The Tamil Thalaivas controversy became one of the biggest talking points of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12. What started as a promising campaign under head coach Sanjeev Baliyan eventually turned into a public dispute involving the franchise management, coaching staff and some of the team’s biggest players.
The situation became even more serious when captain Pawan Sehrawat was removed from the squad midway through the season. Later, Baliyan and star raider Arjun Deshwal made strong claims about team selection and interference from people outside the coaching staff.
Pawan Sehrawat’s Mid-season Exit
The first major development in the Tamil Thalaivas PKL 12 controversy came after the Vizag leg. Pawan Sehrawat, who had been retained and named captain, played only three matches before being removed from the squad and sent home.
The franchise said the decision was linked to disciplinary issues and non compliance with the team’s code of conduct. However, Sehrawat strongly rejected those claims and questioned the reasons behind his removal.
The star raider reportedly challenged the franchise to provide proof of his alleged indiscipline, saying he would quit kabaddi if evidence was produced. He also claimed that internal politics, power struggles and disagreements over tactical decisions played a role in his departure.
His sudden exit created uncertainty around the team and became the first major flashpoint of the season.
Baliyan Makes Serious Claims
After Sehrawat’s departure, Arjun Deshwal took over the leadership responsibilities on the mat. However, the team’s results did not improve significantly, with Tamil Thalaivas eventually finishing 10th in the league table.
The situation reached another level after the team’s final league match against Bengal Warriors. Baliyan and Deshwal spoke to the media and raised questions about how the team was being managed.
Baliyan claimed that the coaching staff did not have complete control over selecting the starting seven. He alleged that analysts and administrative executives were involved in decisions that should normally belong to the coaching staff.
The coach went as far as suggesting that he was effectively a “dummy coach”, claiming that players were being selected despite fitness concerns while fit players were left out.
Deshwal supported Baliyan’s concerns and indicated that players were confused by changes to rotations and lineups.
Tamil Thalaivas Management Responds
The Tamil Thalaivas latest news from the controversy involved a strong response from the franchise. Management denied Baliyan’s allegations and stated that the head coach had complete authority over team selections, player retentions, training and tactical decisions.
The franchise maintained that its organisational structure had been followed throughout the season. Soon after the campaign ended, Tamil Thalaivas announced Baliyan’s removal as head coach.
The franchise cited disappointing results and organisational discipline as reasons for the decision.
What Happened to Tamil Thalaivas?
So, what happened to Tamil Thalaivas during PKL 12? The season became a combination of poor results, leadership changes and public disagreements over team management.
Pawan Sehrawat’s unexpected removal was followed by allegations of interference from Baliyan, while management rejected those claims before eventually parting ways with the coach.
The Tamil Thalaivas PKL 12 controversy has therefore left the franchise facing the need for a major tactical and structural rebuild. The episode also raised wider questions about the balance between coaching authority, data analysis and franchise management in professional kabaddi.
