Tamil Thalaivas Squad 2026: Full Player List, Arjun Deshwal and PKL 13 Rebuild
The Tamil Thalaivas squad entered PKL Season 12 with two of the most famous raiders in the league, Arjun Deshwal and Pawan Sehrawat, and left it in tenth place with just six wins. That gap between expectation and result makes Chennai’s franchise one of the biggest stories heading into Season 13. This guide covers the full Season 12 roster, the young defenders who quietly impressed, the contracts already locked in, and the decisions that will shape the rebuild.
Last updated: October 26, 2026. The official Season 13 squad will be confirmed after the retention announcement and player auction. This page lists the complete Season 12 roster and the players already tied to the club.
Tamil Thalaivas Squad: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Home city | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| First season | Season 5 (2017) |
| PKL titles | None yet |
| Season 12 finish | 10th in the league (6 wins, 12 losses, 12 points) |
| Season 12 score difference | -36 |
| Players retained before Season 12 | 10, the most of any team |
| Biggest Season 12 signing | Arjun Deshwal, INR 1.405 crore |
| Season 13 NYP signings | Suthil Darshan and Lakshay Suhag (for Seasons 13 and 14) |
| Season 13 squad status | To be confirmed after retentions and the auction |
Tamil Thalaivas Squad 2026: Full Season 12 Player List
The complete Tamil Thalaivas squad from Season 12 is listed below by role, as published in the official squad release, with Season 12 numbers where available.
Raiders
| Player | Position | Season 12 Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Arjun Deshwal | Raider | Signed for INR 1.405 crore |
| Narender Kandola | Left raider | 29 raid points (39 total points) in 10 matches |
| Rohit Kumar Beniwal | Left raider | 23 raid points in 10 matches |
| Yogesh Yadav | Right raider | 9 raid points in 8 matches |
| Abhiraj Manoj Pawar | Left raider | 6 raid points in 3 matches |
| Vishal Chahal | Right raider | Missed the season through injury |
| Dhiraj Ravindra Bailmare | Raider | Retained before the auction |
Defenders
| Player | Position | Season 12 Numbers |
|---|---|---|
| Nitesh Kumar | Left corner | 65 tackle points in 18 matches |
| Ronak | Right cover | 32 tackle points in 18 matches |
| Sagar | Right corner | 11 tackle points in 5 matches |
| Himanshu | Left corner | Elite Retained Player |
| Alireza Khalili (Iran) | Right corner, overseas | Signed for INR 30.20 lakh |
| Aashish | Left cover | Retained before the auction |
| Anuj Kaluram Gawade | Left cover | Retained before the auction |
| Tarun | Right cover | 0 tackle points in 2 matches |
| Mohit | Left corner | Squad option |
All-Rounders
| Player | Season 12 Numbers |
|---|---|
| Pawan Kumar Sehrawat | Signed for INR 59.50 lakh after a late bidding war |
| Moein Shafaghi (Iran) | 28 raid points in 13 matches |
| Suresh Jadhav | Squad option |
Key Players in the Tamil Thalaivas Squad
Here is a quick summary of the leading names before the detailed profiles.
| Player | Role | Season 12 Impact | Contract or Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arjun Deshwal | Raider | 1,383 career raid points (3rd all time) | INR 1.405 crore |
| Pawan Sehrawat | All-rounder / raider | 1,340 career raid points (4th all time) | INR 59.50 lakh |
| Nitesh Kumar | Left corner | 65 tackle points in 18 matches | Young-player contract |
| Ronak | Right cover | 32 tackle points in 18 matches | Young-player contract |
| Sagar | Right corner | 11 tackle points in 5 matches | Retention decision |
Arjun Deshwal and Pawan Sehrawat: The Star Pairing
On paper, the Tamil Thalaivas squad had the most famous raiding pair in the league. Arjun Deshwal is third on PKL’s all-time raid points list with 1,383, and Pawan Sehrawat is fourth with 1,340. Signing both in one auction looked like a statement of intent. In practice, the season did not go to plan, and fan reports describe a campaign affected by off-field issues. Whether the franchise keeps one, both, or neither of them is the defining question of the Season 13 retention window.
Nitesh Kumar: The Hidden Gem
The best individual season in the Tamil Thalaivas squad came from young left corner Nitesh Kumar, who recorded 65 tackle points in 18 matches. That put him among the leading defenders in the league. Fan contract trackers report that he enters the second year of a retained-young-player deal, which would keep him in Chennai automatically. He is not to be confused with the veteran right corner of the same name.
Ronak: Value at Right Cover
Right cover Ronak added 32 tackle points in 18 matches after being signed at his base price. His consistency gave the defence a dependable cover option at very little cost.
Sagar: The Injury Question
Long-serving right corner Sagar has been with the franchise for years and is one of its most loyal players. Injuries limited him to five matches in Season 12, though he still scored 11 tackle points. Keeping him fit is a recurring challenge.
How the Tamil Thalaivas Squad Was Built for Season 12
Tamil Thalaivas kept 10 players before the Season 12 auction, more than any other franchise. The Elite Retained Players were Moein Shafaghi, Himanshu and Sagar. Nitesh Kumar, Narender, Ronak, Vishal Chahal and Aashish were kept as Retained Young Players, and Anuj Gawade and Dhiraj Bailmare continued as young players.
Season 12 Auction Signings
| Player | Role | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Arjun Deshwal | Raider | INR 1.405 crore |
| Pawan Kumar Sehrawat | All-rounder / raider | INR 59.50 lakh |
| Alireza Khalili | Overseas right corner | INR 30.20 lakh |
Pawan Sehrawat’s price was one of the stories of the auction, because he nearly went unsold before a late bidding war took him to Chennai. For more on how those prices compare across seasons, see our list of the highest-paid PKL players.
Tamil Thalaivas Season 12 Review
The Tamil Thalaivas squad won six and lost twelve of its 18 league matches, finishing tenth on 12 points with a -36 score difference. They were level on points with Gujarat Giants and Bengal Warriorz, but a better score difference kept them above both. It was still a long way from the playoff places, which were decided at eighth position. The complete standings are on our PKL points table page.
Season 12 by the Numbers
| Stat | Figure |
|---|---|
| League position | 10th |
| Wins / losses | 6 / 12 |
| League points | 12 |
| Score difference | -36 |
| Top defender | Nitesh Kumar, 65 tackle points |
| Postseason | Did not qualify |
What Went Wrong
The raiding unit never settled into a consistent rhythm, and injuries removed key players, including Vishal Chahal, who missed the whole season. With two star raiders who both prefer to lead the attack, finding the right balance proved difficult.
Tamil Thalaivas Squad Contract Status for PKL 13
Fan contract trackers report the following picture for the Tamil Thalaivas squad heading into Season 13.
| Player | Category | Season 13 Position |
|---|---|---|
| Narender Kandola | Retained Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Vishal Chahal | Retained Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Ronak | Retained Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Nitesh Kumar | Retained Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Abhiraj Pawar | Existing New Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Rohit Beniwal | Existing New Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Yogesh Yadav | Existing New Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Tarun | Existing New Young Player | Stays automatically (reported) |
| Suthil Darshan | New Young Player | Signed for Seasons 13 and 14 |
| Lakshay Suhag | New Young Player | Signed for Seasons 13 and 14 |
| Arjun Deshwal | Retention decision | Key decision |
| Pawan Sehrawat | Retention decision | Key decision |
| Moein Shafaghi | Retention decision | Uncertain |
| Sagar | Retention decision | Depends on fitness |
The franchise has already invested in the future by signing young raiders Suthil Darshan and Lakshay Suhag. Those moves suggest a rebuild built around youth.
Strengths of the Tamil Thalaivas Squad
Young Defensive Talent
Nitesh Kumar and Ronak are young, affordable and productive, and they give the rebuild a solid base.
Contract Stability
With many young players reportedly staying automatically, Chennai will keep a familiar group even if they reshape the top of the squad.
Star Power, If Retained
Keeping either Arjun Deshwal or Pawan Sehrawat would give the team one of the best raiders in PKL history.
Weaknesses the Tamil Thalaivas Squad Must Fix
Raiding Balance
Two lead raiders did not equal twice the points. Building an attack with clear roles is the main tactical task.
Injury Resilience
Losing key players for long spells hurt. Greater squad depth would reduce the impact of injuries.
Coaching Stability
Fan reports say Chennai were expected to change their coaching setup ahead of Season 13. A clear long-term plan from the dugout would help the rebuild.
Tamil Thalaivas Squad Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Productive young defenders | Unbalanced raiding unit |
| Many players under contract | Injuries to key players |
| Star raiders available to retain | Coaching uncertainty |
| New NYPs signed for two seasons | -36 score difference |
What Tamil Thalaivas Need at the PKL 13 Auction
The PKL Season 13 auction could reshape the Tamil Thalaivas squad more than almost any other team’s.
Priority 1: Decide the Star Raider Strategy
Retain one star, retain both, or reset entirely. This decision drives everything else.
Priority 2: Raiding Depth
Support raiders who can score consistently would ease the load on the lead raider.
Priority 3: Experienced Right Corner
With Sagar’s fitness uncertain, a reliable right corner to partner Nitesh Kumar would strengthen the defence.
Tamil Thalaivas Auction Priority Table
| Priority | Target | Urgency | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Decide the star raider plan | High | Shapes the whole purse |
| 2 | Raiding depth | High | Support raiders rarely scored |
| 3 | Right corner | Medium | Sagar’s fitness is uncertain |
Tamil Thalaivas Squad: Likely Core for Season 13
| Role | Likely Core Options |
|---|---|
| Lead raider | Arjun Deshwal or Pawan Sehrawat (if retained), or an auction signing |
| Support raiders | Narender Kandola, Vishal Chahal, Rohit Beniwal |
| Left corner | Nitesh Kumar |
| Right cover | Ronak |
| Young prospects | Suthil Darshan, Lakshay Suhag |
This is analysis based on Season 12 form and reported contracts, not an official line-up. For the franchise’s schedule and outlook, visit the main Tamil Thalaivas team page.
Tamil Thalaivas Squad History
Tamil Thalaivas joined PKL in Season 5 as one of four expansion franchises. They have not yet won the title, but they have produced several talented players and built a loyal fan base in Chennai. The club has often invested in big names at the auction, and Season 12 was the boldest example yet. The challenge for Season 13 is turning that investment into a team that wins consistently.
Tamil Thalaivas Key Milestones
| Season | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Season 5 (2017) | Joined as an expansion franchise |
| Season 12 auction (2025) | Signed Arjun Deshwal and Pawan Sehrawat |
| Season 12 (2025) | 10th in the league, missed the postseason |
| Season 13 (2026) | Signed NYPs Suthil Darshan and Lakshay Suhag |
Tamil Thalaivas Squad by the Numbers: Season 12 Top Performers
The statistics show a clear pattern in the Tamil Thalaivas squad: the defence produced strong individual seasons, while the supporting raiders struggled to find consistent minutes and points.
| Player | Role | Matches | Key Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitesh Kumar | Left corner | 18 | 65 tackle points |
| Ronak | Right cover | 18 | 32 tackle points |
| Narender Kandola | Left raider | 10 | 29 raid points |
| Moein Shafaghi | All-rounder | 13 | 28 raid points |
| Rohit Beniwal | Left raider | 10 | 23 raid points |
| Sagar | Right corner | 5 | 11 tackle points |
What the Numbers Tell Us
Narender Kandola, who had been an important raider in earlier seasons, appeared in only ten matches. Moein Shafaghi, impressive in his first season with the club, also saw his output drop. When the support raiders are not scoring, even star raiders face packed defences. Building a deeper, more reliable raiding group is as important as the decision on the two big names.
Tamil Thalaivas Squad: Season 13 Timeline
| Step | Expected Timing | What It Means for Chennai |
|---|---|---|
| Retention list | Before the auction | Reveals the decision on Arjun Deshwal and Pawan Sehrawat |
| Player auction | Reported for late October 2026, not confirmed | Raiding depth and a right corner |
| Squad announcement | After the auction | Final Season 13 roster |
| Season opener | Expected late December 2026 | The rebuild is tested |
Southern Rivalries
Matches against Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls carry extra meaning for Chennai fans, as all three franchises represent southern India. With Season 12 host cities including Chennai, those fixtures often draw some of the loudest crowds of the season.
Tamil Thalaivas Squad Depth Chart by Position
The depth chart below shows where the Tamil Thalaivas squad looks settled and where the rebuild needs the most work.
| Position | First Choice | Backup Options | Depth Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead raider | To be decided | Arjun Deshwal or Pawan Sehrawat, if retained | Uncertain |
| Left raider | Narender Kandola | Rohit Beniwal, Abhiraj Pawar | Fair |
| Right raider | Vishal Chahal | Yogesh Yadav | Fair |
| Left corner | Nitesh Kumar | Himanshu | Strong |
| Right cover | Ronak | Tarun | Good |
| Right corner | Sagar | Auction target | Needs work |
The ratings are our analysis of Season 12 output and squad depth, not an official assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the Tamil Thalaivas squad for PKL 13 been announced?
Not yet. The Season 13 squad will be confirmed after the official retention list and the player auction. This page lists the full Season 12 roster and players already tied to the club.
Did Tamil Thalaivas have Arjun Deshwal and Pawan Sehrawat in Season 12?
Yes. They bought Arjun Deshwal for INR 1.405 crore and Pawan Sehrawat for INR 59.50 lakh at the Season 12 auction.
Where did Tamil Thalaivas finish in Season 12?
They finished tenth with six wins from 18 matches and a -36 score difference, and did not qualify for the postseason.
Who was the best defender in the Tamil Thalaivas squad?
Young left corner Nitesh Kumar scored 65 tackle points in 18 matches, the best defensive return on the team.
Which new young players have Tamil Thalaivas signed?
Tamil Thalaivas signed Suthil Darshan and Lakshay Suhag as New Young Players for Seasons 13 and 14.
Have Tamil Thalaivas ever won the PKL title?
No. Tamil Thalaivas joined in Season 5 and are still searching for their first PKL title.
Will Tamil Thalaivas keep Arjun Deshwal and Pawan Sehrawat?
That will only be known when the official retention list is published. Fan reports suggest keeping both together is unlikely, so many expect the franchise to choose one direction or rebuild around younger raiders.
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