PKL 12: Top Defenders Crossing ₹1 Crore
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction, held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, was a big event for kabaddi fans. Teams spent huge amounts to build strong squads, and defenders played a key role in the bidding wars. While raiders often grab the spotlight, defenders are just as important in stopping opponents and winning matches. So, who are the top defenders who crossed the ₹1 crore mark in the PKL 12 auction.
In kabaddi, raiders score points by touching opponents, but defenders stop them with tackles to earn points for their team. A strong defense can change the game, making defenders like Mohammadreza Shadloui, Ankit Jaglan, and Yogesh Dahiya highly valuable. The PKL 12 auction showed teams were ready to spend big on these players to strengthen their defense.
The PKL Season 12 auction had over 500 players, including Indian and international stars. Teams had a budget of ₹5 crore to form squads of 18–25 players, including raiders, defenders, and all-rounders. While raiders like Devank Dalal and Ashu Malik were among the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, defenders also saw intense bidding. The auction set a record with 10 players crossing ₹1 crore, including three defenders: Mohammadreza Shadloui, Ankit Jaglan, and Yogesh Dahiya. Let’s explore these top defenders who fetched ₹1 crore or more in PKL 12.
Top Defenders Crossing ₹1 Crore in PKL 12
1. Mohammadreza Shadloui – Haryana Steelers (₹2.23 Crore)
Topping the list of defenders crossing ₹1 crore in PKL 12 is Mohammadreza Shadloui, signed by Haryana Steelersfor ₹2.23 crore. Although listed as an all-rounder, Shadloui is best known for his defensive skills. He has 354 tackle points in just four PKL seasons, making him one of the league’s top defenders. His key role in Puneri Paltan’s Season 10 title and Haryana Steelers’ Season 11 win made him a hot pick.
Shadloui’s price of ₹2.23 crore made him the most expensive player in the PKL 12 auction, not just among defenders but overall. His ability to tackle top raiders, combined with 94 raid points, shows his value as an all-rounder. Haryana Steelers invested heavily to bring him back, knowing he can lead their defense against the raiders in PKL 12, like Devank Dalal and Arjun Deshwal. Shadloui’s signing is a big boost for the team’s title hopes.
2. Ankit Jaglan – Patna Pirates (₹1.573 Crore)
Next among the defenders crossing ₹1 crore in PKL 12 is Ankit Jaglan, re-signed by Patna Pirates for ₹1.573 crore using the Final Bid Match (FBM) card. Ankit is a rising star in PKL, known for his strong tackling and ability to stop raiders in crucial moments. His consistent performances with Patna Pirates made him a key player for the team.
The FBM card allowed Patna Pirates to match the highest bid for Ankit, showing how much they value his defensive skills. His price of ₹1.573 crore reflects his growing reputation and ability to handle top raiders, including the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12. Ankit’s presence strengthens Patna’s defense, and fans are excited to see him take on big names in Season 12.
3. Yogesh Dahiya – Bengaluru Bulls (₹1.125 Crore)
Rounding out the defenders crossing ₹1 crore in PKL 12 is Yogesh Dahiya, signed by Bengaluru Bulls for ₹1.125 crore. Yogesh is a talented defender known for his quick tackles and smart gameplay. His ability to read raiders’ moves and execute successful tackles made him a top target in the auction.
Bengaluru Bulls saw Yogesh as a key player to rebuild their defense. His price of ₹1.125 crore shows the team’s trust in his ability to stop raiders like those in the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 list. Yogesh’s signing is a big step for Bengaluru Bulls, who aim to compete for the title in Season 12 with a strong defensive unit.
Why These Defenders Fetched High Prices
The defenders crossing ₹1 crore in PKL 12 were highly valued for several reasons. First, defense is just as important as raiding in kabaddi. Players like Mohammadreza Shadloui, Ankit Jaglan, and Yogesh Dahiya can stop top raiders, including the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, from scoring points. Second, these players have proven their skills in past seasons, with Shadloui leading title-winning teams and Ankit and Yogesh showing consistent performances. Finally, the competitive bidding in the PKL 12 auction drove up prices, as teams fought to secure top defenders.
Moreover, the auction’s record of 10 players crossing ₹1 crore shows how valuable players are in PKL. While raiders like Devank Dalal (₹2.205 crore) and Ashu Malik (₹1.90 crore) were among the 5 most expensive defenders in PKL 12, defenders like Shadloui also commanded top bids, proving their importance.
How These Defenders Compare to Raiders
The 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 include Devank Dalal (₹2.205 crore), Ashu Malik (₹1.90 crore), Arjun Deshwal (₹1.405 crore), Guman Singh (₹1.073 crore), and Sachin Tanwar (₹1.058 crore). Mohammadreza Shadloui’s ₹2.23 crore price surpassed even the top raider, showing defenders can fetch equally high bids. Ankit Jaglan and Yogesh Dahiya also crossed ₹1 crore, aligning with the lower end of the top raiders’ prices.
This comparison highlights that teams value both raiding and defensive talent. Defenders like Shadloui, Jaglan, and Dahiya will face the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, creating exciting battles on the mat.
With defenders crossing ₹1 crore in PKL 12 now part of their teams, Season 12 promises thrilling matches. Mohammadreza Shadloui will lead Haryana Steelers’ defense, aiming to stop raiders. Ankit Jaglan’s role with Patna Pirates will be crucial in tight games, while Yogesh Dahiya will anchor Bengaluru Bulls’ defense. These players will need to work with their teammates to counter aggressive raiding units.
The PKL Season 12 auction showed the growing value of defenders, with Mohammadreza Shadloui, Ankit Jaglan, and Yogesh Dahiya crossing ₹1 crore. These players are among the most expensive defenders in PKL 12, proving their importance in stopping top raiders, including the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12. As Season 12 begins, fans are excited to see how these defenders perform and help their teams chase the title.
FAQs About Defenders Crossing ₹1 Crore in PKL 12
1. Who was the most expensive defender in the PKL 12 auction?
Mohammadreza Shadloui was the most expensive defender, signed by Haryana Steelers for ₹2.23 crore, though he is listed as an all-rounder.
2. How did Patna Pirates retain Ankit Jaglan?
Patna Pirates used the Final Bid Match (FBM) card to re-sign Ankit Jaglan for ₹1.573 crore, matching the highest bid for him.
3. Why did teams spend so much on defenders in PKL 12?
Teams spent big on defenders like Mohammadreza Shadloui, Ankit Jaglan, and Yogesh Dahiya to stop top raiders, including the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, and build strong squads.
