PKL 12: Jaideep Dahiya remains Haryana Steelers captain; Rahul Sethpal named vice-captain

Haryana Steelers won their first PKL trophy in Season 11.

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) is set to commence on Friday, August 29, with Telugu Titans taking on Tamil Thalaivas in the opening encounter of the season.

With the 12th season getting closer, defending champions Haryana Steelers have retained Jaideep Dahiya as their captain for the upcoming season. The franchise have also named Rahul Sethpal as the vice-captain for the 12th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League.

Speaking about the announcement, Head Coach Manpreet Singh said, “Kabaddi is a game that demands unity and quick decision-making, and both Jaideep and Rahul bring those qualities to the mat. Both have been essential to our success last season, on and off the mat.”

“Their discipline, consistency, and exceptional performances inspired the squad and set the benchmark on how we want to tackle this season.  With new vigour and focus, the Dhaakad Boys are back this season – we are confident to defend our title and lift the trophy again,” Singh added.

Under the leadership of Jaideep Dahiya and Rahul Sethpal, Haryana Steelers won their maiden PKL title in the previous edition, defeating Patna Pirates 32-23 in the summit clash. The Steelers finished atop the standings with 84 points in 22 matches, including 16 wins and six losses.

Also Read: PKL 12: Haryana Steelers’ full schedule & squad for Pro Kabaddi 2025

Left cover, Jaideep has been part of the Haryana Steelers squad since making his PKL debut in 2021. He has played four seasons with the Haryana-based franchise and ended the previous season with 39 points in 21 matches.

Meanwhile, Rahul Sethpal, the right corner, earned 76 points in 24 matches, including seven Super Tackles and four High 5s in PKL Season 11. He joined the Steelers ahead of PKL Season 10 and has played two consecutive PKL finals with the franchise.

Haryana Steelers to begin title defense on Day 3 of PKL 12

Defending champions Haryana Steelers will play their first match of the season against Bengal Warriorz in Match 6 of PKL 12 at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag. They will have their eyes set on the PKL trophy as they look to defend their title.

Also Read: PKL 12: What will be Haryana Steelers’ starting 7 in Pro Kabaddi 2025?

Haryana Steelers’ full squad-

The defending champions, Haryana Steelers, enter Season 12 with confidence and continuity. Captain Jaideep leads a well-balanced squad, while the addition of star raider Naveen Kumar adds firepower to their attack. With most of their title-winning core intact, they’re favorites to achieve back-to-back championships.

Raiders: Vikas Ramadas Jadhav (right raider), Vinay, Shivam Anil Patare (left raider), Jaya Soorya NS (left raider), Vishal S. Tate (right raider), Mayank Saini, Ghanshyam Roka Magar (F), Shahan Sha Mohammed (F), Naveen Kumar.

Defenders: Jaideep (left cover), Manikandan N (right cover), Rahul Sethpal (right corner), Ankit (right corner), Sachin (right cover), Ritik (left cover), Hardeep (left corner), Rahul (left corner), Zubair (right cover).

All-rounders: Sahil, Ashish.

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