PKL 12: Exclusive Conversation with Patna Pirates and Puneri Paltans new Head Coach Anup Kumar and Ajay Thakur Exclusively on Kabaddi Adda
There is a tangible sense of excitement as the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) prepares for its twelfth season.
The appointment of Ajay Thakur and Anup Kumar, two of India’s most renowned kabaddi players, as head coach for Puneri Paltan and Patna Pirates, respectively, is one of the most significant developments.
Both have made a lasting impression on Indian kabaddi as players, and they will soon apply their knowledge and perspective to their respective teams as coaches for PKL 12.
In Indian kabaddi, Ajay Thakur and Anup Kumar are considered to be the best players ever to grace this Sport
Ajay Thakur has been a reliable raider for the national squad and several PKL teams. He is renowned for his composed manner and clutch exploits.
India won the gold medal at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup thanks to brilliant captaincy from Anup Kumar.
Known as the “God of Kabaddi,” Anup Kumar is recognized for his brilliant raiding skills and tactical sense.
He has coached numerous young players and guided U Mumba to the PKL championship.
It is a logical development for them to go from being athletes to coaches.
Prior to becoming head coaches, both were actively connected with their new teams.
Ajay Thakur, a former player for Puneri Paltan, was the team’s assistant coach in PKL 11.
Following a dazzling playing career, Anup Kumar now contributes his expertise to the Patna Pirates, a team which has demonstrated incredible potential and tenacity in recent years.
Here in this article we will reveal details of Exclusive conversation with these two Coaches to be shared in the below format:
**Anup Kumar Interview:
Q-1: What is the difference between Coaching and Playing? Which one is Most Difficult?
Anup Kumar: See the most difficult job is coaching, as player you are supposed to deliver your own performance.
As coach you are expected to build entire strategy around each and every player, opposition player and stay ahead of opponent in every phase of the game.
Coaching is the difficult job where you need to devise plan against each and every team.
As Coach you are always thinking about long term strategy as the tournament like PKL runs for more than 3 months where you want your players to do well in all aspects of game.
Q-2: What Specific Kind of skills you will teach to Patna Pirates Players?
Anup Kumar: As coach my job is to make things easy for our players where they are allowed to express themselves freely on the mat.
My job is to teach them skills and give them best environment where they can execute their skills to the best of their ability.
Q-3: Based on your perspective What’s Your Take on Coaching Style in Kabaddi?
Anup Kumar: I don’t believe Coaching style has changed a lot and primary responsibility of every coach is to make sure their players are in best shape physically and mentally as the game requires both at the highest level to extract the best performance from any player.
The Job of any Coach is to make sure their team win most games and dominate opponents.
Q-4: What’s Your take on how game has changed in PKL over the years?
Anup Kumar: If you closely observe PKL over the years, nothing much has changed players come and go with time.
Few Rules might have changed but the art of scoring points whether in raiding or in defense remains the same.
Also in last few PKL edition we have seen several young players being picked so my job is to make sure they don’t get distracted and focus on Kabaddi where they can contribute in making Patna Pirates win PKL 12 title.
Q-5: Talk a little bit about your strategy as Coach for Patna Pirates? Expectation from these Players ahead of next edition?
Anup Kumar: I can’ reveal my team strategy now, as Coach my strategy is different and I will make sure Patna Pirates lift PKL title this year. When it comes to young players, all I can assure you that they will give their best performance in the Upcoming Marquee Event.
Q-6: What will be your strategy in Upcoming PKL auction to be held in Mumbai?
Anup Kumar: Young players will be my main priority.
They have the finest opportunity, in my opinion, to express themselves on the mat and help us win games.
Our goal is to assemble a strong team that performs admirably for the franchise as a whole.
Q-7: After Players get picked in PKL 12 auction? What will be your next step?
Anup Kumar:
As coach, it will be my responsibility to make sure every player are motivated to do well in all practice sessions leading up to PKL 12 .
I will also make sure they don’t take practice session lightly as these sessions prepares you for main event where you have best chance to deliver points for your team either in raiding or in defense.
Up Next Detailed conversation with Ajay Thakur:
Q-1: What advice do you have for players?
Ajay Thakur: I constantly advise athletes to concentrate on getting fit.
The demands of the game will be too much for you to bear if you’re not physically fit.
Q-2: What will be your Coaching Philosophy?
Ajay Thakur: My Coaching Philosophy is simple, don’t take pressure unnecessarily and develop a role for each and every player where they know how to win games for the franchise.
Q-3: What will be your message to Players?
Ajay Thakur: I have played this league, I know the kind of pressure it would bring on the table.
The league is designed in such a way where you need to play back to back matches so it is important for players to remain fit and keep themselves in good mindset where they can express themselves to the best of their ability.
Q-4: Your Message to Puneri Paltans Fans?
Ajay Thakur: I will try my level best to make sure we win this title for Puneri Paltans this year as the team has wonderful legacy and some of the best players we have in our arsenal will ensure that we deliver best performance for franchise.
In Upcoming auction we will build solid team around young and experience players who knows how to handle crisis moments really well.
My request as Coach for all Puneri Paltan fans would be to come in huge numbers and support us as we will aiming to lift PKL title this year.
Q-5: Your Thoughts on Rule Change in PKL 12?
Ajay Thakur: Not many rule has changed in Pro Kabaddi League, so my job as Coach would be to make sure I provide the best environment to players, and assemble good squad in Upcoming PKL auction.
If we get all the bases covered in all three domain- raiding, defense and all rounder we will not be an easy team to beat considering our past legacy in PKL.
The PKL 12 auction is expected to be a huge success.
Teams will try to assemble balanced teams since elite players have been released, and each franchise has a different purse amount.
UP Yoddhas has the smallest purse, while Dabang Delhi has the largest.
Each team’s fate for the forthcoming season will be greatly influenced by this auction.
With experienced stars seeking new homes and young players anticipated to draw significant offers, the auction is sure to be an exciting event.
Expectations are high when Anup Kumar and Ajay Thakur assume their new positions.
Both have played for teams that have won championships, and their coaching and playing backgrounds will be quite beneficial.
Their emphasis on teamwork, skill improvement, and physical health is probably going to set the tone for their different franchises.
It is anticipated that Puneri Paltan’s talented team would perform at its peak under Ajay Thakur’s direction.
In a demanding league season, his focus on mental toughness and physical fitness will be crucial.
Anup Kumar’s tactical skill and emphasis on developing young players may be the Patna Pirates’ secret to success.
The transformation of kabaddi stalwarts Ajay Thakur and Anup Kumar into PKL 12 head coaches is evidence of their love for the game.
Their perspectives, background, and foresight will be vital in determining how their teams play in PKL 12.
Fans can anticipate a season full of drama, skill, and memorable moments as the PKL 12 auction draws near.
With new coaches in charge and a new generation of players eager to show off, PKL 12 is poised to revolutionize Indian kabaddi.
The next generation of kabaddi stars is being guided by Ajay Thakur and Anup Kumar, carrying on their tradition from sidelines.
“The evolution of our kabaddi legends into coaching roles reflects the legacy and growing depth of the Pro Kabaddi League. Icons like Anup Kumar and Ajay Thakur, who once inspired millions on the mat, now bring their experience, leadership, and passion to shape a new generation of athletes” said Anupam Goswami, PKL League Commissioner.
Gear Up for Upcoming PKL 12 auction live on 31st May and 1st June 2025 in Mumbai where more than 500 players will go under the hammer either they will go sold or unsold but the excitement it will bring on the table will be surreal.
