PKL 12: List of new coaches announced so far

So far three PKL teams have announced new coaches.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 (PKL) ends brilliantly. In which Haryana Steelers won their first title. It was redemption for coach Manpreet Singh, who had lost three finals. Some star-studded teams did not live up to expectations. On the other hand, some underdogs with no marquee names punched above their weight, depicting the importance of good coaching.

While it is barely a fortnight since the previous season ended, teams have already started looking towards the future and preparing plans for the twelfth edition. Several teams have parted ways with their coaches, including Ram Mehar Singh (Gujarat Giants), Dharmaraj Cheralathan (Tamil Thalaivas), Sanjeev Baliyan (Jaipur Pink Panthers), and Narender Redhu (Patna Pirates), the last name among these being the biggest surprise.

Also Read: PKL: A look at Pawan Sehrawat’s journey in Pro Kabaddi League

On that note, let’s have a look at the list of new coaches announced so far for the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.

1. Jaipur Pink Panthers – Narender Redhu

The Jaipur Pink Panthers bid adieu to Sanjeev Kumar Baliyan, who had 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.

He also oversaw the emergence of ‘Raid Machine’ Arjun Deshwal and a solid left corner in the form of Ankush Rathee. 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.

Also Read: PKL: A look at Pardeep Narwal’s journey in Pro Kabaddi League

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.

He was the head coach of the Red Army team in the Sri Lanka Sports Exchange Kabaddi Tournament, shepherding the team to a gold medal finish. Five years later, he led the side to a gold medal at the Bangladesh Sports Exchange Kabaddi Tournament held in Bhopal. Redhu was also the assistant coach of the Haryana Steelers in the sixth edition. He holds a Diploma in Sports Coaching (A Grade) certified by NIS.

2. Patna Pirates – Anup Kumar

Not many people would have predicted Patna Pirates‘ dream run in PKL 11 at the start of the season, given that 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.

The youngsters put on a stunning showing, as Devank Dalal and Ayan Lohchab announced themselves. It thus came as a huge surprise when the three-time champions released the man who was steering the ship- Narender Redhu. It is worth noting that Redhu also led the Pirates to a semifinal finish in PKL 10, which was his first edition with the side.

Also Read: List of coaches released ahead of PKL 12

Nevertheless, the management has managed to make a key signing in the form of Anup Kumar. The 41-year-old from Gurgaon is one of the greatest raiders ever. The Arjuna Award winner was successful in taking U Mumba to the finals in the first three seasons, including winning the title in the second edition.

One must also note that Anup was the Head Coach of a young Puneri Paltan outfit in the eighth edition of the league, with the likes of Aslam Inamdar, Mohit Goyat, Abhinesh Nadarajan and Akash Shinde playing their debut seasons. Not only did the side enter the playoffs, but it also was a trailer for things to come, as these names have now gone on to become established players, with some of them having made their international debut.

3. Tamil Thalaivas – Sanjeev Baliyan

Tamil Thalaivas have appointed Sanjeev Baliyan as their head coach for the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League season. Baliyan was earlier the coach of the Jaipur Pink Panthers. He also made the team win the title during the 9th season.

Overall, as a coach, Sanjeev Baliyan has won the PKL trophy twice. After continuous poor performance, now Tamil Thalaivas has appointed him as their coach for the next season. Looking at his experience, it can be said that 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 has guided the Bengal Warriorz and Puneri Paltan to PKL titles.

Also Read: PKL 12: Bengaluru Bulls appoint BC Ramesh as new head coach

He was also part of the Bulls’ coaching setup when they lifted their only PKL title in 2018. Hir 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 Bulls’ history in the Pro Kabaddi League.

5. U Mumba – Rakesh Kumar

Season two champions U Mumba have appointed Indian Kabaddi legend Rakesh Kumar as their new head coach for the upcoming season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 12). The appointment answers a long-pending question of the PKL fans after the men in orange parted ways with Gholamreza Mazandarani, who led them to the playoffs after three seasons.

The announcement of Rakesh taking over the helm will leave all the U Mumba fans jubilant. The all-rounder has been a stalwart of the game and has tasted success during his two-decade association with it. This marks the legend’s return to U Mumba, having played for them in seasons three and four in PKL.

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