PKL 2025: Gujarat Giants Eye Maiden Pro Kabaddi Title in Season 12 With New Coach at the Helm

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Mumbai, July 28: After a disappointing campaign last time around, Gujarat Giants will look to make a fresh start to end their long wait for the elusive Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) trophy in Season 12.

Ahead of the new season, the two-time PKL finalists appointed Jaivir Sharma as their new head coach. The Giants have also named Varinder Singh Sandhu as assistant coach for Season 12.

With over 30 years of experience, Jaivir Sharma is regarded as one of the most respected figures in the Indian kabaddi circuit. Under his guidance, the Indian team won gold medals at major events, including the Asian Games, the Kabaddi World Cup and the Kabaddi Championships.

The veteran coach has previously worked with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) since 1992, and played an instrumental role in developing and producing kabaddi stars.

Jaivir has replaced former head coach Ram Mehar Singh, who was released after the Giants finished 11th in the 12-team competition with 38 points from 22 games.

Led by their newly-appointed head coach, the Giants were one of the busiest teams and added 13 players at the Season 12 Player Auction table. Having spent INR 4.967 crore, they have assembled a strong squad filled with top talents to challenge for the PKL Season 12 title.

Know Gujarat Giants’ Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT)

Strengths

One of Gujarat Giants’ undeniable strengths heading into PKL Season 12 will be the inclusion of Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui in their squad. The Giants broke the bank to acquire the services of last season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for INR 2.23 crore. With 82 tackle points and 57 raid points, Shadloui played a pivotal role in guiding Haryana Steelers to their maiden PKL triumph last season.

Additionally, the Giants possess a top-class raiding unit. Ahead of the auction, they retained raiders Rakesh Sungroya, Parteek Dahiya, Himanshu Singh, Himanshu, and added Shridhar Ananda Kadam from the New Young Players category. They also brought in Ajith V Kumar for INR 36.30 lakh and added youngsters K Harish and Ankit for INR 9 lakh each.

Weaknesses

While Shadloui is a top-class defender, the Giants’ overall defence lacks depth and experience. The team will rely heavily on Shadloui to anchor the defence. Players like Shubham Kumar, Rohit Kumar, Nitin Panwar, Milad Jabbari, Lucky Sharma, Amit and Sumit must rise to the occasion to provide support at the back.

Opportunities

The Giants have shown faith in Parteek Dahiya despite a modest performance last season (66 raid points in 15 matches). Season 12 provides him a great opportunity to regain form. Similarly, Rakesh Sungroya will aim to lead from the front with the experience of 461 raid points in 80 games.

Veteran Ajith V Kumar, with 494 raid points in 90 matches, adds further value. Young players like K Harish, Ankit, and Shridhar Kadam will also aim to make their mark in the league.

Threats

While the new coaching staff brings experience, both Jaivir Sharma and Varinder Singh Sandhu will be making their PKL debut. It remains to be seen how they adapt to the dynamics of franchise kabaddi.

The complete squad overhaul may also take time to settle. Building team chemistry among 13 new additions will be a key challenge. The Giants will also need their experienced raiders to fire consistently if they are to mount a serious title challenge in Season 12.