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The fifth season of the Pro Kabaddi League began in July this year and features 12 teams from 11 states facing off in a three-month extravaganza, the biggest of its kind the nation has seen. In May, the player auctions were held as the teams filled their rosters and some players fetched huge amounts, with the highest being Nitin Tomar, who was bought by the UP Yoddha for a whopping Rs 93 lakhs.
The big names and big price tags grabbed most of the attention while the young squad players, who were bought for relatively smaller amounts, went under the radar. With one-third of the season done and dusted, we take a look at these 'bargain buys', who did not grab eyeballs at the auctions but have wowed fans with their impressive performances.
Here are the five best value-for-money buys ranked!
#5 Vinod Kumar (Patna Pirates) - Rs 8 lakh
The double defending champions made quite a splash at the auction, spending huge amounts on defenders Jaideep (Rs 50 lakh) and Sachin Shingade (Rs 42.50 lakh), who have struggled for consistency so far this season.
However, along with their skipper Pardeep Narwal, if there is one man who has impressed is Vinod Kumar, who was bought for just 8 lakhs! He has been a key contributor on both sides of the mat for his side, with 19 raid points and 14 tackle points in seven matches.
Probably the most important statistic are his super tackle numbers, as he sits in second place on the charts with five super tackles so far. His abilities under pressure are what make him such an asset to the Pirates and he will look to play an important role as we reach the business end of the season.
#4 Shrikant Jadhav (U Mumba) - Rs 8 lakh
After the auctions, the U Mumba squad caught the eye because of the incredible attackers on offer. Led by Anup Kumar, the Mumbai raiding department featured names such as Kashiling Adake, Shabeer Bapu and Nitin Madane, all of whom came for hefty amounts.
However, one month into the new season, little did we know that it will be a youngster signed for Rs 8 lakh who will catch the eye the most. Shrikant Jadhav has been an important figure in the U Mumba starting lineup, especially thanks to the other raiders' poor form and difficulties with injuries.
The 21-year-old has stepped up to the plate in fine style, picking up 25 raid points and four tackle points, and that too in crunch situations!
#3 Surinder Singh (U Mumba) - Rs 6 lakh
Once again, we have another U Mumba player in this list and this time, it's a young defender in the form of Surinder Singh, who has been quite a revelation in the league's initial weeks. The 19-year-old was bought for just Rs 6 lakh at the auction and was part of the New Young Players list at the auction.
The side from Mumbai has some big, experienced names in defence in the form of Joginder Narwal, Kuldeep Singh and Hadi Oshtorak, but it is young Surinder who has shone through - scoring 31 tackle points in 11 matches.
His powerful dashes and advanced body blocks have been eye-catching and he has single-handedly brought down established raiders. While on some occasions he has shown naivety in his tackling, the aggression he brings to his side is certainly valuable.
#2 Vikas Kandola (Haryana Steelers) - Rs 15.2 lakh
The second-last name on this list is the youngster Vikas Kandola, who has been nothing short of a revelation for the Haryana Steelers. In an attack boasting of names such as Surjeet Singh, Wazir Singh and Deepak Dahiya, it is the 19-year-old who has caught the eye and has been his side's chief point-getter.
He may be sidelined due to injury, but in the seven matches he has played, the youngster has amassed a whopping 44 raid points, with just 23 of 107 raids being unsuccessful. His pace and flexibility on the mat have been truly electric and he has left some of the best defenders in the league in his wake.
The Steelers will be wanting him to return as soon as possible!
#1 Vishal Bharadwaj/Sombir (Telugu Titans) - Rs 6 lakh
We tried our best but it was extremely difficult to choose one winner from this Telugu Titans duo, given their contribution to their team and the bargain price they were bought for. Both Sombir and Vishal are part of the New Young Players brigade and have been their side's standout stars in defence.
Manning the left corner, Vishal has amassed a massive 32 tackle points in just 12 games and has already gained a solid reputation with his mean ankle holds. Sombir too, has come to life in the last few matches and already has five super tackles to his name in only seven appearances.
Against the Tamil Thalaivas, he scored a massive 10 tackle points, which is the PKL 5 record for the most in a single game so far.
