The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKl 12) is set to start from August 29 as fans are looking forward for drama and action in the upcoming edition. As in each edition, several players are expected to shine bright and draw the attention of the kabaddi community.
Here are some of the players to watch out for in PKL 12:
PKL 12: Top 5 Players To Look For This Season
Mohammadreza Shadloui (Gujarat Giants)
Mohammadreza Shadloui has emerged as one of the most dominant defenders in PKL history. In PKL 2024, finished as the top defender for Haryana Steelers with an incredible 82 tackle points in 24 matches. His fearless performances, including a game-changing 7-tackle-point effort in the final, were pivotal in leading Haryana to their first-ever PKL title.
Shadloui was acquired by Gujarat Giants in the PKL 12 Player Auction. He is expected carry forward his sensational form from last season.
Arjun Deshwal (Tamil Thalaivas)
Arjun Deshwal has been among the most consistent and dangerous raiders in recent PKL seasons. Despite his individual brilliance last year, a lack of reliable support led to his team’s playoff exit. Deshwal was responsible for more than 50% of his team’s raid points-an incredible individual effort.
This season, he finds himself in a much stronger setup with Pawan Sehrawat and Narender Kandola joining him. With experienced raiders around, Deshwal might have the freedom to elevate his game even further. His synergy with the new lineup will be one of the major talking points this season.
Ashu Malik (Dabang Delhi)
Ashu Malik is set to be a central figure once again for Dabang Delhi in PKL 12. A consistent performer over the past few seasons, Malik continues to evolve into one of the league’s most dangerous raiders.
He scored a massive 262 raid points last season- nearly 57% of Delhi’s total raid points (463). Now retained and named captain again, Malik will benefit from experienced defenders like Fazel Atrachali and Surjeet Singh backing him. Having narrowly missed out on the top raider title in recent seasons, this could finally be his year to take the crown.
Devank Dalal (Bengal Warriorz)
One of the biggest revelations of PKL 11, Devank Dalal stunned everyone with his incredible performance for Patna Pirates. Now acquired by Bengal Warriorz in a record INR 2.205 crore deal-the highest for a raider in PKL 12- expectations are sky-high.
Dalal topped the raiding charts last season with 301 points, contributing nearly 53% of Patna’s total raid points (568). With this high-profile transfer, all eyes will be on whether Dalal can maintain his momentum and justify his price tag.
Also Read: PKL 12: Change In Schedule, Chennai Leg Trimmed
Jaideep Dahiya (Haryana Steelers)
Jaideep Dahiya is chasing history as the first captain to successfully defend a PKL title. Under coach Manpreet Singh- who knows the heartbreak of three final losses- Haryana Steelers have built a robust squad around their skipper.
Dahiya has consistently scored 55+ points every season since his debut, and while Shadloui led the defensive charge last season, the onus now shifts back to Jaideep. With new attacking power from Naveen Express and a solid supporting cast including Vinay and Rahul Sethpal, Jaideep has the tools to lead Haryana to back-to-back titles.
