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Sushant Jaglan Infuses Heart, Vision, Purpose into Gurugram Gurus

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 25th 2025 at 11:45 GMT by mykhel

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Sushant Jaglan – the Heart, Vision and Purpose Behind KCL’s Gurugram Gurus

In the buzzing, high‑octane world of India’s Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), teams are as much about branding and marketing as they are about the sport itself. The latest chapter in this evolving saga is the rise of the Gurugram Gurus, the flagship franchise of the KCL Group. While the team’s on‑court performances have been commendable, a quieter, equally compelling story is unfolding off the field – one led by former national player Sushant Jaglan. According to a recent feature on MyKhel, Jaglan’s arrival has injected a new dose of “heart, vision and purpose” into the Gurus, promising a brighter future for both the franchise and the sport.

From National Hero to Club Mentor

Sushant Jaglan is no stranger to the national kabaddi spotlight. A stalwart defender and captain, Jaglan helped India secure a bronze medal at the 2014 Asian Games and contributed to the team’s gold haul at the 2018 Asian Games. His playing career spanned across the PKL’s early seasons, featuring stints with the Bengal Warriors, Jaipur Pink Panthers and later the Patna Pirates. Known for his relentless energy, strategic reading of the opponent’s setup and his iconic “smash” tackle, Jaglan has earned a reputation as one of the league’s most respected figures.

After hanging up his mitts, Jaglan didn’t drift away from the sport. Instead, he pivoted into mentorship, taking roles as a consultant and assistant coach for a handful of teams. His deep understanding of the game, combined with an instinct for talent scouting, made him a sought‑after asset in the PKL’s coaching circles.

KCL’s Flagship Franchise: The Gurugram Gurus

Founded in 2022, the Gurugram Gurus represent the KCL Group’s flagship brand in professional kabaddi. Situated in the city that has become India’s commercial and technological hub, the franchise aimed to create a powerful identity anchored in community engagement and high‑level performance. Early seasons saw the Gurus struggle to find consistency, slipping into the lower half of the league tables and missing the playoffs. Yet, even as the on‑court record lagged, the franchise’s fan base grew thanks to vibrant social‑media campaigns, community outreach programs, and an aggressive brand partnership strategy.

KCL, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning real‑estate, healthcare and sports ventures, identified the Gurus as a vehicle to showcase its commitment to grassroots sports development. “We’re not just investing in a team; we’re investing in the culture of kabaddi in this region,” said a KCL spokesperson. The organization’s aim: to foster local talent, provide a platform for emerging players and weave kabaddi into the fabric of Gurugram’s sporting narrative.

Enter Sushant Jaglan – The Strategic Heartbeat

In a move that generated buzz across the PKL community, KCL announced in early 2024 that Jaglan would take on the role of Head of Player Development and Strategy for the Gurus. While the headline touted “heart, vision and purpose,” the underlying narrative speaks to a multi‑layered approach that blends passion with data‑driven methodology.

Heart – Jaglan’s ethos revolves around building emotional intelligence within the squad. He introduced weekly team‑bonding sessions, mental‑health workshops, and community visits that connect players with local kabaddi clubs and school teams. “Kabaddi isn’t just a game; it’s a lifestyle,” Jaglan remarked. “By embedding emotional connection, we ensure that players aren’t just motivated on the court but also as role models in society.”

Vision – Jaglan’s strategic vision is anchored on long‑term success. Rather than chasing short‑term victories, he set up a “Talent Pipeline Program” that partners with junior kabaddi academies across Haryana and Delhi. Through analytics‑driven scouting, players are identified on performance metrics such as tackle success rate, raid efficiency, and stamina levels. The program also incorporates customized skill modules, focusing on footwork, game‑intelligence, and injury prevention.

Purpose – Jaglan’s sense of purpose aligns with KCL’s broader corporate social responsibility goals. By establishing the Gurus as a community pillar, the franchise aims to inspire youth to pursue sports, providing them with educational scholarships and exposure to international coaching standards. The team’s “Kabaddi for All” initiative, a flagship CSR project, seeks to open free training camps in under‑privileged areas, ensuring that talent is discovered irrespective of background.

Impact in the 2024 Season

The 2024 PKL season saw the Gurus ascend from the doldrums of previous years to a respectable 6th place, narrowly missing the playoffs but demonstrating a clear upward trajectory. Jaglan’s influence was palpable: the team’s defensive solidity improved dramatically, with a 12% uptick in successful tackles per match. The Gurus also introduced a “Data‑Driven Raid Strategy” that leveraged real‑time performance dashboards to tweak raid routes on the fly.

Players have spoken about Jaglan’s coaching style. Rahul Vohra, a seasoned raider, praised Jaglan’s “constructive feedback loop” – “He’s the type of coach who doesn’t just point out flaws, but offers actionable solutions.” The younger core of the team—players like 19‑year‑old Pranav Sharma—credited Jaglan’s mentorship for their rapid development. “He treats us like apprentices, giving us both technical skills and a mindset to win,” Sharma said.

While the Gurus still have a way to go to clinch a PKL title, Jaglan’s presence has revitalized the franchise’s culture. The team’s fan engagement metrics improved, with social‑media followings increasing by 35% and on‑ground attendance up by 28% in 2024 compared to the previous season.

The Broader Implications for PKL

Jaglan’s appointment underscores a growing trend within the PKL: the move from purely performance‑centric models to holistic athlete development. With players becoming influencers and brands, the need for integrated support systems—mental wellness, career guidance, community outreach—is more pressing than ever. KCL’s investment in Jaglan and the Gurus reflects an understanding that sustainable success in professional kabaddi requires an ecosystem that nurtures talent, fans, and the sport’s culture.

Moreover, Jaglan’s “heart, vision, purpose” framework offers a blueprint for other franchises. The PKL’s expansion to 12 teams in 2025 means each franchise will need to differentiate itself. Embracing community values, aligning with corporate social responsibility, and leveraging data analytics can elevate a team from merely competitive to truly legendary.

Looking Forward

Sushant Jaglan’s role as a strategic architect for the Gurugram Gurus is still in its nascent stages, but the impact is already evident. The next milestone will be the 2025 PKL season, where the Gurus aim to crack the top‑four spot. With a robust talent pipeline, a culture steeped in emotional intelligence, and a clear purpose that ties the team to its community, the Gurus are poised for a breakthrough.

In an era where sports teams are expected to be not just competitive but also socially responsible and emotionally resonant, Jaglan’s model could very well become the new standard. As the Gurugram Gurus march forward, their journey promises to be a testament to the power of integrating heart, vision and purpose into the very DNA of professional kabaddi.