The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 has found itself in the middle of a major controversy—one that has shocked fans, experts, and former players alike. One of the league’s most celebrated names, Pawan Sehrawat, was sent back home by Tamil Thalaivas over allegations of disciplinary issues.
The move by the franchise to release their star player and national team captain mid-season left the kabaddi community stunned. After all, Pawan is not just any player—he is the current captain of the Indian kabaddi team and a proud Arjuna Awardee. The idea of him being “undisciplined” seemed implausible to many. And now, his long-time coach and mentor Randhir Singh Sehrawat has broken his silence, delivering a strong and emotional defense of his student.
The reason behind the dispute between Pawan and Tamil Thalaivas?
According to the Tamil Thalaivas, Pawan was dropped for failing to align with the team’s code of conduct and disciplinary expectations. However, no detailed incident or explanation has been made public so far. This lack of transparency has only added fuel to the fire.
In response to the allegations, Pawan denied everything, going as far as to say:
“If even 1% of the allegations are true, I will quit Kabaddi forever.”
That statement alone reflects the seriousness with which he is taking the accusations and his commitment to clearing his name.
Also Read: PKL 2025: Pawan Sehrawat responded on disciplinary allegations by Tamil Thalaivas?
Randhir Singh’s Strong Defense: “It’s Injustice!”
Randhir Singh, who has coached Pawan since his teenage years, did not mince words while addressing the situation:
“Two or three days ago, what happened with my student, Pawan Sehrawat, was wrong. He is the captain of the Indian kabaddi team. It’s only been a year since he received the Arjuna Award. One person’s words cannot suddenly make someone undisciplined.”
He went on to explain that he had personally disciplined Pawan in the past:
“A year ago, he made a mistake, I slapped him, and he didn’t even look me in the eye. He just stood there quietly. That is a sign of someone who respects discipline.”
Randhir questioned who within the Tamil Thalaivas was truly behind this decision:
“The team owner is a good person—I’ve spoken to him. And the coach, Sanjeev Baliyan, is my own student. He knows discipline better than anyone. So who is this third person pulling the strings and playing with the future of the captain of Team India?”
The Bigger Picture: Impact on PKL and Indian Kabaddi
Randhir Singh did not just limit his criticism to how Pawan was treated. He warned that such opaque decisions could damage the credibility of the Pro Kabaddi League itself:
“Don’t defame Pro Kabaddi because of a few people. This league is India’s second-biggest sports platform after cricket. It was built with the sweat of many. Players from Kashmir to Kanyakumari look up to it.”
He highlighted the contribution of visionaries like Late Janardan Singh Gehlot and acknowledged the efforts of current league officials like Anupam Goswami and Shri Prasad Rao. His appeal was clear: don’t let politics and poor communication derail the future of promising athletes.
“Why Pick Him If He’s Undisciplined?”
Randhir posed several logical questions to the team and league management:
- “If he was undisciplined, why did you pick him in Season 9 and praise him?”
- “Why was he selected again in Season 12?”
- “Last year, I was told he was very disciplined. What changed overnight?”
He even acknowledged that Pawan has ego, but added:
“A player must have ego. Ego, vision, and strong intent—these are essential traits. But ego doesn’t mean you lack discipline. He has discipline. He’s taken enough punishment from me to prove that.”
“He Represents 140 Crore Indians”
Randhir reminded everyone of Pawan’s recent achievements, especially his performance in the Asian Games final against Iran, where he played a key role in securing gold for India.
“Don’t forget, he represents 140 crore Indians. He still has a long career ahead. Don’t kill his confidence with one decision.”
He made an emotional appeal to the league authorities, saying:
“Sit him down, talk to him. Tell him what went wrong. Give him a chance. Don’t just discard a player of his stature like this.”
Pawan’s Performance So Far in PKL 2025
Before the controversy erupted, Pawan had played three matches this season, scoring 22 raid points, including one super raid, though he didn’t secure any Super 10s.
While it may not have been his most explosive start, it’s important to remember that top athletes can take time to settle—and leaders like him are valuable beyond just stats.
Final Thoughts
The Pawan Sehrawat-Tamil Thalaivas controversy is a developing saga that has shaken the kabaddi community. While the franchise claims disciplinary breach, his mentor Randhir Singh’s passionate defense paints a different picture—one of loyalty, discipline, and injustice.
At this point, the onus is on the Pro Kabaddi League authorities to ensure a fair and transparent investigation. Because more than just a player’s future is at stake—this is about trust in the league, faith in the system, and the hope of thousands of young kabaddi aspirants watching from across the country.
Will Pawan return to the mat this season? Or has PKL lost one of its biggest stars mid-season?
Time will tell. But one thing’s clear—this story is far from over.
