PKL 12: Puneri Paltan Squad Analysis for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12

The Puneri Paltan, winners of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 10, are ready to take on PKL Season 12 with a strong and balanced squad. Known for their disciplined gameplay and solid defense, the Paltan aim to reclaim their title in 2025. Led by captain Aslam Inamdar and guided by head coach Ajay Thakur, the Puneri Paltan squad for PKL 12 looks strong enough to beat any team.

The Puneri Paltan squad welcomed several key players during the PKL 12 auction. Notable additions include Sachin Tanwar, an experienced raider, known for keeping it calm under pressure situations like do-or-die raid, thus he is fondly called as ‘Do-or-Die Specialist’. Mohammad Nabibakhsh, an experienced Iranian all-rounder who adds versatility. Milad Mohajer, another Iranian talent known for his quick raids.

Additionally, they have included Abhishek Gunge, a young raider to support the main raiding unit. Vaibhav Rabade, a right cover defender to bolster the defensive line. Sanjay Enania, a right corner defender adding depth to the squad. These additions, combined with retained stars like Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat, make the Puneri Paltan squad a strong team for PKL 12.

Puneri Paltan Squad for PKL 12

The Puneri Paltan squad for PKL 12 consists of 19 players, including 8 raiders, 9 defenders, and 2 all-rounders. Here’s the complete lineup:

Raiders: Pankaj Mohite, Mohit Goyat, Aditya Shinde, Sachin, Stuwart Singh, Abhishek Gunge, Mohammad Nabibakhsh, Milad Mohajer
Defenders: Gaurav Khatri (Right Corner), Abinesh Nadarajan (Right Cover), Mohd Amaan (Left Corner), Dadaso Pujari (Right Corner), Vishal Bhardwaj, Vaibhav Rabade (Right Cover), Sanjay Enania (Right Corner), Rakesh (Left Corner), Rohan Tupare
All-Rounders: Aslam Inamdar, Gurdeep

The squad was finalized during the PKL Season 12 player auctions on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai. The team retained core players like Aslam Inamdar and Gaurav Khatri while adding new faces, including Sachin Tanwar, to strengthen their lineup.

Strengths of the Puneri Paltan Squad

The Puneri Paltan squad is known for its strong defense, and PKL 12 is no exception. Gaurav Khatri (right corner) and Abinesh Nadarajan (right cover) were key performers in Season 10, contributing significant tackle points. Vishal Bhardwaj and Mohd Amaan add experience, while new additions like Vaibhav Rabade and Sanjay Enania provide depth. This mix of seasoned and young defenders ensures the Puneri Paltan squad can stop even the best raiders in the league.

The raiding unit is led by Mohit Goyat, who scored 122 raid points in PKL 10, and Pankaj Mohite, a consistent performer. Aditya Shinde and Sachin bring energy and skill, while Iranian raider Milad Mohajer adds unpredictability. The addition of young raiders like Stuwart Singh and Abhishek Gunge ensures the Puneri Paltan squad has multiple attacking options.

Captain Aslam Inamdar, an all-rounder, is a standout player with his ability to raid and defend. With 480 raid points and 65 tackle points in his PKL career, Aslam is a leader on the mat. Gurdeep, another all-rounder, adds flexibility, allowing the team to adapt to different game situations. This versatility makes the Puneri Paltan squad well-balanced.

Weaknesses of the Puneri Paltan Squad

While Sachin Tanwar, Mohit Goyat and Pankaj Mohite are reliable, raiders like Stuwart Singh, Abhishek Gunge, and Milad Mohajerare relatively new to the PKL stage. Their lack of experience could be a challenge against seasoned teams, especially if key raiders struggle.

The defensive unit depends heavily on Gaurav Khatri, Abinesh Nadarajan, and Vishal Bhardwaj. While players like Dadaso Pujari and Rohan Tupare add depth, they are less experienced. Any dip in form from the main defenders could expose the team.

The addition of Iranian players Mohammad Nabibakhsh and Milad Mohajer is exciting, but integrating them into the team’s strategy may take time. Language barriers and adapting to PKL’s fast-paced style could be hurdles.

Key Players to Watch in PKL 12

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

Aslam Inamdar (All-Rounder): The captain’s ability to raid (480 points) and defend (65 tackle points) makes him a key player.
Mohit Goyat (Raider): With 122 raid points in PKL 10, Mohit is a consistent performer in the raiding unit.
Gaurav Khatri (Defender): A reliable right corner defender who anchors the defense.
Mohammad Nabibakhsh (All-Rounder): The Iranian raider’s experience adds a new dimension to the attack.
Abinesh Nadarajan (Defender): A key right cover defender who was crucial in PKL 10’s title win.

Head Coach Ajay Thakur’s Strategy

Coach Ajay Thakur is known for his tactical approach. For PKL 12, Thakur focuses on maintaining a strong defense while leveraging Aslam Inamdar’s all-round skills and Mohit Goyat’s raiding abilities. He also aims to develop young players like Abhishek Gunge and Sanjay Enania to ensure the Puneri Paltan squad remains competitive throughout the season. Thakur’s strategy emphasizes teamwork and discipline, which were key to their past success.

Puneri Paltan’s Journey in PKL

Since joining the Pro Kabaddi League in 2014, Puneri Paltan have grown into a powerhouse. After years of consistent performances, they won their first title in Season 10, defeating Haryana Steelers in the final. With a strong squad and experienced coaching, the Puneri Paltan squad is a favourite to win the title in PKL 12.

The Puneri Paltan squad for PKL 12 is a well-balanced team with a solid defense led by Gaurav Khatri and Abinesh Nadarajan, a versatile raiding unit with Mohit Goyat and Sachin Tanwar, and all-rounders like Aslam Inamdar. While challenges like inexperienced raiders and reliance on key defenders exist, the team’s depth and coaching make them strong contenders.