Explore the detailed list of top PKL 2024 players to watch, including Pardeep Narwal, Fazel Atrachali, Pawan Sehrawat, and Guman Singh. Find detailed stats and names of top PKL raiders, top defenders, and most raid points in a single raid in PKL History.
As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) gears up for its 11th edition, fans eagerly anticipate the start of the new season. The recent PKL 2024 player auction set the stage with historic buys and high-profile player acquisitions. With eight players surpassing the Rs 1 crore mark, and eminent names like Pardeep Narwal, Sachin Tanwar, Guman Singh and Mohammadreza Shadloui making headlines, this season promises to be an exciting one for the kabaddi fans. This article offers a detailed analysis of the top PKL 2024 players to watch from all 12 teams, featuring notable career records and stats in PKL.
Top PKL 2024 stars to watch from all 12 teams
Let’s have a detailed look at the players from each of the 12 teams that fans should keep an eye on in this PKL season:
1. Bengal Warriors: Fazel Atrachali (Defender)
The Iranian-born defensive maestro, Fazel Atrachali, widely known as the “Sultan” of Defense, joins Bengal Warriors this season with a price tag of Rs 50 lakhs, widely considered to be the smartest signing of this season’s PKL auction. Previously with Gujarat Giants as their captain, has been one of the most prominent figures in PKL. He holds the record for the most tackle points in PKL history, with 500 tackle points (reaching this milestone during the ongoing PKL season). His leadership and defensive prowess will be vital as Bengal Warriors aim to strengthen their defence and make a significant impact this season.
Fazel Atrachali Age and PKL Stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
2. Bengaluru Bulls: Pardeep Narwal (Raider)
Record-Breaker, Pardeep Narwal, returns to Bengaluru Bulls, where he began his PKL career as a Raider back in Season 2. Renowned as the “Dubki King”, Pardeep was the first PKL raider ever to reach 1700 raid points in (Match 6 of Season 11 during his game against Gujarat Giants on October 20, 2024). He currently holds the record for the most raid points in PKL history, with 1718 raid points and also set the record for most raid points in a single raid, scoring 8 points against Haryana Steelers during his stint with Patna Pirates.
The relatively modest acquisition price (Rs 70 lakhs) in this year’s player auction, reflects his varied form since his transfer from Patna to UP Yoddhas in season 10. However, his return to the Bulls, alongside legendary coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat and new raiding partner Ajinkya Pawar, acquired for Rs 1.03 crore, in this auction, could spark a resurgence story for Narwal. This season may well see him reassert his dominance and lead the Bengaluru Bulls to newer heights.
Pardeep Narwal’s Age and PKL Stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
3. Dabang Delhi K.C: Naveen Kumar (Raider)
Naveen Kumar, aka, “Naveen Express,” continues his journey with Dabang Delhi K.C., after missing a significant portion of last season due to a knee injury. He is currently ranked amongst the all-time top 10 raiders in PKL history with 1005 raid points. His speedy raids and consistent performance make him a standout player. Naveen, who won the title with Delhi in Season 8, has recovered completely for PKL Season 11.
Naveen had recently shared an update about his recovery, by stating, “My recovery process is going well.” As he gears up for the new season, he aims to bring his exceptional raiding skills back to the forefront for Delhi.
Naveen Kumar’s Age and PKL Stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
4. Gujarat Giants: Guman Singh (Raider)
Guman Singh, the Harayana-born Raider, previously with U Mumba, joins Gujarat Giants this season with a transfer fee of Rs1.97 crore and was one of the surprise names from this auction as a bidding war ensued for him. His role at Gujarat Giants will be significant, working alongside key raiders like Rakesh and Pradeep Dahiya. Guman’s raiding skills are expected to play a pivotal role in Gujarat Giants’ campaign for PKL 2024.
Guman Singh Age and PKL Stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
5. Haryana Steelers: Mohammadreza Shadloui (All-Rounder)
The Iranian superstar, Mohammadreza Shadloui became the most expensive foreign player in PKL history and joined the Haryana Steelers for Rs 1.9 crore in PKL 11. Previously with Puner Paltans, Shadloui is renowned for his versatility as both a raider and defender. His all-around capabilities will enhance Haryana’s performance as they seek to improve on their runner-up finish from last season. Shadlou set a PKL record in Season 9 with 16 tackle points, the most ever by any defender in the league’s history.
Mohammadreza Shadloui Age and Stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
6. Jaipur Pink Panthers: Arjun Deshwal (Raider)
Arjun Deshwal, who excelled as a raider for Jaipur Pink Panthers last season, continues his role with the team. Deshwal is known for his speed and his dynamic raiding will be crucial for the Jaipur Pink Panthers as they aim for a strong performance in PKL 2024.
Arjun Deshwal’s Age and PKL stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
7. Patna Pirates: Jang Kun Lee (Raider)
Jang Kun Lee, the South Korean raider, returns to PKL with Patna Pirates after a four-year hiatus. Having played 90 matches for Bengal Warriors, Lee has 433 raid points with 9 super 10s in his PKL career. He also holds the record for the most raids by an overseas player in PKL. His extensive experience will significantly bolster the Patna Pirates, who have undergone a squad overhaul, retaining only raider Sudhakar M and a few emerging talents before this year’s auction.
Jang Kun Lee Age and Stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
8. Puneri Paltan: Aslam Mustafa Inamdar (All-rounder)
Aslam Mustafa Inamdar, captain of Puneri Paltan, continues his leadership role from last season. Known for his versatility as an all-rounder, Inamdar was an integral part of Pune’s victorious campaign last season, making Puneri Paltan the current PKL champion. His all-around abilities and leadership will be key to Puneri Paltan’s success this year.
Aslam Mustafa Inamdar Age and PKL Stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
9. Tamil Thalaivas: Sachin Tanwar (Raider)
The Rajasthan-born raider, Sachin Tanwar was the highest-paid player of PKL 2024, acquired by Tamil Thalaivas for Rs 2.15 crore. Last season, Sachin played for Patna Pirates as their frontline raider and was exceptional throughout the season. His exceptional raiding skills and consistent performances make him a pivotal player for Tamil Thalaivas this season.
Sachin tanwar’s Age and PKL Stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
10. Telugu Titans: Pawan Sehrawat (Raider)
Telugu Titans have retained the current captain of the Indian kabaddi team, Pawan Sehrawat for INR 1.97 crore by using the FBM card during the recently concluded player auction. Known as the “Hi-Flyer” for his impressive jumping abilities, Sehrawat is the third most successful raider in PKL history with 1189 raid points and is set to surpass the 1200-point landmark this season.
Having won the Highest Raider Award in consecutive seasons (Seasons 7 & 8), his raiding prowess and experience will be critical for Telugu Titans to better their performance after a disappointing 2023 campaign where they finished at the bottom of the PKL standings. Pawan also holds the record for most raid points in a single match, with 39 points scored while playing for Bengaluru Bulls against the Haryana Steelers in Season 7.
Pawan Sehrawat Age and Stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
(Photo: Pro Kabaddi League website)
11. U Mumba: Sunil Kumar (Defender)
U Mumba’s marquee signing from the PKL 2024 auction is Sunil Kumar, secured for INR 1.015 crore, making him the most expensive Indian defender in PKL history. Sunil, who has been a crucial part of Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defence in recent years, led them to their second title in Season 9. His raiding performance also earned him the award for Best Raid by a Defender in PKL 2023. Expectations are high from U Mumba fans to witness his leadership and defensive prowess in the upcoming edition.
Sunil Kumar Age and Stats: Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records
12. UP Yoddhas: Surender Gill (Raider)
Surender Gill’s reliability and ever-consistent performances played a pivotal role in his retention by UP Yoddhas over the star raider Pardeep Narwal, Gill has an opportunity to establish himself as the premier raider for UP Yoddhas and cement his position among the top PKL raiders.
Surinder Gill’s PKL Stats: Age, Raid Points, Tackles, Position, Team, Records, Profile – Pro Kabaddi
Conclusion
With Pro Kabaddi League’s new season nearing, a sense of anticipation is intensifying among the fans who are eager to see the latest chapter in the league’s storied history. The recently concluded PKL 2024 player auction showcased how each of these 12 teams has emboldened their squad, setting the stage for fierce competition in the title run. The dynamic blend of skilled raiders and formidable defenders promises an unmissable season of power-packed kabaddi matches.
Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 will kick off on October 18 with the Telugu Titans taking on the Bengaluru Bulls in Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad. The venue and schedule for the playoffs will be announced later.
For the complete PKL 2024 schedule, visit the official PKL website.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates on PKL 2024 and other sporting events happening across the globe.