PKL 2024: Know about all the head coaches in PKL 11

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 11 is rumoured to start on 18 October 2024. However, the final date has not been announced yet. Ahead of the PKL 11, all the 12 teams have started their preparation to win the title this time with their head coaches at the helm. Coaches play an important role in bringing the best out of the players. Do you know who are the coaches of all the franchises?

1. Haryana Steelers

The Haryana-based franchise has once again trusted Manpreet Singh with the responsibility of the head coach. He took the coaching responsibility of Haryana Steelers in PKL season 9 and in PKL 10, he took his team to the final but ended up on the losing side. Earlier, he took the Gujarat Giants to the two consecutive finals of PKL but unfortunately, he didn’t win any. However, as a player, he has a PKL title to his name with Patna Pirates in season 3. In any sport, people may not be a fan of coaches but Manpreet Singh has changed this trend. He is loved by many for his aggression and wearing his heart up his sleeves.

2. Gujarat Giants

The Gujarat Giants has retained his position as head coach of Gujarat Giants. He has left an undeniable mark in the history of Pro Kabaddi League, by winning two PKL titles in seasons 4 and 5 with Patna Pirates. He is well known for his motivational speeches and took the Gujarat Giants to playoffs in PKL 10. 

3. Bengaluru Bulls

The franchise who won the PKL title in season 6, has trusted Randhir Sehrawat as head coach over and over again. He is the only coach in the history of PKL to lead the franchise for the 11th consecutive time. Known for his ability to bring out the best in any given player, he is expected to do wonders with Pardeep Narwal in PKL 11.

4. Jaipur Pink Panthers

Sanjeev Baliyan will be leading the Jaipur Pink Panthers as a head coach in PKL 11. He led the Panthers to victory in the inaugural season of the PKL and then in season 9. To add to his remarkable coaching achievements, Baliyan took Patna Pirates to their first PKL title in season 3. Furthermore, he was the Panthers’ head coach when they reached the semi-final stage of the PKL season 10.

5. Puneri Paltan 

BC Ramesh, the coach who led Puneri Paltan to their first-ever PKL title in season 10, will once again be leading the side in PKL 11. The defending champion has decided to stick with BC Ramesh as he has also led Bengal Warriorz to triumph in PKL season 7. In PKL season 10, he successfully took Puneri Paltan to the final of the tournament but ended on a losing side.

6. UP Yoddhas

Jasveer Singh has been leading the coaching responsibility of UP Yoddhas since its inclusion in the PKL. Although, he has not won the PKL title for a single time, but, the UP-based franchise has once again trusted Jasveer as a head coach.

7. Dabang Delhi KC

After assisting Rambir Khoker in PKL 10, Joginder Narwal has been promoted to the head coach role in PKL 11 for Dabang Delhi KC. He may not have vast experience as a coach in PKL but he was the captain of Dabang Delhi when they won the PKL title in season 8. 

8. Tamil Thalaivas

The Tamil Thalaivas have seen many changes in their franchise for the PKL 11. One such change saw Udaya Kumar taking over as a head coach from Ashan Kumar. Udaya was associated with Thalaivas in season 9 but had to pull out mid-season. But now he is ready to take responsibility with Thalaivas' local hero Dharmaraj Cheralathan, who is signed as their strategy coach.

9. Telugu Titans

One of the most underperforming teams in PKL has signed Krishan Kumar as their head coach for PKL 11. Krishan has taken over Srinivas Reddy. The Titans have finished the last three seasons at the bottom of the points table. Telugu Titans need a coach who can take them out of a ditch and who else would be better than the Dronacharya Awardee itself, Krishan Kumar Hooda?

10. U Mumba

Gholamreza Mazandarani will be seen as the head coach of U Mumba once again in PKL 11. Earlier, he started his PKL coaching career with U Mumba in season 6, where to took the team to the semis. After a few seasons, he returned to the franchise and notably, he is the only foreign coach in the history of PKL. He is well known for his fitness and motivates his players to remain fit throughout the season.

11. Bengal Warriorz

The Bengal-based franchise has promoted Prashant Surve to the head coach position. He was the assistant coach for the Bengal Warriorz for the last two seasons, which may help him continue his bond with the retained players. Despite being new to head coach role, he has signed some of the best players from PKL 11 player auction.

12. Patna Pirates

Narender Redu has been named as the head coach of Patna Pirates for PKL 11. Narender Redu has been associated with the team since PKL season 10. He took the three-time champion to the semifinal in PKL 10, but unfortunately, they lost to the eventual champion Puneri Paltan. Narender has also served as an assistant coach for Haryana Steelers in PKL season 6.

The PKL 11 is about to begin soon and teams have already started their preparations to become the champion. The coaches may play an important role in shaping the outcome of the season as they are the man behind the every strategies.