As we move closer to the next PKL season, franchises have started announcing their Head Coaches for Pro Kabaddi Season 13. So far, three teams have confirmed their new Head Coaches.
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Patna Pirates – Jasveer Singh
After retiring from the army, Jasveer Singh joined UP Yoddhas as a coach in 2018. From Season 6 to Season 12, he served as the team’s Head Coach. During his tenure, UP Yoddhas reached the playoffs five times in seven seasons. He earned praise for building a strong squad and developing talented players. However, the franchise failed to qualify for the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.
In UP Yoddhas’ final league-stage match of the previous season, Jasveer Singh stepped down as Head Coach during the post-match press conference. The announcement came as a surprise to everyone, with even the players looking shocked and unaware of his decision.
It didn’t take long for him to return to PKL. Patna Pirates appointed Jasveer Singh as their new Head Coach for PKL Season 13. Along with him, the franchise also announced Dinesh Kharb as the Assistant Coach.
Patna Pirates have now changed five Head Coaches since Ram Mehar left the franchise after PKL Season 8. The team is still searching for a long-term coaching solution, and Jasveer Singh will be hoping to bring stability to the franchise.
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Gujarat Giants – Randhir Singh Sherawat
Arjuna Award winner Randhir Singh Sherawat is finally making his return to the Pro Kabaddi League. He served as the Head Coach of Bengaluru Bulls from Season 1 to Season 11. PKL Season 12 was the first time fans did not see Coach Randhir Singh Sherawat in the PKL arena.
He guided Bengaluru Bulls to the PKL title in Season 6 and played a major role in developing several star players, most notably Pawan Kumar Sehrawat. Now, he begins a new chapter with Gujarat Giants as he prepares to work with a new squad ahead of Season 13.
Gujarat Giants endured a disappointing campaign last season under newly appointed Head Coach Jaiveer Sharma. Even with star all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui in the squad, the team failed to make an impact. Season 13 offers Gujarat Giants a fresh start under a highly experienced coach.
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Up Yoddhas – Upendra Malik
Upendra Malik has served as an Assistant Coach for multiple PKL teams since Season 6. He was with U Mumba from Seasons 6 to 7, then joined Jaipur Pink Panthers for Seasons 8 and 9, where he won the PKL title in Season 9. Since then, he has been part of UP Yoddhas’ coaching staff as Assistant Coach from Season 10 to Season 12.
After working with three franchises and gaining seven seasons of coaching experience, Upendra Malik has finally been promoted to the role of Head Coach. UP Yoddhas have placed their faith in him to lead the team in PKL Season 13.
Having already spent several seasons with the franchise, he understands the team’s environment and many of its players. That familiarity could help him build a stronger squad as UP Yoddhas continue their search for their maiden PKL title.
UP Yoddhas have had an inconsistent run over the last three seasons, qualifying for the playoffs only once. They will be hoping for a strong comeback in Season 13 under a new coaching approach and with some fresh faces in the squad.
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Conclusion
So far, only three franchises have officially confirmed their Head Coaches for PKL Season 13. Most of the remaining teams are expected to continue with their existing coaches and may make official announcements closer to the player auction.
However, two franchises are still expected to appoint new Head Coaches — Tamil Thalaivas and U Mumba.
More updates are expected in the coming days. Stay tuned with Kabaddi Ultras for all the latest PKL news and updates.
