PKL 12: Pawan Sehrawat opens up on his controversy with Tamil Thalaivas

Tamil Thalaivas released Pawan Sehrawat mid-season after naming him their captain.

After the final league match of Tamil Thalaivas in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12), the team’s head coach, Sanjeev Baliyan, and captain, Arjun Deshwal, revealed during the post-match press conference that they had no say in selecting the starting 7.

They alleged that the team analyst was making the selections and that unfit players were being chosen while fit players remained on the bench.

Following the viral press conference, former captain Pawan Sehrawat reacted on Instagram, writing, “Truth can be hidden, but it can never be suppressed.” Pawan, who was bought by Tamil Thalaivas in the auction and appointed as captain for the season, was sent home after the Vizag leg.

The team later announced that he had been released due to disciplinary reasons, stating that the decision was made in accordance with the team’s code of conduct. Pawan came forward and denied all the claims made by Tamil Thalaivas, stating that he would quit Kabaddi if they could provide any proof of indiscipline.

On Friday, Pawan once again addressed the issue, this time through an Instagram Live session, where he revealed what had actually happened between him and the Tamil Thalaivas management.

On his plans for this season

Pawan Sehrawat revealed that he was fitter than ever before and said,

“I had an injury earlier, and everyone knows I underwent surgery. After that, in the next season, I had an injury in the other leg. But this season, I came fully prepared and had completed my rehab before the tournament began.”

“I have never been this fit before any season, and I was completely focused on PKL 12. I believe that if I had played the entire season, of course, it’s a matter of luck, but I truly think we would have reached the finals,” he added.

On bonding with Arjun

Pawan Sehrawat shared what he had discussed with Arjun Deshwal before the season and said,

“Arjun is like my younger brother, and we shared our goals that we have to win this season for the team and reach the finals together. The team decided that Arjun would be the strike raider, and I would raid in the 4-5 defence, and I agreed to it.”

“It’s not like he can’t score against the 4-5 or I can’t score against 6-7, but it was part of the team’s plan, and we followed it. Before every game, Coach Sahab, Arjun, and I used to discuss the best starting 7, and then we would also listen to the thoughts of other players,” he added.

On the issues with team management

Pawan Sehrawat then finally disclosed the reason behind his release from the team.

He said, “I had some plans in mind to take the team forward. I have this mentality to win the match somehow; some people see that as team spirit, while others may consider it indiscipline. I don’t think it’s the fault of the management or any particular person. I know the Tamil Thalaivas owners; they are good people, and we’ve had discussions on many things before.

I believe my plans were misunderstood due to management’s miscommunication, which is why they made this decision. Whatever plans Arjun, Coach Sahab, and I made, they did not seem right. It’s okay, I’m not saying the management is wrong, but I have played under many coaches and only shared my experiences.”

On the allegations against him

Pawan Sehrawat then shared his thoughts on the allegations of indiscipline made by the Tamil Thalaivas and said,

“The team can do anything if they think it’s right for them; they can send me to the bench, give captaincy to others, or even send me home. But I didn’t like the fact that they labeled me undisciplined. I’ve played under many teams and coaches, and no one will ever say that Pawan has been indisciplined. I only wanted to win for the team and always fought for the team; I’ve shown that while playing for the Indian team as well.

Everything I did was for my team. I don’t like that they gave me this tag. After going home, I was mentally very depressed and avoided going outside because I couldn’t explain to people what had happened to me. Everyone knew our team was strong and expected us to win, but such things affect not just the team but also the fans; this feels like cheating them.”

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