Exclusive: Who will be the captain of Tamil Thalaivas in PKL 12? Coach Sanjeev Baliyan answers

Tamil Thalaivas aim for their first-ever trophy in PKL 12.

Coach Sanjeev Baliyan is one of the most respected names in the Kabaddi circuit. He won the gold medal in four national championships before leading India to its first-ever Kabaddi World Cup title in 2004.

The former Indian skipper also led the side to a top-of-the-podium finish at the 2002 Asian Games and the 2004 SAF Games. He was one of the best raiders of his time and delivered multiple match-winning performances for both the national side and Railways. 

Also Read: PKL 12: Top five best players of Tamil Thalaivas in Pro Kabaddi 2025

The Jaipur Pink Panthers had a topsy-turvy season last time around. They huffed and puffed to the sixth place on the table before being hammered by the UP Yoddhas in the eliminator. As a result, the management opted for a complete reshuffle, starting with the Head Coach.

The Tamil Thalaivas wasted no time in signing Sanjeev. He will now lead a team that has qualified for the playoffs only once in seven editions. They have managed to build a star-studded side, having picked up Indian team skipper Pawan Sehrawat and the consistent Arjun Deshwal at the auction.

They join Narender Kandola and Moein Shafaghi, forming the most potent raiding units in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League. The defence too looks reasonably strong, as prolific right corner Sagar Rathee will make a return from a long injury layoff and will have for company left corner Nitesh Kumar, who was the third-best raider in the last season.

Joining hands with assistant coach D. Suresh Kumar, Sanjeev Baliyan would like to lead the Thalaivas to their first title in PKL 12. Thalaivas‘ head coach was kind enough to take some time out and give an exclusive interview to Khel Now ahead of the upcoming season, where he spoke on several topics.

Here’s what he said:

Initial reactions

“It feels good to be with a new team. This is my first time with the Tamil Thalaivas. We have a strong team on paper, and I am hoping that they will play well.”

Buying both Pawan and Arjun

“In auctions, what we anticipate is generally different from what eventually happens. I didn’t expect either Pawan or Arjun to go at such a low rate. However, when the opportunity came, we took advantage of it. We have already left raiders in the team. So we wanted the right raiders in the auction.”

“We worked hard for this and managed to buy Pawan Sehrawat and Arjun Deshwal. Arjun has been with me for five years. Pawan has played under me at the Railways. Both are brilliant raiders and nice human beings. I am sure they will do what the team needs them to.”

“I didn’t take Arjun only because he has played with me previously. An all-rounder like Pawan is always invaluable. He can play as a defender when needed, in the corner and cover positions. Arjun is a pure raider, so both have different roles.”

Watch the full Interview here:

Lead Raider

“It depends on matchups. Any one of Arjun, Pawan, and Narender can become the lead raider depending on their stats against a particular team. These are senior players and know what is required when. Also, we have four raiders. Whoever does well will play. If Pawan, Arjun, or Narender play badly, they will have to sit out, and Moein Shafaghi can come in. ‘Naam se nahi, kaam se khelenge’.”

Inexperienced covers

“We retained Ronak and Ashish, and also have one NYP player for each of the positions. We will work hard on them during the upcoming camp. I have to point out their flaws.”

Also Read: PKL 12: Pawan Sehrawat will play as defender, says Tamil Thalaivas’ assistant coach D. Suresh Kumar

New skipper

“There will be a 45-day camp. Based on the opinion of the CEO, the owners, the management, and the players, the captain will be appointed.”

Joining hands with D. Suresh Kumar

“We have played together for the Railways previously. He was a defender, and I am a raider. He was with me at Jaipur before and now joins as a local boy at Tamil.”

Preferred length of season

“I have a job at the Railways. I have to stay here without any pay, so I hope for a short season. All coaches with jobs will hope for the same, as they have to take fewer leaves.”

Going step-by-step

“Our first aim is to enter the playoffs. Then, based on our position, we will develop our plans for the road to the trophy. The Thalaivas last played the playoffs in season 9, so we can’t think too far ahead.”

Message to Tamil Thalaivas fans

“I request all of you to shower us with the same love which you have given before. I hope that we can fulfil your expectations.”

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