Pawan Sehrawat vs Tamil Thalaivas: The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 has been full of thrilling action, but the spotlight recently shifted from the mat to a major off-field controversy involving one of the biggest names in Indian kabaddi — Pawan Sehrawat. His sudden removal from the Tamil Thalaivas squad mid-season has stirred up a storm, not only among fans but also within the kabaddi community.
Now, Haryana Steelers head coach Manpreet Singh has come forward in support of the Indian team captain, questioning the decision and expressing disappointment over the lack of clarity surrounding the issue.
Pawan Sehrawat’s Shocking Exit
On September 12, Tamil Thalaivas officially announced on Instagram that they had released Pawan Sehrawat from their squad citing “disciplinary reasons”, without sharing any specific details. The announcement came as a shock to fans and experts alike, especially because Pawan had already played all of Thalaivas’ matches till then in the season and was expected to be a key player for their playoff push.
Pawan’s record speaks for itself — 1,340 points in 142 PKL matches, a title with Bengaluru Bulls in Season 6, a gold medal at the 2022 Asian Games, and the Arjuna Award in 2023. He was picked by the Tamil Thalaivas for ₹59.5 lakh in the PKL 12 auction and was named team captain. He had scored 22 raid points in 3 games, including a super raid, though he didn’t manage a Super 10 this season before the sudden ouster.
Manpreet Singh Backs Pawan: “He Deserved Better”
Speaking to Star Sports ahead of Haryana Steelers’ close 40-37 win over Gujarat Giants on September 15, Coach Manpreet Singh openly supported Pawan Sehrawat and questioned the decision by Tamil Thalaivas management.
“See, Pawan is the captain of India; he brought home a medal from the Asian Games, and without any clear reason, they are removing him from the team. What really happened, we don’t know, but he is a good raider. He should be with his team, and yes, performance can go up and down, but if he stayed with the team, he would have delivered even more for Tamil Thalaivas,”
— Manpreet Singh, Head Coach, Haryana Steelers
Manpreet’s statement reflects a sentiment shared by many in the kabaddi fraternity — that such decisions should be taken with transparency and respect, especially when it involves a national-level player of Pawan’s stature.
Pawan Sehrawat Responds: “If I’m Wrong, I’ll Quit Kabaddi”
After the announcement, Pawan himself took to social media to strongly deny any allegations of indiscipline. He asserted his commitment to the sport, his team, and his career, and said he has always upheld professionalism. In a bold statement, Pawan said that if any of the allegations against him are proven, he would quit playing kabaddi altogether.
He also shared his disappointment about not being able to fulfill his plans and goals for PKL Season 12 due to internal management issues. His reaction not only highlights how serious he is about his image but also indicates there may be deeper issues behind the scenes.
Calls for Transparency Grow Louder
The controversy hasn’t gone unnoticed in the kabaddi world. Along with Manpreet Singh, several others have stepped forward:
- Rahul Chaudhari, one of PKL’s legendary raiders, expressed his support for Pawan.
- Veteran coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat raised questions about the lack of clarity and decision-making process.
- Commentator Sunil Taneja also pointed out the need for better communication from teams, especially when high-profile players are involved.
The kabaddi community has started to push for more transparent systems in handling disciplinary matters, especially when careers and reputations are at stake.
Final Thoughts
Pawan Sehrawat’s mid-season exit from Tamil Thalaivas is one of the most high-profile controversies in PKL history. While the official reason remains “disciplinary”, the lack of clarity has raised more questions than answers. With senior figures like Manpreet Singh backing him, the matter now goes beyond just one player — it reflects on how professional kabaddi in India must evolve in terms of player management, transparency, and communication.
As the season continues, fans will be watching closely to see what lies ahead for Pawan Sehrawat, and whether he gets a fair chance to return and finish what he started in PKL Season 12.
