Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 was a season filled with thrilling matches, dramatic comebacks, and outstanding teamwork. While players earned praise for their performances on the mat, the coaches behind the scenes played an equally important role in shaping their teams’ success.
The best coaches built strong strategies, developed young talent, and helped their squads perform under pressure. Their leadership turned ordinary teams into title contenders and transformed the direction of entire franchises.
Here are the best coaches in PKL Season 12 who made the biggest impact.
1. Joginder Narwal (Dabang Delhi K.C.)
Joginder Narwal tops the list after guiding Dabang Delhi K.C. to the PKL Season 12 title.
A former championship winning captain for Delhi, Joginder successfully made the transition from player to coach. His tactical awareness and calm leadership helped Delhi remain one of the most consistent teams throughout the season.
One of his biggest challenges came when captain Ashu Malik missed six matches due to injury. Many teams would have struggled in such a situation, but Joginder ensured that the squad continued to perform at a high level.
He trusted experienced players such as Fazel Atrachali and Surjeet Singh while also giving opportunities to younger players. His ability to keep the team united and focused proved crucial during the playoffs.
In the final against Puneri Paltan, Joginder’s smart decisions helped Delhi secure a narrow 31 to 28 victory and lift the trophy.
Among all PKL Season 12 coaches, his impact was unmatched.
2. Krishan Kumar Hooda (Telugu Titans)
Krishan Kumar Hooda deserves huge credit for transforming Telugu Titans into one of the strongest teams of the season.
Before Season 12, the Titans had struggled for consistency and often found themselves near the bottom of the standings. Hooda completely changed that story.
His first priority was improving the team’s defense. Under his guidance, Telugu Titans became the second best defensive unit in the league with 227 tackle points.
Hooda also worked closely with captain Vijay Malik to build confidence and create a winning mindset within the squad. The players responded brilliantly and delivered 12 victories during the season.
The Titans reached Qualifier 2 and came close to reaching the final. Their remarkable improvement made Hooda one of the best coaches in PKL Season 12.
3. Ajay Thakur (Puneri Paltan)
Former India captain Ajay Thakur enjoyed an excellent season as head coach of Puneri Paltan.
Known for his calm personality during his playing days, Thakur brought the same approach to coaching. He built an exciting team that combined fearless raiding with disciplined defending.
Under his leadership, Puneri Paltan recorded 244 tackle points, the highest total in the league. The team also led the competition with 220 successful tackles.
Thakur played a major role in developing young players and helping captain Aslam Inamdar lead the squad effectively. He encouraged his players to play with freedom while maintaining tactical discipline.
Although Puneri narrowly lost the final, they were one of the most entertaining and successful teams of the season.
Final Thoughts
The success of Dabang Delhi K.C., Telugu Titans, and Puneri Paltan showed the importance of strong leadership from the sidelines. These coaches who changed Pro Kabaddi teams used smart planning, player management, and tactical awareness to transform their squads.
Among all PKL Season 12 coaches, Joginder Narwal, Krishan Kumar Hooda, and Ajay Thakur stood out as the leaders who made the biggest difference. Their contributions played a major role in shaping one of the most exciting seasons in Pro Kabaddi history.
