The Patna Pirates have officially released head coach Randeep Dalal despite his instrumental role in reviving the team’s fortunes during Pro Kabaddi League Season 12. The decision, announced after the conclusion of the season, marks yet another change in the Pirates’ coaching setup, continuing a trend of instability that has plagued the franchise in recent years.
The Pirates’ PKL 12 campaign was one of dramatic highs and lows. At the midway stage, the three-time champions languished at the bottom of the table with just three wins from 13 matches. The situation appeared bleak until Dalal, who initially served as the team’s defence coach, took charge midway through the season following the departure of Anup Kumar, who left citing personal reasons.
Under Dalal’s guidance, the Pirates scripted a remarkable turnaround. They stitched together five consecutive victories to storm back into playoff contention, eventually qualifying for the top eight. Their resurgence continued in the knockout phase, where they registered three straight wins before bowing out to the Telugu Titans in Eliminator 3.
The team’s spirited fightback under Dalal earned widespread praise from fans and former players, many of whom viewed him as the right man to lead the side into PKL 13. His release, therefore, has sparked disappointment among supporters who had hoped the management would finally prioritize continuity in the coaching setup.
Since Season 9, Patna Pirates have struggled to maintain a consistent leadership structure. Only once in that period has a head coach been retained for consecutive seasons. After an impressive run in PKL 11, where the team reached the finals before losing narrowly, the Pirates parted ways with then-head coach Narender Redhu, who went on to join the Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Anup Kumar was appointed for Season 12 amid high expectations, but his tenure was short-lived due to the team’s early struggles and his subsequent midseason exit. Dalal’s promotion to head coach initially appeared a temporary measure, yet his success in turning the team around had seemed to earn him a longer stay — until now.
The franchise’s latest decision suggests the management is once again set on rebuilding, both on and off the mat. Reports indicate that the Pirates are seeking a more experienced tactician to guide the side next season, aiming to recapture the consistency that once made them one of PKL’s dominant forces.
For fans, however, the question remains whether another shake-up in leadership will help the team progress — or merely restart another cycle of rebuilding in Patna’s pursuit of stability and glory.
