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Ajay Thakur of the Bengaluru BullsOne of the most prevalent and adored games of India - Kabaddi is back with the third edition of Pro Kabaddi league. The prior success of seasons 1 and 2 waits to be extended in January 2016.The extravaganza is all set to feature eight franchises with 138 players overall including 24 international players from 12 countries.The league engulfed million of viewers last season even when cricket remains to be the dominating sport in the subcontinent.As we gear up for the hotly contested tournament next year, let’s have a look at 5 players to check in next year-
#1 Manjeet Chillar
Having inspired Bengaluru Bulls to the finals in the second season and semifinals in the first season, the 29-year-old made a move to Puneri Paltan this season. The all-rounder made a deep impact last season by dealing both raids and tackling opponents.
From being the most expensive player in season 2 to getting his team to finals and getting a total of 51 defending points in season 1, the Indian is definitely the most sought all-rounder of the tournament.
The season also presents a challenge for him to rejuvenate Puneri Paltan who stood at the bottom of the charts last season. He is the most expensive player this season as well.
It would be watchable for what miracles he does to the team alongside his former team-mate Ajay Thakur and the strategies he evolves to revamp the team as a captain.
Definitely, a new team and a new challenge!
#2 Anup Kumar
The “Captain Cool” who drove U Mumba to the finals in season 2 and eventually winning the trophy and finishing as a runner-up in season 1 is surely going to be one of the raiders to watch out for.
The Arjun Awardee is very famous for his “toe touch” which involves giving a touch to the opponent’s toe and winning a point. He is very agile in taking bonuses as well.
Ranging from his stature in Indian national team, to sporting peppy hairstyles, the Gurgaon-born raider is a versatile man who works as savior for the team at many occasions. He compliments the other raiders of the team, Shabeer Bapu and Rishank Devadiga in every possible way.
Let’s see what magic spell he throws for the opponents and the audience as well!
#3 Jan Kun Lee
The Korean kid caught stupendous attention last season featuring as the most adored foreign player in the pro kabaddi league. The 21-year-old is known more in India than in his own country due to the minimal reach of kabaddi overseas.
“Bonus Lee” scored a total of 55 points last season. He possesses an indifferent attribute to tagging, holding his breath and grappling with best of them.
The Bengal Warriors player, whose team finished sixth in the last season, was cited as a “superstar in the making” by league’s founder, Anand Mahindra.
It would be exciting to see how many points this fleet-footed raider steals this season.
#4 Sandeep Kandola
Moving the attention to the defenders, the “emerging player of Pro Kabaddi League 2015” is definitely a player to glue your eyes. He has been momentous in the Telugu Titans’ magnificent run the second season.
He is mercurial when it comes to his ankle locks which are lethal for the players who enter the team’s half with pre-intentions of scoring a bonus.
The 18-year-old had offbeat form at the semi-finals, which was also one of the reasons why the Titans lost.
As he accretes his form this season, he is a must-watch player this time around.
#5 Kashalina Adake
Dabang Delhi’s number 11, tall and well-built with long legs that bring out his raiding abilities to their best, is quick to slip out from the opposition’s half to honor his team a plethora of points.
Hailing from a rural background, the Maharashtrian has a come a long way from representing India to becoming one of the top raiders of last season.
He has been a one man show many a times for the Delhi team. But due to lack of coordination and on field presence of the rest of the team, it could only manage to finish seventh in the league table.
The season awaits many curtains to be unveiled and show his capabilities.
Wish this season is able to engulf millions of viewers in the cricket-crazy nation as it did last year.
