When Ankit Jaglan, the all‑rounder of the Patna Pirates, was announced as captain for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, the franchise sent a clear signal: the quest for a record‑fourth title is now a team‑wide mission. The decision, revealed on August 15 2025 by the Punit Balan Group, comes just weeks before the opening clash against UP Yoddhas on September 1 2025. Jaglan’s ₹1.573 crore contract underscores the franchise’s confidence in his leadership, while the move also reshapes the tactical balance between raiders and defenders for the coming campaign.
Background: Patna Pirates’ Legacy in the PKL
Founded in 2014, the Patna Pirates have etched themselves into PKL folklore. They clinched three straight championships in Seasons 3 (January 2016), 4 (June 2016) and 5 (2017), becoming the only team to defend a title successfully. Their home turf, the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna, Bihar, has witnessed more than 100 pro‑kabaddi matches, a milestone no other franchise can claim.
Since the hat‑trick, the Pirates have reached the playoffs six times, finishing runners‑up in Seasons 8 and 11 – the latter loss to the Haryana Steelers still stings. The lingering desire to become the first franchise with four titles fuels every recruitment decision, every training session, and now, every captaincy call.
Leadership Announcement and Immediate Reactions
The club’s CEO, Shushen Vashishth, explained the rationale: “With Ankit’s tactical awareness and Deepak’s defensive grit, we believe this duo will inspire the squad to execute under pressure.” Deep‑stopper Deepak Singh was confirmed as vice‑captain, bringing a career tally of 282 successful tackles to the leadership table.
Coaching staff headlined by Randeep Dalal and Prashant Kumar Rai, with strategic input from former PKL star Anup Kumar, promised depth across all positions. “Ankit’s experience as a defender—40 tackle points in 16 games this season—gives us a solid backbone,” Dalal noted during the press briefing.
Team Composition and Tactical Outlook
The squad blends seasoned veterans with hungry youngsters. Among the raiders, rising talents Ayan and Milan Dahiya are expected to inject pace, while Iranian imports Hamid Mirzaeinader and Amin Ghorbani will diversify the defensive schemes. Jaglan’s own stats illustrate his dual threat: a 45 % raid strike rate, 42 total points across 17 matches spanning Seasons 10‑12, and a reputation as the team’s most reliable defender.
- Captain Ankit Jaglan – ₹1.573 crore contract, 40 tackle points (16 games).
- Vice‑captain Deepak Singh – 282 career tackles.
- Head coach Randeep Dalal – former defender, now tactical architect.
- Strategist Anup Kumar – two‑time PKL champion, now mentor.
- Key foreign defenders – Hamid Mirzaeinader, Amin Ghorbani (Iran).
The coaching trio plans to rotate the raiding lineup to keep opponents guessing, while the defensive unit will operate in a high‑press formation, a departure from the traditional 4‑1 setup the Pirates used during their title run.
Season 12 Schedule, Broadcast Details and Fan Access
Season 12 kicks off on September 1 2025 with the Pirates facing UP Yoddhas. All fixtures will be streamed live on JioHotstar, while television coverage spreads across Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD. Regional commentary in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada ensures that fans from Delhi to Darjeeling can tune in without missing a raid.
Beyond the opening game, the league promises a packed calendar: back‑to‑back matches on weekends, travel to eight different venues, and a crucial mid‑season break in early November that will allow teams to regroup.
Expert and Fan Perspectives
Sports analyst Priyanka Sharma of Sports365 observed, “Jaglan’s appointment is a gamble on leadership over pure point‑scoring. If he can translate his on‑mat discipline into strategic calls, the Pirates have a real shot at history.” Meanwhile, longtime fan Ravi Kumar expressed on a popular fan forum, “We’re tired of falling short. Seeing Ankit lead feels like a fresh start, especially after that heartbreaking loss to Haryana in Season 11.”
Critics, however, point to Jaglan’s recent form: Khelnow noted that despite the hefty investment, Jaglan’s raid success has lagged behind expectations, and the team will need his defensive brilliance to offset any scoring dip.
What Lies Ahead: Stakes and Projections
The Pirates enter Season 12 with a clear objective: secure the league’s first four‑title crown. The head‑to‑head record against main rivals Dabang Delhi stands at 12‑9‑3 in Patna’s favour, indicating a psychological edge that could be pivotal in tight knockout games. If the leadership duo can maintain consistency, the league’s semi‑finals—a probable showdown with either Haryana Steelers or Bengaluru Bulls—could become the crucible where the fourth trophy is forged.
In Jaglan’s own words to the Times of India, “We won’t repeat last year’s mistakes. The squad knows its roles, and together we’ll chase the ultimate prize.” Whether that promise translates into silverware will be judged on the mat, but the narrative around Patna Pirates has undeniably shifted toward a bold, captain‑centric era.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will Ankit Jaglan’s captaincy change the Pirates’ playing style?
Jaglan is expected to tighten the defensive structure, using his own 40‑point tackle record as a benchmark. Offensively, the coach plans to rotate the raiders more frequently, allowing younger talent to flourish while Jaglan focuses on high‑pressure zones.
What is the significance of the ₹1.573 crore contract for Jaglan?
The figure makes Jaglan one of the league’s most expensive captains, signaling the franchise’s belief that his leadership will drive performance. It also raises expectations among fans and sponsors for a championship run.
Which matches can fans watch live and where?
All Season 12 games are streamed on JioHotstar. Television viewers can catch the action on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD, with commentary in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.
What are the Pirates’ chances of winning a fourth title?
Analysts point to a 30‑35 % probability based on squad depth and the favorable head‑to‑head record against key rivals. The decisive factor will be whether the new leadership can convert defensive solidity into consistent raid points.
How does the Pirates’ roster compare to other top PKL teams?
Patna blends experience (Jaglan, Singh, Anup Kumar) with youthful vigor (Ayan, Milan) and two Iranian defenders. While teams like Haryana rely on high‑scoring raiders, the Pirates’ balanced approach could give them an edge in tight knockout games.