PKL 12: Head coaches of all 12 teams participating in auction

The PKL 12 auction will take place on May 31 and June 1.

As the Pro Kabaddi League season 12 (PKL 12) approaches, all 12 teams have started looking towards the future and preparing for the upcoming season. Many teams have parted ways with their previous coaches, including Ram Mehar Singh (Gujarat Giants), Dharmaraj Cheralathan (Tamil Thalaivas).

The head coach’s job in the auction is important, as they select the players and build a strong team. That’s why eight teams appointed new head coaches before the season 12 auction. The remaining four teams have expressed confidence in their previous edition’s coach. On that note, let’s take a look at the head coaches of all 12 teams.

1. Jaipur Pink Panthers – Narender Redhu

The Jaipur Pink Panthers bid adieu to Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan, who joined the side in the ninth season. The coach from Muzaffarnagar enjoyed great success with the side, as they qualified for the playoffs in all three editions encompassing his tenure. This includes their title-winning campaign in his very first year with the side- the team’s first title since 2014.

However, the star-studded Panthers outfit were very inconsistent in PKL 11. They eventually ended sixth on the table, before being drubbed 46-18 by the UP Yoddhas in the Eliminator. As a result, the management decided to move on.

They needed no second invitation after the Pirates surprisingly released Narender Redhu after he led a young unit to the final. The new coach of the two-time champions has a good profile.

2. Patna Pirates – Anup Kumar

Not many people would have predicted the Patna Pirates‘ dream run in PKL 11 at the start of the season, as there were no key names in the team. However, they put on strong performances throughout the season, finishing fourth. They eventually qualified for the final, before losing to the Steelers.

Despite a good performance last season, the management has removed Narender Redhu and appointed Anup Kumar as the new head coach. The 41-year-old from Gurgaon is one of the greatest raiders ever. The Arjuna Award winner led U Mumba to the finals in the first three seasons, including winning the title in the second edition.

3. Tamil Thalaivas – Sanjeev Baliyan

Tamil Thalaivas have appointed Sanjeev Baliyan as their head coach for the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League season. Baliyan previously coached the Jaipur Pink Panthers and Patna Pirates, which won the PKL title under his guidance.

As a coach, Sanjeev Baliyan has won the PKL trophy twice. After a continuous poor performance, Tamil Thalaivas appointed him as their coach for the next season. Given his experience, he can take Tamil Thalaivas to great heights.

4. Bengaluru Bulls – BC Ramesh

Bengaluru Bulls have appointed two-time PKL title-winning coach BC Ramesh as their new head coach for the PKL 12 season. As a coach, Ramesh guided the Bengal Warriorz and Puneri Paltan to PKL titles.

He was also part of the Bulls’ coaching setup when they lifted their only PKL title in 2018. His arrival also brings a close to one of PKL’s most cherished records as Randhir Singh Sehrawat leaves his role after 11 long years. BC Ramesh will become only the second head coach in the Bulls’ history in the Pro Kabaddi League.

5. U Mumba – Anil Chaprana

After parting ways with Indian Kabaddi legend Rakesh Kumar only three months after announcing him Season two champions U Mumba appointed Anil Chaprana as their new head coach for the upcoming season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 12).

Chaprana, who had earlier served as the head coach of the team, was replaced by Gholamreza Mazandarani in 2022. Following that, he joined Patna Pirates as the assistant coach under Narender Redhu for one season. However, in 2024, he made a comeback to U Mumba as the assistant coach during PKL Season 11 and will lead the team in PKL 12.

6. Puneri Paltan – Ajay Thakur

On the auspicious day of Buddha Purnima, Puneri Paltan announced Ajay Thakur as their head coach ahead of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 12. Thakur previously joined the Paltan in the PKL 11 as their assistant coach. Moreover, he also played for the franchise for two seasons in his spectacular career.

As expected of him, he did a fabulous job of getting the best out of the team in the few matches he got to guide them in the previous season.

7. Bengal Warriorz – Naveen Kumar

Bengal Warriorz are delighted to announce the appointment of Naveen Kumar as the team’s new head coach for the Pro Kabaddi League season 12 (PKL 12). A decorated Kabaddi veteran hailing from Haryana, with an illustrious career both as a player and a coach, Naveen Kumar brings with him a wealth of experience and a winning mindset to the Warriorz franchise.

8. Gujarat Giants – Jaivir Sharma

The Pro Kabaddi League season 12 (PKL 12) auction will be held on May 31 and June 1. Gujarat Giants have made strategic changes, including a new coaching staff. The move is taken to build a fearless and strong team for season 12.

Jaivir Sharma has been appointed as the new Head Coach, while Varinder Singh Sandhu will take over as Assistant Coach of Gujarat Giants. With over three decades of experience, Jaivir is among the most respected figures in Indian kabaddi.

9. UP Yoddhas – Jasveer Singh

UP Yoddhas have not made any changes in their coaching staff. Jasveer Singh will be Yoddhas’ head coach again. He joined the team in 2018 and has been guiding UP since then. The team’s performance under his coaching has mostly been good. Last season, the team reached the playoffs and performed brilliantly in the league stage.

10. Dabang Delhi – Joginder Narwal

Like last season, Joginder Narwal will be the head coach of Dabang Delhi. Under his coaching, the team reached the playoffs last season. Joginder Narwal has also captained Dabang Delhi in the past, and it was under his captaincy that Delhi won their only PKL title. He will now coach this team for the second consecutive season.

11. Telugu Titans – Krishna Kumar

Telugu Titans have retained Krishan Kumar Hooda as their coach for the upcoming season. The team performed well under his guidance last season. The team finished seventh and was close to reaching the playoffs. That is why, once again, trust has been expressed in him.

12. Haryana Steelers – Manpreet Singh

Haryana Steelers won their maiden PKL title last season under the coaching of Manpreet Singh. Hence, he has been retained for this season as well. The Steelers will try their best to defend their title under the guidance of Manpreet in the upcoming season.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Kabaddi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.