The Patna Pirates are gearing up for Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), with their opening match scheduled against the Jaipur Pink Panthers on September 2, 2025, in Vizag. Fans following PKL through rajabets and other betting sites in India are eagerly awaiting the Pirates’ campaign opener.
Aiming for Another Title
The Pirates, already three-time champions, are chasing a record fourth PKL crown this season. In the previous edition, they reached their fifth PKL final but narrowly missed the trophy, losing to the Haryana Steelers. With the rise of sports betting sites 2025, the team’s journey will attract even more attention from kabaddi fans and punters alike.
PKL 2025 Format & Season Start
The 12th season of the Pro Kabaddi League will reintroduce the four-city caravan model, along with several rule updates and structural changes. The tournament kicks off on August 29, 2025, at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Visakhapatnam, making it a thrilling start for viewers and followers on betting sites in India.
Patna Pirates Squad for PKL 2025
Players: Ankit Jaglan ©, Deepak Singh (vc), Sanket Sawant, Maninder Singh, Amin Ghorbani, Mandeep, Sombir, Balasaheb Shahaji Jadhav, Hamid Mirzaei Nader, Thiyagarajan Yuvaraj, Sudhakar M, Ayan, Navdeep, Deepak, Sahil Patil
Team Analysis
Auction & Leadership
Patna retained the majority of their core squad while also making eight fresh signings at the Season 12 auction. Their total team spend came to around INR 4.966 crore. Ahead of the season, they named Anup Kumar, former India captain and decorated Arjuna Award winner, as head coach. Anup, who famously led India to multiple international gold medals and guided U Mumba to PKL glory in Season 2, replaces Narender Redhu at the helm.
Strengths
- Defensive Core: The Pirates’ defense remains their biggest weapon. Key players Hamid Mirzaei, Thiyagarajan Yuvaraj, and Navdeep have been retained.
- Star Retention: Using the Final Bid Match (FBM) option, the team secured Ankit Jaglan for INR 1.573 crore. He was vital in last season’s campaign, scoring 79 tackle points in 25 games.
- Reliable Defender: Another FBM was used to keep Deepak Singh, retained for two seasons at INR 86 lakh, after recording 64 tackle points in 25 matches.
- Added Depth: The inclusion of Sombir Gulia and Amin Ghorbani (both at INR 13 lakh) strengthens their defensive depth, alongside Sanket Sawant, Saurabh, Prianshu, and Balasaheb Shahaji Jadhav.
Weaknesses
- Raiding Concerns: The departure of Devank Dalal has left a noticeable void in the raiding department. While Ayan Lochab has been retained and Maninder Singh added for INR 20 lakh, the raiding unit might not have the same firepower as before.
- Loss of Experience: Shubham Shinde has joined the Telugu Titans. His 56 points in 22 matches and calm leadership as captain last season will be tough to replace, especially in pressure situations.
Season Opener
The Pirates will face Jaipur Pink Panthers in their first game on September 2, 2025, at Vizag, marking the beginning of what they hope will be a successful run toward another PKL title. With rajabets and other sports betting sites 2025 offering exciting markets, fans will be closely tracking every move of the Pirates this season.