Kabaddi is a dynamic sport where players may need to step into roles outside their usual expertise. Raiders, who typically support defenders, can be positioned at Right-In or Left-In and might use ankle holds to stop opposing raiders. Conversely, defenders might also raid depending on the time or score. Teams prefer versatile players who can adapt to various roles, keeping the team balanced and competitive. The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) features talented all-rounders, some of whom will be available in the upcoming auction.
Take a look at the 5 All Rounders in PKL 11 to keep an eye at auction
5. Vijay Malik
In the auction for Season 10 of the PKL, Vijay Malik was acquired by UP Yoddhas for a substantial Rs 85 lakh, thanks to his impressive stint with Dabang Delhi KC, including a title win in 2021-22. However, the season didn’t go as planned for Yoddhas, with Vijay scoring only 47 points.
Despite this, Vijay’s exceptional skills make him a valuable addition to any team. Delhi has maintained a strong core, and bringing Vijay back could further bolster their squad.
The Haryana Steelers might also consider Vijay, as they need raiders but have a limited budget. He could enhance their raiding and defensive capabilities effectively.
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4. Sandeep Narwal
Narwal, known as “Beast” in the Kabaddi world, is a standout player in the Pro Kabaddi League. His aggressive style has earned him a lot of fans, and he has been with the league since its start. Despite his impressive track record, he went unsold in the PKL 10 auction.
However, his versatility makes him a sought-after player. He often plays in the corner position but can easily transition to cover defender thanks to his strong build.
At 31, Narwal has been part of two championship-winning teams: Patna Pirates in 2016 and Dabang Delhi KC. There’s a good chance he might return to Patna Pirates. The Tamil Thalaivas are also interested in him, as their strategy coach, Dharmaraj Cheralathan, has mentioned their goal to build a more aggressive team.
3. Mohammad Nabibakhsh
Nabibakhsh made a strong debut in 2019, quickly becoming a standout player for the Bengal Warriors. His all-round skills were key in securing the team’s first PKL title in season seven. During his debut season, Nabibakhsh earned 92 raid points and 32 tackle points.
Notably, when Maninder Singh was injured during the playoffs, Nabibakhsh stepped up and led the team to victory. However, in the past two seasons, he hasn’t been consistently used and has struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. U Mumba and Iran’s coach Gholamreza Mazandarani might be interested in including him in their teams.
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2. Deepak Niwas Hooda
The biggest surprise from last season’s auction was that Deepak Niwas Hooda went unsold. The main reason was his high base price of Rs 70 lakh, which was too steep given the teams’ budget constraints.
This season, Hooda has lowered his base price to Rs 13 lakh, making him a more attractive option for teams.
Even though he didn’t play last season, Hooda remains among the top five all-time raid point scorers. Known for his resilience after losing his parents young and working as a teacher before excelling in Kabaddi, he’s a player to watch.
Teams will be eager to snap up this skilled all-rounder, and the Telugu Titans, who first signed him, might want to bring him back to build their squad around him.
1. Mohammadreza Shadloui
Shadloui has been a standout player in the Pro Kabaddi League for the past three seasons. As a top all-rounder, the Iranian has excelled in the left corner position and earned two Best Defender awards. His tall frame helps him execute unexpected raids and reach the mid-line effortlessly.
Last year, he was the priciest foreign player, with a salary of Rs 2.35 crore. The Paltan might have released him to manage their budget, but with most of their key players retained, they could use the FBM card to bring him back.
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