PKL 12 Auction: Tamil Thalaivas rope in Pawan Sehrawat at steal deal

Pawan Sehrawat was earlier picked by Tamil Thalaivas for ninth season of PKL.

Life is a circle, and a great example of the same came to life tonight with the bidding of Pawan Sehrawat. Tamil Thalaivas signed Pawan Sehrawat at a shocking price of 59.50 lakhs at the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) auction. It was not before a great drama unfolded in the auction room. The Indian skipper was the first Indian in the auction tonight, and everyone was looking forward to bagging this airborne Ace.

The base price for Pawan Sehrawat was 30 lakhs, to the surprise of everyone, no team showed interest in the player who was once the most expensive player in the history of the league. But looks like it was a strategy to play the waiting game as Dabang Delhi KC opened the bidding at 30 lakhs. Bengal Warriorz were quick to join the battle as they kept raising the battle again and again, fighting for the Hi-Flyer.

Both teams were involved in a small tussle as Delhi snatched away Bengal’s last year skipper Fazel. But the Bengal wasn’t ready to let go easily, as they went for Pawan till 50 lakhs. As the season seven champions backed out, Tamil Thalaivas joined the race. Pawan has played for the Thalaivas, and they were quick to bid continuously. The battle was quick to end as Delhi backed out at 59.50 lakhs.

Tamil Thalaivas snapped him at 59.50 lakhs, and they showed no expression after the hammer came down as the fear of FBM card was in the face of coach Sanjeev Baliyan & co. To the surprise of everyone, the Titans gave a firm no, and the celebrations started in the Thalaivas camp as they got back their lucky mascot.

Pawan Sehrawat was part of the Thalaivas squad in season nine. Although he could play for only 10 minutes as a knee injury ruled him out of the season, the Thalaivas made it to the playoffs for the first time. In seven seasons, it is their only appearance in the playoffs. The partnership will look to recreate the same in season 12 of the PKL. Pawan will look to make a statement to other teams, as he has a great history in PKL.

Pawan Sehrawat led Bengaluru Bulls to their maiden PKL title

Pawan Sehrawat made his debut with the Bengaluru Bulls in season three, scoring 53 points in 13 games. He had quite a season later that year in season four and was released. In the first-ever mega auction, he went to the Gujarat Fortunegiants for 13.8 lakhs. He scored just 10 points in nine games and was released despite the team making it to the playoffs.

After his stellar performance in the domestic circuit, his price rocketed by 282%, the highest among the players sold in season six, as he was brought back by Bengaluru Bulls. It was the season when Pawan unleashed the Hi-Flyer in him as he scored an impressive 284 points, leading the Bulls to the title for the first time.

Pawan Sehrawat continued his form despite switching teams

Pawan Sehrawat was retained by the Bulls for the next two seasons, and he became an unstoppable force, scoring a mind-blowing 360 points in season seven. It includes a massive 39-point performance against Haryana Steelers, which is still the most in a season. He continued his great form in season eight, scoring 320 points.

Pawan Sehrawat was released ahead of season nine, and Tamil Thalaivas created the record by making him the most expensive player in PKL history in a 2.26 cr bid. But an unfortunate injury in the first game ended his season with just one point. History books recalled him again next year, with Telugu Titans spending 2.605 cr to get his services.

The Indian skipper scored 217 points but couldn’t stop his team from finishing last. He came back with vigour the next season as he was brought back using an FBM card. He helped his team finish seventh, just one win short of making it to the playoffs. The Chandigarh man will be hoping to complete the unfinished business from season nine as both would want to lift the PKL title.

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