Kabaddi has a long history and has been regarded as an important Indian sport for centuries. This sport, which owes its origins to the countryside of India, has transformed from an age-old pastime to a sport enjoyed by billions.
Nevertheless, it was still a game played within the confines of the nation till the advent of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), which changed the status of the game and made it a global league with millions of viewers.
People across every corner of India love kabaddi. However, the launch of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in 2014 brought the sport onto a serious professional platform and transformed its reach and popularity. With its unique structure, this league created a new section of the sport, which included players, coaches, and subscribers. While nations all over the world have taken an interest in Kabaddi, national Kabaddi today sits at the nexus of the old and the new, honoring the traditional style of play.
TogglePKL Growth and Development:
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has been instrumental in changing the perception of kabaddi to millions of fans. PKL, since its inception, has expanded in size and professional architecture, with many fans tuning in to watch it. What started as a limited arrangement has now turned into a league with a dozen teams representing different cities in India.
The Pro Kabaddi League has done more than promote the sport. It has beaten the odds, helped spread kabaddi to the grassroots level, and given young players a platform to shine and compete on the world stage. This was, as expected, alongside the introduction of in-venue corporate sponsorships and media rights sales, among other verticals, further enhancing the Kabaddi economic model. With new teams emerging, deeper pockets coming along, and more fans taking interest in sports, the PKL curve indicates that years of Kabaddi glory are still to come.
Top 5 PKL Players of All Time:
The history of PKL cannot be complete without paying respect to the players who revolutionized Kabaddi performance standards since their introduction. Such players have not only gained control over the matches but have also changed the dynamics of the game.
| Player Name | Team (PKL 2026) | Position | Total Raid Points* | Total Tackle Points* | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pardeep Narwal | Bengaluru Bulls | Raider | 1,800+ | 20+ | Highest raid points scorer in PKL history, first player to cross 1,000 and 1,500 raid points, three-time PKL champion with Patna Pirates, renowned for the “Dubki” move. |
| Pawan Sehrawat | Tamil Thalaivas | Raider | 1,300+ | 20+ | Nicknamed the “Hi-Flyer,” PKL Season 6 MVP, led India to the 2022 Asian Games gold medal, among the fastest players to reach 1,000 raid points. |
| Maninder Singh | Patna Pirates | Raider | 1,568 | 10+ | Bengal Warriorz’s title-winning captain in Season 7 (2019), among the top five all-time PKL raiders, has recorded 95+ Super 10s. |
| Nitesh Kumar | Bengal Warriorz | Defender (Right Corner) | 20+ | 450+ | One of PKL’s best defenders, Season 7 Best Defender, multiple High 5s, key member of Bengal Warriorz’s 2019 championship-winning team. |
| Ajay Thakur | Retired | Raider | 790+ | 20+ | Former India captain, led India to the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup title, PKL Season 5 MVP, among the earliest stars of the league. |
Pardeep Narwal
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Pardeep Narwal, famously known as the “Dubki King,” is one of the finest raiders in the history of Pro Kabaddi League. He has set and broken many records, including that of scoring the highest number of raid points in a season. He helped Patna Pirates win three consecutive PKL titles with his stunning skills. His signature ‘Dubki’ move helped him cross 1,000 points, and as of 2026, Pardeep has over 1,500 raid points in PKL history. He is arguably one of the greatest raiders in the league’s history.
Pawan Sehrawat
PKL's own whirling dervish, Pawan Sehrawat, has etched his name into the history books by emerging as one of the highest-scoring raiders to have ever played in the league. He was the PKL 6 MVP and has always been a dependable game changer for the Bengaluru Bulls, more so than ever with his quickness, agility, and smart movement on the mat. Pawan won the Most Valuable Player award in Season 6 of the PKL after finishing as the highest raid points scorer and helping the Bengaluru Bulls win their first PKL title. He is known as the ‘High Flyer’ and has crossed 1300 career raid points.
Maninder Singh
Maninder Singh Image: X
A well-known raider from Bengal Warriors, Maninder has played an integral role in the offensive setups created by the team. His sweeping raids and uncanny ability to score under restraints have earned him a prominent place in the league. Under his leadership, Bengal Warriorz won their first-ever PKL title in Season 7. As of 2026, Maninder has scored 1500+ raid points, which makes him one of the highest-scoring players in PKL history. Currently he is part of the Patna Pirates.
Nitesh Kumar
Nitesh Kumar Image: X
The defender Nitesh Kumar is famous for his lethal ankle holds. He is also one of the finest corner defenders in the league. And his performances have at times proved to be the game-changer for Patna Pirates. Nitish played a key role in PKL Season 7 in helping UP Yoddhas reach the playoffs and won the Best Defender of the Season award. His ability to stop top raiders, lead the defense, and score high fives has made him one of the most dependable players.
Ajay Thakur
Ajay Thakur Image: X
Thakur is a former captain of the Indian Kabaddi team and was a key player of PKL. He has been praised for his guidance and strategy. No one leads herself and those around her better than Thakur, both as a player and as a captain. He represented Bengaluru Bulls, Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas, and Dabang Delhi during his PKL Caree. He scored 794 points across 120 matches and became popular for his powerful frog jump and do-or-die raids. His best season came in Season 5 when Ajay captained Tamil Thalaivas and won the MVP award for scoring 200 raid points.
Conclusion:
As the Pro Kabaddi League completed a decade, Kabaddi seems poised for even more success. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the global expansion of the league has not only enhanced the image of Kabaddi but also But also produced a number of players who have raised the level of the game. The ongoing rivalry of greats such as Pardeep Narwal and Pawan Sehrawat. Along with up-and-coming young talents like Arjun Deshwal, it bodes well for the game of Kabaddi in the years to come. With the game taking over territories around the world. The fans can be assured of an exhilarating season in the days to come.
FAQs:
Q: What impact has the Pro Kabaddi League had on Kabaddi in India?
PKL has transformed Kabaddi from a traditional sport into a widely watched professional league, attracting new fans. Increasing global visibility and fostering young talent.
Q: Who is the top scorer in PKL history?
Pardeep Narwal, known as the “Dubki King,” holds the record for the highest raid points in PKL history, with over 1,300 points.
Q: Which players are considered defensive powerhouses in PKL?
Nitesh Kumar and Rinku are top defenders known for their tackling skills, making them key assets to the Patna Pirates and U Mumba, respectively.
Q: Who are the future stars to watch in the upcoming PKL season?
Rising talents in PKL, like Arjun Deshwal and Sachin, are promising players expected to shine in the upcoming PKL season.
Q: How has PKL's success influenced young athletes in India?
PKL’s success has inspired young athletes by creating a viable professional path in Kabaddi. Encouraging new players to pursue the sport seriously at a professional level.