The defending champions will aim to become just the second team to successfully defend their Pro Kabaddi League title. They’ve been one of the most successful teams since their introduction in the competition 7 years ago, making the Playoffs four times. Manpreet Singh, one of the most successful coaches in PKL history, will continue as their head coach.
Haryana Steelers PKL 2025 Full Squad
The Steelers have retained most of their championship-winning squad. After injecting an additional ₹4.983 crore into the squad, the Steelers are without doubt one of the favourites heading into the new season. They have further strengthened their attacking lineup by bringing in Season 7 and 8 MVP winner, Naveen Kumar, for ₹1.20 crore.
- Jaideep Dhaiya – Defender
- Vinay – Raider
- Rahul Sethpal – Defender
- Shivam Patare – Raider
- Sahil Narwal – All Rounder
- Vishal Tate – Raider
- Jaya Soorya – Defender
- N Manikandan – Defender
- Ghanshyam Magar – Raider
- Vikas Jadhav – Raider
- Hardeep – Defender
- Naveen Kumar – Raider
- Ashish Narwal – All Rounder
- Rahul Ahri – Defender
- Mayank Saini – Raider
- Sha Mohammed Shahan – Raider
- Ankit Dhull – Defender
- Ritik Radheshyam – Defender
- Sachin – Defender
- Zubair – Defender
Haryana Steelers Captain and Vice-Captain PKL 2025
Jaideep Dhaiya is set to continue as captain for the defending champions, the Haryana Steelers. Rahul Sethpal is named as his deputy at vice-captain.
Match Schedule – PKL 2025 League Stage
The Haryana Steelers will play 18 league matches in different cities. Their title-defending campaign begins on August 31, 2025, against the Bengal Warriorz at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag.
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| August 31, 2025 | Bengal Warriorz | Vizag |
| September 3, 2025 | U Mumba | Vizag |
| September 5, 2025 | UP Yoddhas | Vizag |
| September 8, 2025 | Bengaluru Bulls | Vizag |
| September 15, 2025 | Gujarat Giants | Jaipur |
| September 17, 2025 | Patna Pirates | Jaipur |
| September 19, 2025 | Puneri Paltan | Jaipur |
| September 20, 2025 | Tamil Thalaivas | Jaipur |
| September 29, 2025 | Dabang Delhi K.C. | Chennai |
| October 1, 2025 | Jaipur Pink Panthers | Chennai |
| October 3, 2025 | Tamil Thalaivas | Chennai |
| October 7, 2025 | Dabang Delhi K.C. | Chennai |
| October 8, 2025 | Telugu Titans | Chennai |
| October 13, 2025 | Patna Pirates | Delhi |
| October 16, 2025 | UP Yoddhas | Delhi |
| October 19, 2025 | U Mumba | Delhi |
| October 21, 2025 | Gujarat Giants | Delhi |
| October 22, 2025 | Telugu Titans | Delhi |
Key Players To Watch Out For
- Vinay: Vinay finished the season as the leading raider for the Haryana Steelers. He earned a whopping 164 raid points in the 24 matches he played.
- Naveen Kumar: He’s a seasoned raider who has enjoyed 6 seasons in the PKL, winning the MVP twice and the PKL title with Dabang Delhi K.C. He’s picked up a mammoth 1102 raid points in 107 matches played in the PKL.
- Rahul Sethpal: Following the departure of their star all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui, Rahul will have the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent in the forthcoming season. In PKL Season 11, he earned a solid 73 tackle points in the 24 matches he played.
Live Streaming and Telecast
- TV Broadcast – Star Sports Network (various sports channels in multiple languages)
- Online Streaming – JioHotstar App and website
Conclusion
The Haryana Steelers have assembled a strong squad ahead of the 2025 PKL Season. However, the team is not perfect, and it has a couple of gaps left in that may punish them. The departure of Mohammadreza Shadloui has the Steelers lacking genuine all-rounders in their squad.
The Steelers also field a relatively weaker defensive side on paper, and Naveen Kumar’s injury history is another point of concern. However, head coach Manpreet will be hoping to power his side to back-to-back titles.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
