Coaches play an integral part of any sporting setup and kabaddi is no different. They are vital when it comes to laying the foundation for any successful team in Pro Kabaddi League. With the Season 10 Player Auction (PKL 10 Auction) just a few days away, teams have already begun announcing their coaching setup for a milestone 10th season (PKL 10). These coaches will have a massive say at the auction table when it comes to selecting players for the upcoming season.
Behind the scenes on the training mat, it is a coach’s job to get his team’s players fit, ready and geared up for battle in the high-octane stage that is synonymous with Pro Kabaddi. After all, it’s the coach’s duty to guide his troops and formulate strategies before taking on opposition teams.
PKL 10 Head Coaches
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 12 head coaches appointed by the franchises ahead of Pro Kabaddi Season 10.
Kasinathan Baskaran – Bengal Warriors
Baskaran is a vastly experienced coach who won the inaugural Pro Kabaddi trophy with the Jaipur Pink Panthers. He is also an Asian Games 1994 gold medalist who has previously been the head coach of Puneri Paltan and Tamil Thalaivas. Bengal Warriors finished 11th in the standings in Season 9 last time around with Baskaran incharge but he will be hoping to forget about the past and move on with a better show after his reappointment for Pro Kabaddi Season 10.
Randhir Singh Sehrawat – Bengaluru Bulls
There is only one coach who has continued with the same team since the start of Pro Kabaddi and that is Randhir Singh Sehrawat. Bengaluru Bulls have tasted success under his mentorship and won PKL in Season 6. Before he started his tenure with Bengaluru Bulls, he also trained the Railways men’s and women’s teams. This Arjun Awardee has a knack for bringing excellent raw talent to Pro Kabaddi’s big stage.
Rambir Singh Khokhar – Dabang Delhi K.C.
R.S. Khokhar has been appointed as the new head coach of Dabang Delhi K.C.. Khokhar has got enough experience of coaching in the Pro Kabaddi arena. He was the coach of Patna Pirates in the inaugural season and also went on to serve Haryana Steelers as a coach. He is rated as one of the most experienced coaches in the kabaddi circuit and will bring fresh ideas to the Dabang Delhi K.C. setup.
Ram Mehar Singh – Gujarat Giants
Ram Mehar Singh has been associated with Gujarat Giants from Season 9 as a head coach The Giants finished in the 8th spot in the standings in the previous season, which is something Ram Mehar Singh will be keen to improve upon given his past successes in PKL. Under Ram Mehar Singh’s coaching, Patna Pirates lifted the trophy in Season 5. The two-time Asian Games Gold Medalist is known for his strategies off the mat and the Giants will have high expectations from their coach in Pro Kabaddi’s milestone season.
Manpreet Singh – Haryana Steelers
Manpreet Singh started his Pro Kabaddi coaching career on an impressive note with Gujarat Giants in PKL Season 5 by taking his team to the final in back-to-back seasons. He is popular for his aggressive style of coaching and has been the head coach of Haryana Steelers since Season 9 with the team putting on some decent performances under his guidance.
Sanjeev Baliyan – Jaipur Pink Panthers
Sanjeev Baliyan is rated as one of the best coaches in Pro Kabaddi. He made an impact straightaway as a coach when Patna Pirates won the Season 3 trophy with him at the helm. He has also got the experience of coaching sides like U Mumba and Telugu Titans. Defending champions, Jaipur Pink Panthers have decided to stick with Sanjeev Baliyan as their head coach for Season 10 as well after a successful campaign last time around.
Narender Redu – Patna Pirates
Narender Redu has been named as the head coach of Patna Pirates for Season 10. Redu was previously the assistant coach of Haryana Steelers in PKL Season 6. During his coaching career, he played a huge role in improving the kabaddi standards of the Services’ kabaddi team and is expected to do well for three-time champion Patna Pirates in PKL’s 10th edition.
BC Ramesh – Puneri Paltan
BC Ramesh had an unforgettable season with Puneri Paltan in the 9th edition of Pro Kabaddi. Puneri Paltan made their maiden appearance in the PKL final under his guidance and will be looking to go one better in Season 10. In his previous PKL assignments, he has served as the assistant coach for Bengaluru Bulls and played a huge role as a head coach for Bengal Warriors while helping them to clinch the Season 7 title.
Ashan Kumar – Tamil Thalaivas
Ashan Kumar took charge of Tamil Thalaivas midseason in the previous edition of PKL and he changed the fortunes of the side by inspiring a run to playoffs having previously struggled to even get wins. He also has the experience of training the Indian and Iranian national teams. Ashan gave plenty of confidence to the young Thalaivas last season as the team managed to reach their first-ever semi-final in Season 9. The Thalaivas would be hoping to go a step further and lift the trophy in the upcoming campaign.
Srinivas Reddy – Telugu Titans
Srinivas Reddy is a known name in the Pro Kabaddi League circuit and he will be back in the scheme of things with Telugu Titans after Season 4. Back then, the Titans finished second after the league stage matches under his leadership. He has also been a part of the Haryana Steelers as an assistant coach and the head coach of the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Apart from coaching PKL teams, Reddy also has experience of training the Indian men’s and women’s teams.
Gholamreza Mazandarani – U Mumba
Gholamreza Mazandarani is back with U Mumba after previously being the head coach of the side in Pro Kabaddi Season 6. He has also been the coach of Telugu Titans and is widely known for his tenure as coach of Iran in the 2018 Asian Games, which the Iranians won. He also took the Mumboys to the playoffs in Season 6 and will be expected to take them to new heights in Season 10.
Jasveer Singh – U.P. Yoddhas
U.P. Yoddhas have continued to show their faith and trust in Jasveer Singh as the head coach of the side. The former Services coach believes in backing players and displays confidence by giving them a long run on the mat. The Yoddhas have been one of the most consistent sides in the tournament over the seasons and have made it to the playoffs in every edition of PKL since joining the league.