The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) has entered its second leg, with matches now being held in Jaipur, Rajasthan. After an exciting first leg in Visakhapatnam, most teams have found their rhythm and settled into a balanced playing combination. However, Tamil Thalaivas seem to be struggling to get things right on the mat.
Amid the team’s inconsistent performance, a big question has emerged – Why is Sagar Rathee not playing this season? The star defender’s absence has sparked plenty of speculation, but the team management has finally broken their silence and shared an official update.
Sagar Rathee – The Backbone of Thalaivas’ Defense
Sagar Rathee was named captain of Tamil Thalaivas last season, and with good reason. His exceptional tackling ability and leadership skills made him one of the key players in the squad. Unfortunately, due to injury, he missed most of the previous season.
This year, fans were expecting a full-fledged return. The Thalaivas even retained him ahead of Season 12. However, it has now been confirmed that his injury hasn’t completely healed.
Also Read: PKL 2025: What Happened to Pawan Sehrawat?
Tamil Thalaivas Break Silence with Official Statement
In an official statement released on social media, Tamil Thalaivas clarified the situation:
“Sagar is currently undergoing rehabilitation to ensure complete recovery from injury. He will rejoin the team upon his return to full fitness.”
This puts an end to all speculations. His absence is not due to strategy or disciplinary issues, but simply due to ongoing rehabilitation.
How Will It Impact the Team?
So far in PKL 12, Sagar Rathee has played only one match. While his absence hasn’t majorly disrupted the team’s playing rhythm yet, the lack of his defensive dominance may hurt them in the long run.
In the first leg, Tamil Thalaivas lost 2 of their 3 matches after winning their opening game. However, they bounced back in the second leg with a strong performance against Bengal Warriors. Arjun Deshwal and Narender Kandola led the charge in raiding, while defenders Nitesh Kumar, Aashish, and Ronak executed some excellent tackles.
But as the season progresses, depth in defense will become more crucial — and that’s exactly where a fit Sagar Rathee could prove to be a game-changer.
What’s Next for Sagar and Tamil Thalaivas?
On paper, Tamil Thalaivas have a solid squad with balance in both raiding and defense. But to translate this on-field, they need consistency, fitness, and smart combinations. Sagar’s return could provide exactly that boost, but the team has made it clear that they won’t rush him back.
He will only return once he’s 100% fit, which is a sensible call considering his importance in the long run.
Will Sagar Make a Strong Comeback?
Fans are eagerly waiting to see when Sagar Rathee will return to action in Pro Kabaddi 2025. While the exact timeline is still unclear, the good news is that the team has addressed the matter directly and transparently.
If Sagar returns fully fit, it could be the turning point Tamil Thalaivas need to bounce back in the tournament. Until then, fans will be hoping for a speedy and complete recovery for one of PKL’s most promising defenders.
