Chennai
Tamil Thalaivas are preparing for a fresh start in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, which begins on August 29. After missing the playoffs in the last two seasons, the team is aiming for its first-ever PKL title with a revamped squad and a new coach.
The Chennai-based franchise has appointed Sanjeev Baliyan, a two-time PKL-winning coach, as their new head coach. Baliyan led Patna Pirates in Season 3 and Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 9 to titles. Suresh Kumar joins him as the assistant coach.
In the auction, Thalaivas made a big move by signing Arjun Deshwal for ₹1.405 crore. The star raider has 1,174 raid points in 114 matches. Pawan Sehrawat, another proven performer, returns to the team after past injury setbacks.
The team also retained Narender Kandola and Moein Shafaghi, both key raiders from last season. While their raiding unit is strong, defence remains a concern. Captain Sagar Rathee and Nitesh Kumar will anchor the corners, but the cover defenders lack top-level experience.
Injuries to key players like Sagar and Pawan remain a risk, but if the squad stays fit, Tamil Thalaivas could finally be serious title contenders in PKL Season 12.
