PKL 12: Top five best players of Puneri Paltan in Pro Kabaddi 2025

Puneri Paltan aim for a better finish in PKL 12.

Puneri Paltan have been the story of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in the decade-long history of the league. Having failed to make it to the playoffs in the first two seasons, they decided to get into the roots as they hired Ashok Shinde, who was successful in the domestic circuit.

As a brainchild of Shinde, Puneri Paltan started the Yuva Paltan academy to scout talents, nurture them, and bring them to the Pro Kabaddi League. The academy started giving results, and it culminated in them winning the title in season 10. With Shinde as the Head strategist, the Maharashtra-based franchise has built a strong squad raring to go for the title.

Also Read: PKL 12: Top five best players of Bengaluru Bulls in Pro Kabaddi 2025

Let’s look at the five best players in the Puneri Paltan squad who will be key to their success in Pro Kabaddi 2025.

5. Sachin Tanwar

Sachin Tanwar finds a new home at Puneri Paltan after having a tough season with Tamil Thalaivas last year. He started the season with a lot of promise, making Thalaivas top the points table. But his form dropped massively as he had to be benched in the latter half of the season.

The do-or-die specialist will be raring to start afresh with the season 10 champions. The lanky raider had a good run in domestic tournaments with Rajasthan and would like to replicate his old form for his new team.

4. Abinesh Nadarajan

Abinesh Nadarajan was one of the raw talents who succeeded in his maiden season in PKL. He was signed by Puneri Paltan at just six Lakhs in season eight. He scored a High-5 in his debut game, helping them win a close encounter against U Mumba.

There has been no turning back since then as he has amassed 184 points in 83 games. His presence has made the Pune defence a strong fortress, and he will again be the key to Pune’s success this season.

3. Mohit Goyat

If Abinesh was for defence, Mohit was the find in the raiding department during the same season eight of the season. His success story is very similar to his right cover teammate, as he has been one of the consistent performers in the last four seasons of the league.

Puneri Paltan’s strategy to have multiple raiders on the mat to enable them to rotate well to keep all of them fresh in the final minutes augurs well with Mohit. His energy and swiftness keep the defenders on their toes. He had a slight dip in form last year and would want to make amends this year.

2. Gaurav Khatri

Every team would love to have strong corner defenders as they will be the ones who initiate a defensive hold before the rest of the team pounces on him. Gaurav Khatri is the answer to what they want for Puneri Paltan.

He has been rock solid at the right corner, and his presence has made the raiders think twice about aiming for a bonus point or a touch point. He relishes playing in big games, and it was he, the top-scoring defender in the season 10 finals, who helped Pune lift the trophy. The 33-year-old will look to repeat the same in season 12.

1. Aslam Inamdar

If Abinesh is for defence, Mohit is for raid, then it is Aslam Inamdar in the all-rounder department that Puneri Paltan found in season eight. He was nurtured by none other than Anup Kumar as the head coach. The former World Cup-winning skipper found the captaincy skills in him and made him the captain in his third season.

He guided the young team to the finals, and his composure on the mat to control the game was a joy to watch. The fans can expect the man who ended their trophy drought to bring another one home.

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