Townhall Times, New Delhi
Reporter: Bhavika Kalra
The “Two-Time Champions” are currently on a tear that has analysts scrambling to update their championship blueprints. While the official PKL Season 12 ended with Jaipur finishing in the top 8 (eventually falling to a relentless Patna Pirates in Eliminator 1), their February 2026 form in domestic invitationals suggests a team that has finally solved its “crunch-time” anxiety.
1. The Nitin Kumar Dhankhar Evolution
If 2024 was about Arjun Deshwal, 2026 belongs to Nitin Kumar Dhankhar. During the recent winning streak in the All-India tournaments, Nitin has transitioned from a supporting “right raider” to a genuine focal point.
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The Stat: He is currently averaging 11.4 raid points per match in the February cycle.
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The Tactical Edge: His ability to exploit the “Bonus Line” without overcommitting has forced defensive corners to step up earlier than they’d like, leaving them vulnerable to his signature running hand touch.
2. Defensive Rigidity: The Mirbagheri-Rawal Wall
Jaipur’s winning streak isn’t just a raiding masterclass; it’s a defensive shutdown. The partnership between Reza Mirbagheri (Vice Captain) and Nitin Rawal (Captain) has become the league’s most feared “chain.”
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Super Tackle Efficiency: During this run, Jaipur has converted 65% of their Super Tackle opportunities.
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The “Trap” System: Coach Narender Redhu has implemented a “delayed block” strategy. Instead of rushing the raider, the Jaipur covers are staying deep, baiting the raider toward the midline, and then executing a high-velocity dash that leaves zero escape room.
3. The ‘Do-or-Die’ Specialists
In Season 12, Jaipur often struggled when the clock wound down. In early 2026, they’ve turned the “Do-or-Die” raid into their primary weapon.
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Strategic Patience: By playing for the third raid, Jaipur is effectively neutralizing high-risk raiders from the opposition, forcing them into defensive roles they aren’t comfortable with.
Recent Snapshot: Jaipur’s Feb ’26 Dominance
| Opponent | Outcome | Key Performer | Tactical Highlight |
| U Mumba | Win (38–32) | Nitin Kumar | 3 Super Raids in 5 mins |
| Haryana Steelers | Win (34–27) | Reza Mirbagheri | 5 Successful Tackles |
| Bengaluru Bulls | Win (41–35) | Vinay Redhu | Clinical Do-or-Die raiding |
4. Looking Toward Season 13: The Auction Strategy
With the Season 12 trophy currently in Delhi, Abhishek Bachchan’s squad is looking to bolster their “bench depth”—the one area that failed them in the 2025 playoffs.
“We aren’t looking for stars; we are looking for systems. The current streak proves that when the chain is tight, the raiders feel the freedom to fly.” — Coach Narender Redhu, Post-Match Interview (Feb 18, 2026).
Championship Projection
If Jaipur maintains this 80%-win rate through the upcoming pre-season, they will enter Season 13 as the definitive Tier 1 favorites. Their reliance on a “distributed scoring” model—where three different raiders (Nitin, Vinay, and Sombir) contribute equally—makes them nearly impossible to game-plan against.
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