New Delhi: After back-to-back league-stage exits, Tamil Thalaivas will look to make a new and fresh start in a bid for their first Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) title in Season 12, starting on August 29. They have only managed to qualify for the playoffs just once, since making their PKL debut in 2017.
Under a double-coach system involving Udayakumar as head coach and Dharmaraj Cheralathan as strategy coach, the franchise registered just eight wins in 22 games and finished ninth in the PKL season 11 points table. They released both their coaches, Udayakumar and Dharmaraj Cheralathan, ahead of the upcoming season.
The Chennai-based team has signed two-time PKL title-winning coach Sanjeev Baliyan, who previously led Patna Pirates to the title in Season 3 and Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 9. They also roped in Suresh Kumar as their assistant coach to return to a traditional coaching structure.
The Thalaivas retained most of their core squad before the Season 12 Player Auction despite the poor campaign in the last season. They have also signed five new players at the auction to assemble a strong team for a total amount of Rs 4.973 crore. Let’s take a closer look at the Thalaivas’ strengths and weaknesses ahead of PKL Season 12.
Tamil Thalaivas strengths
Tamil Thalaivas have one of the strongest raiding units in the upcoming season of the PKL. At the Player Auction, they have bolstered their squad by signing Raid Machine, Arjun Deshwal, for a whopping Rs 1.405 crore. He is considered one of the top raiders in the league and has already accumulated 1,174 raid points in 114 matches in his illustrious PKL career.
Additionally, the franchise also signed former Telugu Titans skipper Pawan Sehrawat for Rs 59.50 lacs to bolster their raiding department. Known as the “Hi-Flyer”, all-rounder Pawan Sehrawat has scored 1,318 raid points and 70 tackle points in 139 matches since making his PKL debut in Season 3.
They have also retained Moein Shafaghi and Narender Kandola, who were their top raiders last season. While Iranian all-rounder Moein amassed 103 raid points, and Narender contributed with 82 raid points in Season 11.
Tamil Thalaivas weaknesses
It will be interesting to see how the Thalaivas’ defence will perform in the PKL Season 12. They also have captain Sagar Rathee, Nitesh Kumar, new signings Alireza Khalili, Mohit and Suresh Jadhav in the corner positions. The biggest weaknesses of the franchise is the lack of top players in their cover positions.
They have Ronak and Tarun as their right covers, while retaining the likes of Anuj Kaluram Gawade and Aashish in the left cover positions. While they may lack extensive PKL experience, this season will be their chance to prove their mettle.
Tamil Thalaivas opportunities
The Thalaivas are aiming to win their maiden PKL title, and have appointed Sanjeev Baliyan as their new head coach. He has a stunning coaching record in the PKL, winning trophies with Patna Pirates in Season 3 and Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 9.
Under his leadership, the Panthers have also advanced to the PKL Playoffs in the previous three seasons before ending his stint after PKL Season 11. He will have the opportunity to create history and lead the Thalaivas to PKL Season 12 glory.
Meanwhile, Pawan Sehrawat will be looking to regain his top form after struggling with injuries in the last season. He played 13 matches for Telugu Titans in season 11 and was later ruled out due to an unfortunate injury. He also suffered a knee injury in the opening game of the PKL 9 against the Gujarat Giants in November 2022. He was ruled out of the tournament and had undergone surgery for the same. Pawan will be hoping for an injury-free campaign with the Thalaivas in season 12.
Tamil Thalaivas threats
Tamil Thalaivas’ season will depend on the form of Nitesh Kumar and captain Sagar Rathee. The right corner, Sagar and the left corner, Nitesh, are the experienced defenders in the squad. With 77 tackle points in 22 games, Nitesh was their star performer last season and finished with the third-most tackle points.
He will need to continue his sensational form in the upcoming season. Sagar will return to the squad after playing just one game in PKL Season 11. He missed the majority of last season due to an injury. He has scored 226 tackle points in 71 PKL matches.