Explore the top 5 young players who made a significant impact in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 9! This exciting season showcased fresh talent that captivated fans with their skills and determination. From impressive raiding techniques to solid defensive strategies, these youngsters proved they are the future stars of kabaddi. Join us as we highlight their standout performances, key stats, and moments that set them apart on the mat. Whether you’re a die-hard kabaddi fan or new to the sport, discover the players who are ready to take the kabaddi world by storm in the coming years.
5. Narender Kandola – Tamil Thalaivas
What has he done? He has taken on the raiding role while Pawan Kumar Sehrawat is injured. He has scored 169 raid points in 16 matches, making him the fifth-best raider this season.
Why is he important? He performs well no matter who the opponent is or what the game situation is. He averages 10.5 raid points per game, helping Tamil Thalaivas stay in the race for a playoff spot.
When did he join the team? He made his debut this season. He was training to be a backup raider for Pawan, but when Pawan got injured, Narender stepped up. He is quiet off the mat, but his raiding speaks volumes during games.
Where does he fit in the team? Narender is always in the starting lineup. He is a key player for the Thalaivas.
4. Akash Shinde – Puneri Paltan
Who? He is the newest player from the Puneri Paltan raiding team.
What has he done? He stepped up when the team’s main raider, Aslam Inamdar, got injured and delivered some match-winning performances. He has now taken the place of Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibabkhsh, who won PKL 7 with the Bengal Warriors.
Why is he important? He allows team captain Fazel Atrachali to switch between his main raiders, Aslam and Mohit Goyat. While Aslam and Mohit do most of the raiding, Aslam sometimes gets into trouble and has to sit out. That’s when Akash comes in, winning raid points that help the team score and bring Aslam back into play. He is also a key part of Puneri Paltan’s raiding trio.
When did he join the team? He is a newcomer in PKL, coming from Puneri Paltan’s youth academy, Yuva Paltan.
Where does he fit in the team? He is an important part of the Puneri Paltan raiding group and helps revive his fellow raiders. He has a raiding success rate of 50% and an impressive not-out percentage of 78%.
3. Rohit Tomar – UP Yoddhas
Who? He is the key player for UP Yoddha in tough situations.
What has he done? He has scored important points when Pardeep Narwal or Surender Gill struggled. He got a great Super 10 with 16 points in a match against Bengal Warriors and also achieved a High 5 against Gujarat Giants this week. This was on the same day Pardeep Narwal reached 1500 raid points.
Why is he important? He gives coach Jasvir Singh a dependable third raider. He is not only fast but also very clever.
When did he join the team? He joined last season but only played five games. This season, he has played more and made the most of his time on the field. He can also tackle well.
Where does he fit in the team? He is a traditional super-sub (like UP Yoddhas’ own Chicharito!) but can also play as a third raider in a three-raider setup.
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2. Ankush – Jaipur Pink Panthers
Who is he? He is a key player for the Jaipur Pink Panthers, playing in the left corner. He might not look tough, but he is very strong.
What has he done? He has strengthened the Panthers’ defense and taken down the best raiders with his special ankle holds. At one point, he was the best defender in the league and remains the Panthers’ top defender in PKL 9. He has better stats than the team captain, Sunil Kumar, and ranks #14 in tackle points in PKL history.
Why is he important? The Panthers’ defense has struggled this season, but Ankush has been a key player. He has scored one-third of the team’s tackle points (56 out of 168).
When did he join the team? This is his first season in PKL, and he is likely to become a regular player in the Indian team.
Where does he fit in the team? Although he is not very tall, he is very strong. He is also not afraid to call out his raiders if they make mistakes. Ankush’s intense stare at Rahul Chaudhari for missing a point is something to see. He is an all-around player, and the Panthers would struggle without him.
1.Parteek Dahiya – Gujarat Giants
Who is he? Parteek Dahiya, the Gujarat Giants’ standout player of the season and the second-best raider, is also Deepak Niwas Hooda’s nephew.
What has he done? He stepped up when the senior raiders struggled. He has brought new energy to Ram Meher Singh’s defense-focused team and shown that he can be a strong backup. He has great reach, excellent footwork, and good upper-body strength, which is why he’s listed as an all-rounder.
Why is he important? He is the team’s second-best raider and has outperformed captain Chandran Ranjith. Gujarat Giants needed a strong raider this season, and Parteek has taken advantage of that opportunity.
When did he join the team? He joined this season. Gujarat Giants have a history of bringing in successful new players each year, like Rakesh HS last season and Parteek this time.
Where does he fit in the team? He is now the team’s secondary raider. With Chandran struggling and Rakesh not performing well, Parteek will be key to the Gujarat Giants’ hopes of making it to the playoffs.
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