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Star Sports Pro Kabaddi is a unique concept in the sport as it involves players from all over the world. South Korea, Iran, Poland, Pakistan, Nepal and Kenya are just a few countries which have made their presence felt in the franchise-based league.India, as a country, has won all the Asian Games, World Cups and Indoor Asian Games matches held so far and it is no surprise that the top players in the league have been the ones from India.Players of all ages are participating in the tournament: 40-year-old Dharmaraj Cheralathan playing for the Bengaluru Bulls, while 18-year-old Sandeep Kandola has been a rock at the back for Telugu Titans. The youngsters have stood toe-to-toe with the experienced players and made a name for themselves in the league.Star Sports Pro Kabaddi ScheduleAfter looking at the best foreigners in Pro Kabaddi, we switch our attention to the locals – the best Indian players in the league.
#5 Sandeep Narwal
The current captain of Patna Pirates has dazzled crowds in Star Sports Pro Kabaddi. Despite the presence of former Indian captain Rakesh Kumar, the 22-year-old has established himself as the most important player of the team. He was a key part of the Pirates’ team that finished on the podium in the first season.
Comfortable with both, defending and attack, Sandeep is known to adapt his game as per the needs of the team. He has amassed a grand total of 115 raid points and 41 tackle points so far by using his strength. This youngster has received plenty of praise from all corners and is expected to make it to the Indian national team very soon.
#4 Ravinder Pahal
The defender captains Dabang Delhi and is a rock at the back for the Pro Kabaddi outfit. The 25-year-old won his team 31 tackle points in the first season, while he has outscored himself after just 8 matches this season, scoring 39 points so far. He leads by example and has notched up enough points to emerge as the topscoring defender in the league.
The Haryanvi has been representing his state since 2011, winning the National Games gold in Kerala in 2015. Binda, as he is fondly called, took up the sport from his father and has made Sonepat, his hometown, proud with his exploits in Star Sports Pro Kabaddi. Famous for his ankle holds, Ravinder Pahal is talked about as the man to replace the reliable Arjuna awardee Navneet Gautam in the Indian national team.
#3 Rahul Chaudhari
The 22-year-old from Telugu Titans is yet to represent the Indian national team, but if he keeps up his performances, an Indian call-up would be just a formality. Rahul Chaudhari was the ‘Raider of the Tournament’ in the first season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi and he has carried on this form in the second edition as well.
Nominated as the captain of the team for the first few matches in the second season, the raider has kept the Titans on the heels of U Mumba. With his nimble footwork and energetic playing style, Rahul has become a fan favourite and the key player of the team at such a young age.
#2 Manjeet Chhillar
The Bengaluru Bulls captain finds his way to the No. 2 spot in the list having made a name for himself as the best allrounder in the world. The 28-year-old was the best defender in the first season of Pro Kabaddi while helping his team out in attack as well.
The two-times Asian Games gold medallist brings with him plenty of international experience to the Bulls’ squad as he guided them to a semifinal spot in the first season. The man from Nizampur was one of the costliest players in the league and even coaches youngsters from his village as he looks to inspire the next generation of kabaddi players.
#1 Anup Kumar
The 31-year-old from Haryana is one of India’s best players and has taken the League by storm. His efforts in the first season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi resulted in him taking home the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. He is the only player in the world to have surpassed the grand total of 200 points in the franchise-based league.
The captain of U Mumba, Anup Kumar, led his team to the runners-up spot last season and has helped his team to the top in the second season, winning all the matches that the team from Mumbai has participated in so far.
In 2012, he was conferred with the Arjuna award for his contribution to the sport. Being an integral part of the Indian team that won the gold medal at the Asian Games in Guangzhou and Incheon, he has carved a niche in kabaddi history with dazzling displays whenever he has taken to the court.
