Tamil Thalaivas Announce Strong Retention Ahead of Upcoming PKL Season

Tamil Thalaivas have officially announced their player retentions ahead of the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season, maintaining a core group of familiar faces who have previously donned the Thalaivas jersey. The franchise has made a strategic move to secure key performers, positioning themselves well for the upcoming player auction.

Leading the list of retained players is Nitesh Kumar, who emerged as the league’s best defender last season with a series of commanding performances. His retention signals the Thalaivas’ intent to strengthen their defensive line-up once again. Alongside him, former captain Sagar Rathee returns to the squad, fully recovered from the injury that sidelined him last season. His leadership and defensive prowess will add depth and experience to the team.

The franchise has also chosen to retain a promising group of young talent, including Ashish, Vishal Chahal, Ronak, Anuj Gawade, and Dhiraj Bailmare—a move that underlines their focus on developing emerging players. Additionally, all-rounder Himanshu, often regarded as one of the most underrated players in the squad, has been retained for another year.

In the international category, Moein Shafaghi has been retained following an impressive debut season. Shafaghi proved to be a crucial asset for the Thalaivas, stepping up during a challenging phase when injuries plagued the team. His consistent performances were vital in maintaining the team’s momentum on the scoreboard.

Earlier this year, the franchise had already confirmed the retention of star raider Narender Kandola for two more seasons. The youngest captain in PKL history, Narender is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in the Thalaivas’ campaign.

Commenting on the squad retention, CEO Shushen Vashishth said,"We believe in our squad and trust that they will deliver a strong performance this season. I’m particularly impressed with the way the players have been training during the off-season and continuously working on developing their skills."

With a solid core in place, Tamil Thalaivas now look forward to an exciting auction, aiming to build a well-rounded team that can challenge for the title in the upcoming season.