[Watch] Manpreet Singh supports Pawan Sehrawat amid controversy with Tamil Thalaivas in PKL 12

Pawan Sehrawat’s ouster from Tamil Thalaivas created a huge uproar in the PKL.

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) faced one of its biggest mid-season controversies as Pawan Sehrawat, captain of the Indian national team and Arjuna Awardee, was released by Tamil Thalaivas for “disciplinary reasons”.

Now, Haryana Steelers head coach Manpreet Singh weighed in on the controversy surrounding Pawan Sehrawat’s removal from the Tamil Thalaivas squad in PKL 12.

Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the Steelers’ close 40-37 win over the Gujarat Giants on September 15, Manpreet pointed out Pawan Sehrawat’s stature in Indian Kabaddi and questioned the decision to send him out of the team. 

“See, Pawan is the captain of India; he brought home a medal from the Asian Games, and without any clear reason, they are removing him from the team. What really happened, we don’t know, but he is a good raider. He should be with his team, and yes, performance can go up and down, but if he stayed with the team, he would have delivered even more for Tamil Thalaivas,” said Manpreet Singh.

Manpreet’s comments reflect the uncertainty that has surrounded the incident. The decision, announced by Tamil Thalaivas on Instagram on September 12, cited “disciplinary reasons” but did not disclose specific details. Sehrawat had played all matches for the team this season before the announcement.

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Pawan Sehrawat’s response to Tamil Thalaivas

In response, Pawan Sehrawat took to social media to deny any indiscipline. He reiterated his commitment to professionalism and said that if the allegations against him are proved true, he will quit playing Kabaddi. He also mentioned his plans and ambitions for Season 12, which failed to come to fruition due to issues within the management.

The 29-year-old is one of the most successful raiders in PKL. He has 1,340 points in 142 games and has also led Bengaluru Bulls to the Season 6 title. Pawan also guided India to gold in the Asian Games 2022 and received the Arjuna Award in 2023 for his services to the sport.

Thalaivas bought Pawan for ₹59.5 lakh in the Season 12 auction, named captain, and was considered vital to the team’s playoff ambitions before this abrupt decision.

This controversy also saw personalities such as Rahul Chaudhari, commentator Sunil Taneja, and coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat publicly express their views, highlighting the need for transparent decision-making in matters affecting player careers.

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