PKL 12 Gujarat Giants Squad Analysis for PKL Kabaddi League Season 12
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is just around the corner, and the Gujarat Giants are gearing up to make a strong impact. After a disappointing Season 11, where they finished second-last with only five wins in 22 matches, the Gujarat Giants have revamped their squad for PKL 12. With new players, a fresh strategy, and a new coach, Jaivir Sharma, the team is ready to chase their first-ever PKL title.
One of the standout moves in the PKL 12 auction was the Gujarat Giants’ purchase of Mohammadreza Shadloui, an Iranian all-rounder, for a whopping ₹2.23 crore. This made him the most expensive player in the auction. Shadloui’s ability to contribute in both raiding and defense makes him a game-changer for the Giants. Additionally, the team added players like Milad Jabbari, Nitin Panwar, and V. Ajith Kumar to strengthen their roster.
Gujarat Giants Squad for PKL 12
The Gujarat Giants squad for PKL 12 is a mix of experienced players, young talent, and versatile all-rounders. Here’s the complete squad:
- Raiders: Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh, Himanshu Singh, Himanshu, Shridhar Kadam, Ankit Dahiya, Harish Kamatchi, V. Ajith Kumar
- Defenders: Lucky Sharma (Right Corner), Rohit Nandal (Left Cover), Milad Jabbari (Right Cover), Shubham Kumar (Left Cover), Amit, Sumit
- All-Rounders: Mohammadreza Shadloui, Nitin Panwar, Himanshu Yadav, Visvanth V
This squad was carefully crafted during the PKL 12 auction held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai. The team retained only four players from last season – Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh, Himanshu Singh, and Himanshu Jaglan – while releasing 16 others, signaling a major overhaul.
Strengths of the Gujarat Giants Squad for PKL 12
The Gujarat Giants’ raiding unit is one of their biggest strengths for PKL 12. Parteek Dahiya, with 308 raid points in just two seasons, is a reliable raider who can take on tough defenses. Similarly, Rakesh, with 379 raid points in his PKL career, is eager to bounce back after a less impressive Season 11. The addition of V. Ajith Kumar and Harish Kamatchi further strengthens the raiding department, giving the team multiple options to score points.
Another key strength is the presence of all-rounders like Mohammadreza Shadloui, Nitin Panwar, Himanshu Yadav, and Visvanth V. Shadloui, in particular, is a star player who can tackle effectively and also contribute in offence when needed. His 114 tackle points in PKL and ability to score crucial raid points make him a vital asset. Similarly, Nitin Panwar and Himanshu Yadav add flexibility, allowing the Giants to adapt their strategy based on the opposition.
The appointment of Jaivir Sharma as head coach is a significant boost for the Gujarat Giants. Sharma, who has previously worked with the Indian national kabaddi team, brings a wealth of knowledge and tactical expertise. His ability to guide young players and create effective game plans will be crucial for the Giants’ success in PKL 12.
Weaknesses of the Gujarat Giants Squad
While the raiding unit looks strong, the Gujarat Giants’ defense is a concern. Apart from Rohit Nandal and Lucky Sharma, the team lacks defenders with significant PKL experience. New additions like Milad Jabbari, Shubham Kumar, Amit, and Sumit are talented but relatively untested at the highest level. Last season, the Giants struggled defensively, losing several close matches due to weak tackling.
Unlike previous seasons, when the Giants had players like Fazel Atrachali, a seasoned defender with over 500 tackle points, the current squad lacks a standout defensive leader. While Mohammadreza Shadloui can contribute tackles, he is the only defender who has performed consistently. The absence of a proven defender could make it challenging for the Giants to stop top raiders like Naveen Kumar or Arjun Deshwal.
The Gujarat Giants have a history of struggling in close games, as seen in Season 10 and 11. Many of their key players, including Rakesh and Guman Singh (now released), have had inconsistent performances in the past. For PKL 12, the team will need their raiders and all-rounders to deliver consistently to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Opportunities for Gujarat Giants in PKL 12
The Gujarat Giants have several young players who could shine in PKL 12. Raiders like Himanshu Singh and Shridhar Kadam have the potential to make a big impact if given enough opportunities. Similarly, defenders like Shubham Kumar and Milad Jabbari could emerge as surprises if they adapt quickly to the PKL’s competitive environment.
Mohammadreza Shadloui’s inclusion is a massive opportunity for the Giants. His ability to contribute in both raiding and defense makes him a unique player who can turn matches in the team’s favor. If Shadloui performs to his potential, he could be the key to the Giants’ success in PKL 12.
With a strong raiding unit and versatile all-rounders, the Gujarat Giants have the flexibility to experiment with different strategies. Coach Jaivir Sharma can mix and match players to counter specific opponents, whether by focusing on aggressive raiding or tightening their defense in crucial moments.
Threats Facing Gujarat Giants in PKL 12
The PKL is known for its intense competition, and Season 12 will be no different. Teams like Dabang Delhi, Jaipur Pink Panthers, and Puneri Paltan have strong squads with experienced players. The Giants will need to overcome these challenges to secure a playoff spot.
Much of the team’s success will depend on players like Mohammadreza Shadloui, Parteek Dahiya, and Rakesh. If these players fail to perform consistently, the Giants could struggle to win matches. The pressure to deliver will be high, especially after the team’s poor performance last season.
As mentioned earlier, the Giants’ defense is a weak link. If their new defenders fail to gel as a unit or struggle against top raiders, the team could lose crucial points in matches. The lack of experience in the defensive unit could be exploited by stronger teams.
Probable Starting 7 for Gujarat Giants in PKL 12
Based on the squad and their roles, here’s a likely starting 7 for the Gujarat Giants in PKL 12:
- Mohammadreza Shadloui (All-Rounder)
- Parteek Dahiya (Raider)
- Rakesh (Raider)
- Rohit Nandal (Defender, Left Cover)
- Lucky Sharma (Defender, Right Corner)
- V. Ajith Kumar (Raider)
- Milad Jabbari (Defender, Right Cover)
This lineup balances raiding firepower with defensive stability, with Shadloui providing the all-round spark. However, coach Jaivir Sharma may tweak the combination based on the opposition and match situation.
Strategy for PKL 12
The Gujarat Giants’ auction strategy for PKL 12 focused on addressing their weaknesses from last season. By releasing underperforming players and investing heavily in Mohammadreza Shadloui, the team showed a clear intent to build a more balanced squad. They also targeted young raiders and defenders to add depth, ensuring they have backups in case of injuries or poor form. The retention of Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh, and Himanshu Singh indicates trust in their potential to lead the raiding unit.
Additionally, the Giants avoided spending heavily on multiple big names, instead opting for a mix of high-value signings (like Shadloui) and cost-effective players like Shridhar Kadam and Milad Jabbari. This approach allowed them to maintain financial flexibility while building a competitive squad.
With a strong raiding unit led by Parteek Dahiya and Rakesh, and the all-round brilliance of Mohammadreza Shadloui, the team has the potential to make a deep run in the tournament. However, their defensive inexperience and lack of experienced defenders could pose challenges. Under the guidance of coach Jaivir Sharma, the Giants will aim to overcome these hurdles and finally clinch the elusive PKL title.
FAQs About Gujarat Giants Squad Analysis
1. Who is the most expensive player in the Gujarat Giants squad for PKL 12?
Mohammadreza Shadloui is the most expensive player in the Gujarat Giants squad for PKL 12, acquired for ₹2.23 crore in the auction.
2. Who is the head coach of Gujarat Giants for PKL 12?
Jaivir Sharma is the head coach of Gujarat Giants for PKL 12, replacing Ram Mehar Singh after Season 11.
3. What is the biggest strength of the Gujarat Giants squad in PKL 12?
The biggest strength of the Gujarat Giants squad in PKL 12 is their raiding unit, featuring players like Parteek Dahiya, Rakesh, and V. Ajith Kumar, supported by all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui.
