As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 caravan prepares to head south to Chennai, the home team — Tamil Thalaivas — have received a much-needed boost. Their star defender and former captain, Sagar Rathee, has rejoined the squad after recovering from a prolonged injury. With the Chennai leg kicking off on Monday, September 29, 2025, Thalaivas fans will be hoping that the return of one of their most experienced players helps turn around a season that has so far been full of ups and downs.
Thalaivas’ Struggles in PKL 12 So Far
It’s been a tough road for the Tamil Thalaivas in PKL 12. After eight matches, the team sits in ninth place on the points table with just six points. With three wins and five losses and a worrying score difference of -26, consistency has been a major issue.
The Thalaivas had a promising start, winning their season opener against the Telugu Titans in a high-scoring 38-35 contest. But that early momentum quickly faded during the Vizag leg, where they fell short in close matches against U Mumba (33-36) and Gujarat Giants (28-37).
Their performance slightly improved in Jaipur. The team registered back-to-back wins over Bengal Warriors (46-36) and Bengaluru Bulls (35-29), suggesting a possible turnaround. But just as fans began to hope, the Thalaivas suffered three consecutive defeats — including a humiliating 29-43 loss to Telugu Titans in the reverse fixture, a narrow 36-38 loss to Haryana Steelers, and a crushing 22-39 defeat to UP Yoddhas.
The Return of Sagar Rathee: What It Means for Tamil Thalaivas
With the team’s form dipping, the return of Sagar Rathee couldn’t have come at a better time. The seasoned defender was seen on the bench during the final Jaipur leg match against Jaipur Pink Panthers on Saturday, September 27, but is now fully fit and available for selection ahead of the Chennai leg.
Sagar’s presence is more than just symbolic —it brings leadership, aggression, and structure to a struggling defence. Last season, Sagar was named the captain of Tamil Thalaivas. Unfortunately, he missed almost the entire season due to injury. His leadership skills and ability to marshal the defence earned him respect not just within the squad but across the league.
He missed the first two games of the current season and did make a brief appearance in the third match against Gujarat Giants, where he picked up a solitary tackle point. However, it was evident that he was not fully fit, leading the team management to rest him until he could recover completely.
Now, as PKL 12 moves into its crucial middle phase, Sagar appears to be finally fit and ready — a development that could breathe new life into the Thalaivas’ campaign.
Why Sagar’s Comeback Matters
In a league as fiercely competitive as PKL, depth and experience often make the difference between a playoff contender and a mid-table struggler. The Thalaivas’ defence, in Sagar’s absence, has looked vulnerable under pressure. His return could provide the team with the kind of defensive spine they’ve been missing all season.
Not only does Sagar bring technical skill to the mat — particularly in body holds and advanced tackles — but his mere presence on the mat tends to lift the confidence of younger players around him. With the tournament entering a critical phase, Sagar’s leadership could help stabilize the team and provide the tactical discipline needed to convert close games into victories.
What’s Next for Tamil Thalaivas?
The Thalaivas will open their home leg in Chennai against U Mumba on Wednesday, October 1, in what promises to be a high-intensity clash. Given the team’s inconsistent run so far, the home crowd will be looking for renewed energy and focus — and Sagar Rathee’s return could be the perfect catalyst.
For Tamil Thalaivas, the road to the playoffs is still open, but narrow. They will need to win the majority of their upcoming matches, and for that to happen, both offence and defence need to click. With the raiding department showing occasional sparks, a strengthened defensive line — led by Sagar — could finally give the team the balance it has been lacking.
Final Thoughts
The return of Sagar Rathee marks a turning point in Tamil Thalaivas’ PKL 12 campaign. After a stuttering first half, the Chennai leg offers a chance for the team to regroup and reignite their season in front of their home fans. Sagar’s fitness and form will be key factors in this turnaround. If he manages to hit his stride and galvanize the defence, the Thalaivas might just emerge as surprise contenders in the latter half of the season.
For now, all eyes will be on Chennai as the home team gears up for redemption — with their defensive general back in the lineup, ready for battle.
