Puneri Paltan Target PKL Season 12 Glory with Revamped Squad

Puneri Paltan, PKL Season 10 champions, aim to bounce back after finishing eighth in Season 11. With Ajay Thakur promoted as head coach and key players like Aslam Inamdar, Pankaj Mohite, Mohit Goyat, and new signing Sachin Tanwar (1,034 raid points), Pune boast a strong raiding unit. However, defensive depth, especially at right cover, remains a concern.

Going into the new season, Puneri Paltan are determined to reclaim their lost glory in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 after a disappointing eighth-place finish last year with just nine wins in 22 matches. Champions of Season 10 and consistent playoff contenders in six of the 11 editions, Pune have placed their faith in experience and continuity. Former India captain and kabaddi legend Ajay Thakur has been promoted to head coach, while Ashok Shinde will serve as head strategist.

The team has retained its core raiding unit with Pankaj Mohite, who scored 110 raid points in 22 games last season, Mohit Goyat with 83 raid points, and captain Aslam Inamdar, who missed much of the last campaign due to a knee injury. They also made a big move by signing star raider Sachin Tanwar for INR 1.058 crore, adding his 1,034 career raid points to their arsenal. Iranian duo Mohammad Nabibakhsh and Milad Mohajer further strengthened their attack.

Defence remains a concern, with Abinesh Nadarajan as their only proven right cover and heavy reliance on corners Vishal Bhardwaj and Gaurav Khatri, who managed 61 tackle points last season. With young talents like Mohd Amaan stepping up and Aslam’s fitness being key, Puneri Paltan’s campaign will hinge on balancing their attacking firepower with a stable defence.