High Flyer & Raid Machine to Lead Tamil Thalaivas in PKL 2025
Tamil Thalaivas have named Pawan Sehrawat as Captain and Arjun Deshwal as Vice-Captain for the upcoming Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), signalling a fresh leadership era as the team eyes the championship.
Known across the PKL as the “High Flyer,” Pawan Sehrawat is among the league’s most explosive talents. He became the costliest player in PKL history when Tamil Thalaivas signed him for ₹2.26 crore in Season 9. Representing the Reserve Bank of India, Pawan has brought glory to the nation with gold medals at the 2019 South Asian Games and the 2023 Asian Kabaddi Championship.
Joining him at the helm is Arjun Deshwal, dubbed the “Raid Machine,” who steps into the Vice-Captain role. A native of Uttar Pradesh and a Deputy Superintendent of Police, Arjun boasts a decorated career, including a gold medal with India at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China.
The Thalaivas also unveiled their Season 12 jersey—an all-blue kit accented with gold, symbolising the team’s ambition to lift the kabaddi crown.
Head Coach Sanjeev Balyan praised the duo:
“Pawan is a battle-tested leader who thrives under pressure. His ability to inspire and deliver in big moments makes him the perfect captain. Arjun brings dedication, discipline, and calm to the mat—together, they form a leadership team every opponent will fear.”
Assistant Coach Suresh Kumar added:
“With Pawan’s all-round skills and Arjun’s raiding brilliance, we have a strong core to lead our powerful line-up this season.”
CEO Shushen Vashishth noted:
“With Pawan’s experience and Arjun’s energy, we believe this leadership pair will take our team to the next level. Our new kit reflects our unity, hunger, and determination to win the trophy.”
The team also announced partnerships with ARS Steels, fintech brand Finkeda, and the upcoming Tamil film Balti starring Shane Nigam and Shanthnu Bhagyaraj. Finkeda specialises in digital financial services for underserved areas, while ARS Steels is a leading Tamil Nadu-based steel manufacturer recognised for quality and sustainability.
Tamil Thalaivas will showcase their new leaders and kit on August 29, 2025, in their opening match against Telugu Titans as they begin their push for the title.
