Stacked With Top Defenders and Quality Raiders, Patna Pirates Eye Fourth PKL Trophy

The stage is set for another thrilling edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), and all eyes are on Patna Pirates as they aim to reclaim the crown. With three PKL titles already in their cabinet, the Pirates are chasing a record-extending fourth championship in Season 12, determined to bounce back from last year’s heartbreak.

The Pirates entered Season 11 with high hopes and stormed into their fifth PKL final. However, their dreams were dashed by the Haryana Steelers, who edged them out in the title clash. The defeat prompted swift changes — starting with the departure of head coach Narender Redhu just hours after the final whistle.

In his place, the Pirates turned to a familiar legend: Anup Kumar, the former India captain, Arjuna Awardee, and PKL icon, whose tactical nous and leadership are expected to inject new energy into the squad.

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Anup Kumar’s Return to the Spotlight

Anup Kumar is no stranger to success on the kabaddi mat. As a player, he led India to Asian Games gold medals in 2010 and 2014, a South Asian Games gold, and the Kabaddi World Cup in 2016. Domestically, he captained U Mumba to three consecutive PKL finals in the league’s early years, winning the Season 2 title before concluding his career with Jaipur Pink Panthers.

Now in the coaching role, Anup inherits a team with an established core and a fresh injection of talent. The Pirates will hope that his player-first approach and deep understanding of kabaddi strategy can help them navigate the challenges of a long and gruelling season.

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Auction Moves and Squad Balance

Ahead of Season 12, Patna Pirates retained most of their defensive backbone while making targeted acquisitions at the PKL Player Auction. Spending ₹4.966 crore, they signed eight new players to reinforce their squad across all positions.

The defence, already one of the most formidable in the league, has been further strengthened:

• Ankit Jaglan (Left Corner) – Retained via the Final Bid Match (FBM) card for ₹1.573 crore. The star defender amassed 79 tackle points in 25 matches last season and was instrumental in their run to the final.

• Deepak Singh (Right Cover) – Also retained via FBM for ₹86 lakh (two-season contract). With 64 tackle points, he was among the top right covers in the league.

• Sombir Gulia & Amin Ghorbani (Right Corners) – Acquired for ₹13 lakh each, adding depth and rotation options.

• Additional defensive options include Sanket Sawant (Left Cover), Saurabh, Prianshu, Balasaheb Shahaji Jadhav (Right Cover), and Deepak Rajender Singh (Right Cover).

This defensive arsenal ensures that the Pirates remain one of the hardest teams to score against, a hallmark of their championship-winning seasons.

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The Big Void in the Raiding Department

While the Pirates’ defence looks rock-solid, the attacking unit has seen major changes — and not all of them positive. The most significant blow came with the departure of Devank Dalal, the breakout star of Season 11.

Devank lit up the league with 301 raid points in 25 games, earning the Best Raider award and becoming the Pirates’ go-to match-winner. His combination of speed, agility, and mat awareness made him a nightmare for opposition defences. Losing him to another team means the Pirates enter Season 12 without their most prolific scorer.

Who Will Step Up?

In Devank’s absence, the raiding responsibilities will likely fall on Ayan Lochab and Maninder Singh.

• Ayan Lochab – The New Young Player Award winner in Season 11, Ayan made a huge impact in his debut season, tallying 184 raid points, along with four Super Raids and seven Super 10s. His defensive contribution (nine tackle points) also highlighted his all-round potential. Season 12 will test whether he can handle the pressure of being the lead raider.

• Maninder Singh – A veteran of the league and one of PKL’s all-time greats, Maninder arrives for just ₹20 lakh — a bargain considering his track record. Although his previous campaign was quiet (100 raid points in 15 matches), his experience, leadership, and ability to deliver in crunch moments could be invaluable in mentoring the younger raiders.

The Pirates also retained rising star Ayan Lochab and will be looking to integrate other emerging talents into the rotation to maintain depth throughout the season.

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Strengths Heading Into Season 12

1. Elite Defensive Core – With Ankit Jaglan and Deepak Singh leading the charge, supported by a mix of seasoned and young defenders, the Pirates’ tackle success rate is likely to remain among the league’s best.

2. Experienced Leadership – Anup Kumar’s presence as head coach could be the X-factor, particularly in close games where tactical substitutions and raid planning make the difference.

3. Raiding Potential – While unproven as a combination, Ayan and Maninder provide a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran calm.

4. Consistency in Core Players – By retaining much of last year’s lineup, the Pirates avoid the disruption of a complete rebuild.

Potential Weaknesses

1. Loss of a Star Raider – Devank Dalal’s departure leaves a gap that will be hard to fill immediately.

2. All-Rounder Shortage – Apart from Ankit Jaglan, there is a notable lack of quality all-rounders, which could hurt in scenarios requiring tactical flexibility.

3. Coaching Inexperience – While Anup Kumar is a kabaddi legend, his limited track record as a head coach (including a 10th-place finish with Puneri Paltan in Season 7) means his adaptability will be tested.

4. Transition Time – Integrating eight new signings into the existing core may take time, which could cost points early in the season.

The X-Factor: Anup Kumar’s Game Sense

Known for his ice-cool demeanour and sharp reading of the game, Anup Kumar earned the nickname “Captain Cool” during his playing days. His ability to assess situations and make calm, calculated decisions could be decisive in a league where matches are often decided in the final minutes.

As a player, Anup finished his PKL career with 527 raid points and 69 tackle points in 91 matches, a testament to his versatility. His coaching philosophy, focused on empowering players to make smart decisions on the mat, could align well with the Pirates’ disciplined defensive style.

What History Tells Us

Patna Pirates are the most successful team in PKL history, with three consecutive titles in Seasons 3, 4, and 5. Their identity has traditionally been built on ferocious defending and clinical raiding, a formula that remains central to their approach.

In recent years, however, the balance between defence and attack has been inconsistent. Season 11 showed that the Pirates can still compete at the highest level, but turning finals appearances into championships will require an extra edge — something they hope Anup Kumar and their revamped roster can provide.

Season 12 Outlook

With the league becoming more competitive each year, no team can afford a slow start. The Pirates’ defensive unit will likely keep them in games, but the big question is whether their raiders can consistently convert opportunities into points.

If Ayan Lochab takes the leap to become an elite raider and Maninder Singh rediscovers his best form, Patna Pirates could very well find themselves lifting the trophy for a record fourth time. On the flip side, if the attack falters, even the best defence may not be enough in high-scoring encounters.

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Final Word

Patna Pirates enter PKL Season 12 as a team with both pedigree and promise. Their stacked defensive line-up, combined with quality raiding options and the leadership of Anup Kumar, makes them one of the top contenders for the title.

However, success will depend on how quickly the new-look raiding department gels and whether they can compensate for the absence of Devank Dalal. In a league where momentum can change in a single raid, the Pirates will need to be sharp, adaptable, and relentless from day one.

One thing is certain: with the Pirates in the mix, the road to the PKL trophy will be anything but easy for their rivals.

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