PKL 12: Jaipur Pink Panthers Squad Analysis for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12

The two-time champions of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), Jaipur Pink Panthers, are set to compete in PKL Season 12 with a strong and balanced squad. After winning the inaugural PKL title in 2014 and their second title in Season 9, the Panthers are aiming to reclaim glory in 2025. Led by head coach Narender Redhu, the Jaipur Pink Panthers squad for PKL 12 combines experienced players with young talent, making them a formidable team.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers squad saw some exciting additions during the PKL 12 auction. The biggest signing was Nitin Kumar Dhankhar, a dynamic raider acquired for ₹1.002 crore. Nitin’s ability to lead the raiding unit adds significant firepower. Other notable additions include:

Ali Choubtarash (Raider, ₹13 lakh): An Iranian raider who brings international experience to the team.
Uday Kumar Parte (Raider, ₹15 lakh): A young raider with potential to shine in PKL.
Aashish Kumar (Defender, ₹13 lakh): A right cover defender to strengthen the defensive unit.
Nitin Rawal (All-Rounder, ₹50 lakh): A versatile player returning to add balance to the squad.
Deepanshu Khatri (Defender, ₹13 lakh): A right corner defender to support the experienced defensive core.

These additions, combined with retained players like Reza Mirbagheri and Abhishek KS, make the Jaipur Pink Panthers squad a well-rounded team for PKL 12.

Jaipur Pink Panthers Squad for PKL 12

The Jaipur Pink Panthers squad for PKL 12 includes 19 players, with nine raiders, nine defenders, and one all-rounder. Here’s the complete lineup:

Raiders: Sombir Mehra, Ritik Sharma, Manjeet, Vinay, Nitin Kumar (Right Raider), Ali Choubtarash, Meetu, Sahil Satpal, Uday Kumar Parte
Defenders: Reza Mirbagheri, Abhishek KS, Ronak Singh, Nitin Kumar (Right Cover), Mohit, Aashish Kumar, Deepanshu Khatri, Sahil Deswal, Aryan Kumar
All-Rounder: Nitin Rawal

The squad was finalized during the PKL Season 12 player auctions held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai. The team made significant additions, including star raider Nitin Kumar Dhankhar for ₹1.002 crore, to bolster their lineup.

Strengths of the Jaipur Pink Panthers Squad

The Panthers’ defense is one of their biggest assets. Reza Mirbagheri, an Iranian defender, has been a key performer with 96 tackle points in two PKL seasons. His experience and tackling skills make him a vital part of the squad. Alongside him, Abhishek KS (left cover) and Ronak Singh (right corner) form a solid defensive core. Abhishek was the best defender in Season 9 with 89 tackle points, showcasing his ability to stop opposing raiders.

The raiding unit of the Jaipur Pink Panthers squad will be led by Nitin Kumar Dhankhar. Nitin’s ability to score raid points consistently will be crucial. Supporting him are experienced raiders like Manjeet, Vinay, and Meetu, who bring a mix of speed, experience and skill. Ali Choubtarash, the Iranian raider, adds an international dimension, while young players like Ritik Sharma and Uday Kumar Parte provide energy and unpredictability.

Head coach Narender Redhu brings fresh perspective to the Jaipur Pink Panthers squad. His focus on building a cohesive unit with a strong defense and potent raiding force is a major strength. Redhu’s tactical approach emphasizes coordination between raiders and defenders, which could give the Panthers an edge in close matches.

Weaknesses of the Jaipur Pink Panthers Squad

The squad has only one all-rounder, Nitin Rawal, who is experienced but not yet among the top all-rounders in the league. The lack of versatile players who can contribute in both raiding and defense could be a drawback, especially in tight matches where flexibility is key.

While Nitin Kumar Dhankhar leads the raiding unit, many other raiders, such as Ritik Sharma, Sahil Satpal, and Uday Kumar Parte, are relatively new to the PKL stage. Their lack of experience could be a challenge if key raiders like Nitin or Manjeet face form slumps or injuries.

The defensive unit relies heavily on Reza Mirbagheri and Nitin Rawal. While players like Abhishek KS and Ronak Singh add depth, they are less experienced. Any dip in performance from the main defenders could expose the team’s defense.

Key Players to Watch in PKL 12

Several players in the Jaipur Pink Panthers squad are expected to make a big impact in PKL 12. Here are the top five players to watch:

Nitin Kumar Dhankhar (Raider): Acquired for ₹1.002 crore, Nitin’s raiding skills will lead the Panthers’ attack. His ability to score crucial points makes him a key player.
Reza Mirbagheri (Defender): With 154 tackle points in 61 matches, Reza’s defensive skills are vital for the team’s success.
Manjeet (Raider): An experienced raider, Manjeet’s consistency will support Nitin in the raiding department.
Nitin Rawal (All-Rounder): His defensive skill adds balance to the Jaipur Pink Panthers squad.

Head Coach Narender Redhu’s Strategy

Narender Redhu, the new head coach, aims to build on the Jaipur Pink Panthers’ legacy as two-time champions. His strategy focuses on creating a balanced team with a strong defense and a dynamic raiding unit. Redhu emphasizes teamwork and coordination, ensuring that raiders and defenders work together seamlessly. By leveraging the experience of players like Reza Mirbagheri and Nitin Kumar Dhankhar, Redhu plans to make the Panthers a dominant force in PKL 12.

Jaipur Pink Panthers’ Journey in PKL

Since their debut in 2014, the Jaipur Pink Panthers have been one of the most successful teams in PKL history. They won the inaugural season by defeating U Mumba 35-24, with Maninder Singh leading the raids and Ran Singh anchoring the defense. After a few inconsistent seasons, they bounced back in Season 9, clinching their second title under coach Sanjeev Baliyan. Despite a semi-final loss to Haryana Steelers in Season 11, the Panthers have shown resilience and consistency. With a revamped squad for PKL 12, they are poised to chase their third title.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers squad for PKL 12 is a strong and balanced team with a solid defensive unit led by Reza Mirbagheri and Abhishek KS, and a dynamic raiding lineup spearheaded by Nitin Kumar Dhankhar. While challenges like limited all-rounders and inexperienced raiders exist, the team’s depth and coaching make them a top contender. As two-time champions, the Jaipur Pink Panthers are ready to compete fiercely in the Pro Kabaddi League 2025.