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What MS Dhoni is to cricket, Anup Kumar is to kabaddi! The Captain Cool is an asset when it comes to the national team and has been at the helm of affairs during all of India's national team's achievements in the past years.
However, in the upcoming Asian Championships to be held in Iran from the 22nd of November, Anup Kumar was left out of the probables squad by the selection committee.
In light of this, Sportskeeda looks at 5 players who could possibly step into the shoes of the Indian skipper for the tournament!
#5 Surender Nada
The left corner defender is an experienced campaigner when it comes to the sport and has showcased his mettle whilst playing the role of a captain for the Haryana Steelers in the Pro Kabaddi League. Under him, the new entrants made the cut to the playoff's in their very first edition and the left corner defender led his team by example, finishing as the Best Defender in the fifth season.
He has a lethal partnership with right corner Mohit Chhillar who is likely to be included in the squad and can marshall the rest of the troops effectively on the basis of this strong foundation.
#4 Rahul Chaudhari
The talismanic raider is regarded as the poster boy of Indian kabaddi and is the fans' favourite, thus garnering their true loyalty even in the national team colours. He has led the charge for the Telugu Titans since the inaugural edition and thus has been in the thick of the things when it comes to captaincy.
Moreover, given his skill to lead from the front in every match due to his stellar raiding prowess, he inspires his team to rally around him and thereby can power the players across the finish line.
#3 Rohit Kumar
The tall and lanky raider has been leading the proceedings when it comes to the Bengaluru Bulls in the Pro Kabaddi League since the past couple of seasons and is well-equipped with the talent and skills to reprise the role for the Indian national team as well.
Especially, in the fifth season, Rohit primarily led a side predominant with youngsters and was quite up to the task. Given his composed way of leading the side without letting tempers flare in what is essentially a high level of contact sport, Rohit Kumar can make an ideal captain.
#2 Deepak Hooda
The all-rounder's ability to perform on both ends of the mat is often a relief for his team for he can bail them out of any dire situation. Deepak Hooda has emerged on the scene, consistently improving with every consecutive season in Pro Kabaddi, becoming a major force to reckon with as well.
Often regarded as junior Anup Kumar due to his calm nature and strategic way of going about the scheme of things, he has an exclusive shade of a leader's personality which has been visible when he leads Puneri Paltan. Thus, Deepak Hooda could be one of the contender's for the captains' role.
#1 Ajay Thakur
Ajay Thakur will ideally be the senior-most player in the young side and might be given the captain's band by the coaches given his ability, skills and reputation. Quite cool and calm, Ajay's knack for thriving in pressure situations has been evident throughout the course of the domestic league as well as during the World Cup last year.
In the otherwise fast-paced game, he can keep things cool and poised to implement strategies in situations where players get carried away or get aggressive and is thus one the best fits for the role.
