Jaipur Pink Panthers return for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (2025) with a balanced squad blending retained core players and fresh auction signings. Led by experienced defenders and new raiders, the franchise aims to chase its third PKL title after triumphs in 2014 and 2022.
Squad Overview
Elite & Retained Players
Reza Mirbagheri (Defender – Left Cover, Iran):
A seasoned Iranian defender, Mirbagheri is known for his precision in tackles and strong leadership. He was crucial in Iran’s international kabaddi success and brings stability to the backline.
Abhishek KS (Defender – Left Cover, India):
A young and consistent performer, Abhishek’s agility and understanding of the left-cover position make him a dependable figure in defense.
Ronak Singh (Defender – Right Corner, India):
A rising star in the right corner, Ronak’s aggressive style and fast footwork make him a threat to opposition raiders.
Nitin Kumar (Defender / Raider, India):
A multi-talented player who contributes in both attack and defense. His adaptability allows Jaipur flexibility during tight matches.
Sombir (Raider, India):
A retained asset, Sombir has a sharp eye for weak defensive spots and is capable of pulling off successful raids under pressure.
Ritik Sharma (Raider, India): Known for his energy and commitment, Ritik is one of Jaipur’s promising young talents, often used as a strategic raider in the mid-phase of matches.
Aryan (Defender – Left Corner, India): Still early in his PKL career, Aryan is showing steady growth and reliability at the left corner.
Sahil Deshwal (Defender – Left Cover, India): Tall and composed, Sahil uses his long reach to execute timely dashes and blocks.
Deepanshu (Defender – Right Corner, India): Calm under pressure, Deepanshu brings balance and supports aggressive defenders like Ronak.
Sahil (Satpal) (Raider, India): A rotational raider who is used to shake up the tempo with short bursts and surprise attacks.
New Auction Additions (PKL 12 Picks)
Nitin Kumar Dhankar (Right Raider, India): One of the biggest signings this season, Dhankar is a raider with power and confidence, known for breaking through heavy defenses.
Uday Parte (Raider, India): A young talent with great speed, Parte’s knack for bonus points makes him an effective support raider.
Nitin Rawal (All-Rounder, India): Rawal adds immense value due to his ability to perform well on both ends of the mat. His defensive anticipation is sharp.
Manjeet Dahiya (Raider, India): With 97 raid points last season, Manjeet is an established name. His split-second decision-making and high scoring efficiency make him a game-changer.
Ali Samadi Choubtarash (Raider, Iran): An Iranian international known for his unpredictable movement and risk-taking ability. A wild card with strong upside.
Meetu (Raider, India): Eager to prove himself, Meetu relies on quick footwork and escape techniques to score under pressure.
Vinay (Raider, India): Quiet but impactful, Vinay plays a support role but can turn games with sudden spurts of successful raids.
Mohit (Defender – Right Cover, India): Strong and sturdy, Mohit covers his area with confidence and isn’t afraid to engage raiders one-on-one.
Aashish Kumar (Defender – Right Cover, India): Seen as a replacement for Ankush, Aashish has big shoes to fill. He brings a sharp eye for ankle holds and tactical positioning.
New Auction Additions (PKL 12 Picks)
Nitin Kumar Dhankar (Right Raider, India): Signed for ₹1.0025 crore. A high-volume strike raider expected to take on more responsibility after key departures.
Uday Parte (Raider, India): A promising New Young Player signed for ₹50.1 lakh. Expected to grow into a key raiding asset in the supporting cast.
Nitin Rawal (All-Rounder, India): Bought for ₹50 lakh. Offers balance—can raid when needed and slot into defensive lines when required.
Manjeet Dahiya (Raider, India): Acquired at ₹40 lakh. Last season clocked 97 raid points, making him Jaipur’s standout purchase during the auction.
Ali Samadi Choubtarash (Raider, Iran): Auction pick for ₹16.2 lakh. Known for swift strike raids and international pedigree.
Meetu (Raider, India): Brought in at ₹13 lakh. Young and hungry to prove himself on the PKL stage.
Vinay (Raider, India): Also bought for ₹13 lakh. An emerging raider adding versatility to team rotations.
Mohit (Defender – Right Cover, India): Acquired for ₹13 lakh. Adds depth to a vital defensive position alongside Reza and Abhishek.
Aashish Kumar (Defender – Right Cover, India): Auctioned for ₹27 lakh. A right-cover pickup seen as a potential replacement for Ankush’s absence.
Player Backgrounds & Experience
- Reza Mirbagheri brings international experience and leadership to Jaipur’s backline, a trusted figure since retained as Elite Player.
- Abhishek KS, Sombir, Ritik, and Ronak Singh are part of Jaipur’s retained core—well-versed in the team’s strategies and culture.
- Uday Parte, Nitin Dhankar, Manjeet, and Ali Samadi are among the top new talents added—Manjeet Dahiya in particular with 97 raid points last season for Hyderabad’s opposition shows match-winning capability.
- Aashish Kumar steps into Ankush Rathee’s role—a big responsibility considering Ankush was one of the league’s best defenders in PKL Season 9.
Team Performance Snapshot (Season 11)
- Total Matches: 23
- Wins: 2 | Draws: 2 | Losses: 19 — Finished 8th overall
- Raiding: 957 raids, 239 successful raids, 411 raid points (including 309 touch points + 102 bonuses)
- Defense: 507 tackles, 231 successful, 17 super tackles, and 246 defense points
What To Watch in 2025 Season
- Can Manjeet & Dhankar fill the raiding void?
- Reza Mirbagheri’s leadership impact.
- New Young Player Uday Parte’s development.
- Unproven defenders like Mohit & Aashish must step up quickly.
Read More At Jaiur360Degree
Quick Table: Jaipur Pink Panthers 2025 Squad at a Glance
| Player | Role | Background & Experience |
| Reza Mirbagheri | Defender (Left Cover) | Elite defender with international leadership |
| Abhishek KS | Defender (Left Cover) | Young retained defender, consistent performance |
| Ronak Singh | Defender (Right Corner) | New young corner defender with sharp tackle instincts |
| Nitin Kumar | Defender / Raider | Flexible role, supports both offense & defense |
| Sombir | Raider | Retained raider, agile and experience-based |
| Ritik Sharma | Raider | Young retained raider with promising potential |
| Aryan | Defender (Left Corner) | Reliable junior corner defender |
| Sahil Deshwal | Defender (Left Cover) | Solid left-cover presence |
| Deepanshu | Defender (Right Corner) | Steady and strategic corner defense |
| Sahil (Satpal) | Raider | Retained raider—rotational depth |
| Nitin Kumar Dhankar | Raider | Star auction signing (₹1 Cr), expected point-scorer |
| Manjeet Dahiya | Raider | Key auction pick (₹40 L)—97 points last season |
| Uday Parte | Raider | New Young Player, high upside |
| Nitin Rawal | All-Rounder | Balanced player: raiding + defense flexibility |
| Ali Samadi Choubtarash | Raider (Iran) | International raider offering quick strike ability |
| Meetu | Raider | Emerging young raider |
| Vinay | Raider | Auction raider providing squad depth |
| Mohit | Defender (Right Cover) | Auction addition to fill in defensive depth |
| Aashish Kumar | Defender (Right Cover) | Auction defender brought in for defensive continuity |
Final Thoughts
Jaipur Pink Panthers head into PKL Season 12 with exciting potential — a restructured squad featuring reliable experience and fresh auction talent. While last season’s campaign underwhelmed, this year’s strategy hinges on new raiders to replace outgoing stars and a rejuvenated defense under Mirbagheri. If the new combinations click, a title run is well within reach.