PKL Season 12: The all-rounders who defined the season

Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 witnessed some exceptional all-round performances as players showcased their versatility on the mat, contributing both in attack and defence to propel their teams forward.

All-rounders play a crucial role in kabaddi, providing tactical flexibility and depth to their teams. Their ability to score raid points whilst also contributing defensively makes them invaluable assets in the high-stakes environment of the Pro Kabaddi League.

Season 12 saw several all-rounders rise to the occasion, delivering match-winning performances when their teams needed them most. From experienced campaigners to emerging talents, these players proved their worth across multiple facets of the game.

Here are the top five all-rounders from PKL Season 12 who left an indelible mark on the tournament.

1. Bharat Hooda (Telugu Titans) - 247 Total Points

Bharat Hooda produced a career-defining season, topping the all-rounder charts with an impressive 247 total points. The Telugu Titans star was instrumental in powering his side to their best-ever PKL finish, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the campaign.

Hooda finished as the third-best raider of the season with 230 raid points, demonstrating his attacking prowess match after match. His raiding ability was complemented by his defensive contributions, making him a complete package for the Titans.

His performances were particularly crucial in Telugu Titans' journey to the Playoffs for the first time in nine years. The 23-year-old all-rounder was especially brilliant in the playoff matches, scoring 23 points against Patna Pirates in the Eliminator. Hooda's all-round excellence set the benchmark for versatile players in Season 12.

2. Vijay Malik (Telugu Titans) - 174 Total Points

Vijay Malik led from the front for Telugu Titans with 174 total points, establishing himself as one of the most reliable all-rounders in the competition. His contribution of 166 raid points highlighted his primary strength as an attacking threat, whilst his 8 tackle points showed his willingness to contribute defensively when required.

As captain, Malik's leadership was pivotal in Telugu Titans' remarkable season. He delivered consistent excellence, scoring two Super 10s in the last five matches whilst maintaining steady scoring output across all game situations. His partnership with Bharat Hooda created one of PKL 12's most dominant raiding combinations, as together they contributed 83% of Telugu Titans' raid points.

The Telugu Titans captain's ability to sustain high performance levels across multiple matches demonstrated the maturity and composure expected from a top-tier all-rounder.

3. Aslam Inamdar (Puneri Paltan) - 76 Total Points

Aslam Inamdar proved that effective leadership and smart play can be as valuable as high point tallies. The Puneri Paltan captain scored 76 points whilst shouldering the responsibility of leading his team to the Season 12 Final, where they finished as runners-up to Dabang Delhi K.C.

Inamdar's greatest contribution lay in his tactical acumen and ability to perform in crucial moments. His captaincy galvanised Puneri Paltan throughout the tournament, helping them navigate through challenging matches to reach the summit clash for the third time in four seasons.

Beyond the numbers, Inamdar's influence on the team's morale and strategy made him an invaluable asset for Paltan. His all-round skills allowed him to adapt his game according to match situations, whether his team needed defensive solidity or attacking impetus.

4. Mohammadreza Shadloui (Gujarat Giants) - 65 Total Points

Gujarat Giants skipper Mohammadreza Shadloui showcased his all-rounder prowess with 65 points in 17 matches, including an impressive 37 tackle points that underlined his defensive capabilities. The Season 11 Most Valuable Player had an average start to the season but orchestrated a notable comeback in the second half of the tournament.

Shadloui's defensive contributions were particularly significant for the Giants, providing stability at the back whilst also chipping in with 28 raid points when opportunities arose. His 37 tackles, which included two Super Tackles and two High 5s, demonstrated his commitment to the defensive cause and his ability to read opposition raiders.

The Iranian all-rounder, who was signed for a whopping ₹2.23 crore at the Season 12 auction, showed resilience and adaptability. His evolution as a complete all-rounder has made him one of the most sought-after foreign players in PKL history.

5. Amirmohammad Zafardanesh (U Mumba) - 58 Total Points

Despite limited opportunities, Amirmohammad Zafardanesh impressed for U Mumba with 58 points, proving his worth whenever he stepped onto the mat. The young Iranian all-rounder made the most of his chances, delivering impactful performances that caught the eye of kabaddi enthusiasts.

Zafardanesh's efficiency in converting opportunities into points highlighted his potential as a future star in Pro Kabaddi. He secured his first Super 10 of the season with 12 raid points against Patna Pirates, showcasing the quick raiding ability that has made him one of the most exciting prospects in the league.

His contributions helped U Mumba in crucial moments, showing that he possesses the temperament to handle pressure situations. Although he wasn't always in the starting seven, Zafardanesh's versatility and willingness to contribute in multiple roles made him a valuable squad member for U Mumba, particularly during their playoff push.

The importance of all-rounders in PKL

Season 12 reaffirmed the significance of all-rounders in Pro Kabaddi. These versatile players provide teams with tactical flexibility, allowing coaches to adapt strategies mid-match and maintain balance between attack and defence.

Bharat Hooda's record-breaking season exemplified what all-rounders can achieve when they combine consistent raiding with defensive awareness. His 247-point haul, alongside Vijay Malik's 174 points, powered Telugu Titans to their first playoff appearance in nine years, demonstrating the impact quality all-rounders can have on a team's fortunes.

The contrasting approaches of the top five all-rounders also highlighted the different ways versatile players can influence matches. Whilst Hooda and Malik dominated through sheer point accumulation, Inamdar's leadership and tactical intelligence proved equally valuable in taking Puneri Paltan to the final. Shadloui's defensive mastery and Zafardanesh's explosive raiding when given chances showed that all-rounders can make their mark in various ways.

As Pro Kabaddi continues to evolve, the demand for skilled all-rounders who can influence matches in multiple ways will only increase. Season 12's top performers have shown the path forward for aspiring players looking to make their mark in the league.

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