Panthers’ defense was a bright spot, with Ankush Rathee scoring 68 tackle points and Reza Mirbagheri adding 58 tackle points in 23 matches each. Despite their efforts, the defensive unit lacked depth, making it difficult to stop strong opponents in crucial moments. To prepare for PKL 12, Jaipur have retained six players—Reza Mirbagheri, Abhishek KS, Ronak Singh, Nitin Kumar, Sombir Mehra, and Ritik Sharma—providing a foundation to build upon. However, the surprising release of Arjun Deshwal and Ankush Rathee signals a major rebuild for the PKL 12 auction.
Retaining a Core Squad
Jaipur Pink Panthers’ decision to retain six players shows confidence in their young talent. Reza Mirbagheri, a reliable defender, brings stability with his 58 tackle points from last season. Abhishek KS and Sombir Mehra add depth to the defense, while Nitin Kumar, Ronak Singh, and Ritik Sharma provide support in the raiding unit. These retentions ensure continuity, but the release of Arjun Deshwal and Ankush Rathee leaves significant gaps in both raiding and defense.
With a large salary purse after releasing their top players, the Panthers are well-positioned to make big moves in the PKL 12 auction. Under coach Sanjeev Baliyan, who led the team to the Season 9 title, Jaipur aim to create a balanced squad with strong raiders and defenders. Their goal is to address the over-reliance on one raider and build a deeper defensive unit to compete for the PKL 12 title.
Strengthening the Raiding Department
The biggest concern for Jaipur Pink Panthers in PKL 11 was their raiding unit’s dependence on Arjun Deshwal. With Arjun now released, the team needs to find a consistent lead raider and a strong supporting raider to create a balanced attack. The PKL 12 auction offers a wealth of options, with top raiders like Devank Dalal, Naveen Kumar, Nitin Dhankar, Vijay Malik, and Ashu Malik available.
Devank Dalal, who topped the raiding charts in PKL 11 with 301 raid points, is a young sensation who could lead Jaipur’s attack. Naveen Kumar, with 1,102 raid points in his career, brings leadership and composure, having guided Dabang Delhi to a title in Season 8. Ashu Malik, with 262 raid points in PKL 11, is another reliable option. For a more cost-effective approach, Jaipur could target underrated raiders like Nitin Dhankar, who scored 134 raid points last season, or Vijay Malik, known for his consistency as an all-rounder.
Additionally, Jaipur could use the Final Bid Match (FBM) card to bring back Arjun Deshwal at a competitive price. With 1,174 raid points in 114 matches, Arjun’s experience and clutch performances make him a valuable asset. By pairing a star raider with a supporting raider like Nitin Kumar or Ritik Sharma from the retained squad, Jaipur can create a versatile raiding unit that avoids the over-reliance seen in PKL 11.
Bolstering the Defensive Unit
While Jaipur’s defense performed well in PKL 11, the release of Ankush Rathee has left a gap in the left corner position. With Reza Mirbagheri and Abhishek KS retained, the Panthers have a solid defensive foundation, but they need a strong replacement for Ankush and additional depth to compete against top teams. The PKL 12 auction offers several quality defenders to fill these roles.
Jaipur could target Yogesh Dahiya, who was among the top tacklers in PKL 11, for the left corner position. Shubham Shinde, known for his reliability, and Rinku Sharma, a strong right corner defender, are also excellent options. For versatility, Ankit Jaglan or Nitin Rawal could provide all-round skills, contributing in both defense and raiding. The Panthers may also use the FBM card to bring back Ankush Rathee, whose 68 tackle points last season make him a proven leader in defense.
To add depth, Jaipur could target backup defenders like Amirhossein Bastami or Sanket Sawant for the right cover position. These players would ensure the team has options during injuries or form slumps, making their defense more resilient in PKL 12.
Building Depth and Balance
Under coach Sanjeev Baliyan, the Jaipur Pink Panthers are focused on creating a balanced squad with depth in both raiding and defense. The retention of six players—two defenders and four raiders—provides a strong starting point. By adding a star raider, a supporting raider, and a high-profile defender, Jaipur can address their key weaknesses from PKL 11. However, depth is crucial in the Pro Kabaddi League, where long seasons and tough opponents test a team’s endurance.
For raiding, backup players like Vishal Chahal or Nitin Singh can support the lead raider, ensuring the team has options if their star performer is unavailable. In defense, retaining Reza Mirbagheri and adding players like Yogesh Dahiya or Ankush Rathee will create a strong backline. Backup defenders like Sombir Mehra or external targets like Gurdeep can provide cover for both corners. This depth will allow Jaipur to adapt to different strategies and maintain consistency throughout PKL 12.
Challenges in the PKL 12 Auction
The PKL 12 auction will be highly competitive, with teams like Puneri Paltan, Gujarat Giants, and Tamil Thalaivas also having large salary purses. Top raiders like Devank Dalal, Naveen Kumar, and Ashu Malik, as well as defenders like Yogesh Dahiya and Shubham Shinde, will attract big bids. Jaipur’s decision to release Arjun Deshwal and Ankush Rathee carries some risk, as they may face competition to bring them back using FBM cards.
However, with coach Sanjeev Baliyan’s experience and a strategic approach, Jaipur Pink Panthers are well-equipped to navigate these challenges. By balancing their budget between a star raider, a high-profile defender, and backup players, they can build a squad capable of reaching the playoffs and beyond.
Conclusion
Jaipur Pink Panthers are entering the PKL 12 auction with a clear plan to address their weaknesses from Season 11. By targeting a star raider like Devank Dalal, Naveen Kumar, or Arjun Deshwal (via FBM), they aim to create a balanced raiding unit. In defense, players like Yogesh Dahiya, Shubham Shinde, or Ankush Rathee (via FBM) will strengthen their backline, complementing retained defenders like Reza Mirbagheri. With a mix of youth and experience, the Panthers are focused on building a deep and versatile squad under coach Sanjeev Baliyan.
The PKL 12 auction, set for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, is a chance for Jaipur Pink Panthers to become title contenders once again. Will they secure a star raider and a strong defender to challenge for the PKL 12 title? Fans are eagerly waiting to see how the Panthers’ strategy unfolds in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.
FAQs
1. Why did Jaipur Pink Panthers release Arjun Deshwal and Ankush Rathee for the PKL 12 auction?
Jaipur Pink Panthers released Arjun Deshwal and Ankush Rathee to free up their salary purse, allowing them to bid for new raiders and defenders while potentially bringing both back using FBM cards.
2. Who are Jaipur Pink Panthers’ top targets in the PKL 12 auction?
Jaipur Pink Panthers are likely to target raiders like Devank Dalal, Naveen Kumar, or Arjun Deshwal (via FBM) and defenders like Yogesh Dahiya, Shubham Shinde, or Ankush Rathee (via FBM).
3. How will Jaipur Pink Panthers address their raiding issues in PKL 12?
Jaipur Pink Panthers plan to sign a star raider and a supporting raider to create a balanced raiding unit, reducing the over-reliance on one player seen in PKL 11.
