The Pro Kabaddi League is entering its fifth season and in the last four editions, we have seen three teams lift the title. Over the seasons, we have seen many players establish themselves as key names of their respective sides.
There are a few players who have become synonymous with a single team over the course of the last four campaigns – the likes of Anup Kumar, Rahul Chaudhari and Kashiling Adake. They have been integral parts of the team and have experienced the ups and downs with their franchises.
However, for the 2017 season, over 400 players from India and across the world went under the hammer in the auction last month. Over Rs 47 crore was spent as 12 teams contested for the top names in the sport.
Only four one-team players are still remaining, who have the distinction of having represented the same team over the five seasons. Here is a list of the others, who were separated from their old teams after four editions!
#1 Rajesh Narwal
After four seasons with Jaipur Pink Panthers and a title in the first season of Pro Kabaddi League, Rajesh Narwal was not retained by the Jaipur side for this edition. He was one of the most important players in the team and an essential part of their title-winning season where he played 60 games for the club.
One of the top all-rounders in the league, he averages 4.43 raid points and 1.40 tackle points per match. A great asset defensively, he has converted 77 of his 183 tackles attempted. In the recent auction, he was sold to Team Uttar Pradesh for Rs. 69 lakhs.
#2 Jeeva Kumar
An important part of U Mumba’s title winning side in the second season, Jeeva Kumar has proved himself to be one of the best defenders in the league. Playing in both right and left corner positions, he amassed an average of 2.13 tackle points per season and also has a total of three High 5s under his belt.
The veteran of the side, he helped build U Mumba as a formidable force in the league. In the auction, he was sold to team UP for Rs. 52 lakh.
#3 Rohit Rana
Jaipur Pink Panthers first title win was based on their great defensive unit and Rohit Rana was one the team’s defensive leaders. Playing as a defensive left cover, he had a total of 74 tackle points for the team, averaging a total of 1.76 tackle points a season.
He also had five High 5s to show for during the four seasons at the club. Rana was bought by the Telegu Titans for Rs. 27.5 lakh this season.
#4 Kashiling Adake
The heart of the Dabang Delhi KC team for four years, Kashiling Adake has proved to be one of the most prolific raider in the league. He has had 293 successful raids with an average of 3.91 raids per season.
He has amassed a total of 11 High 10ss and was deservingly awarded the best raider in the league in Season 2. He was sold to U Mumba for Rs. 48 lakh in this auction.
#5 Rishank Devadiga
Rishank Devadiga provided the dynamic energy and youth to the dominant U Mumba side for four seasons, winning a title in the second edition. Rishank was awarded the Best Raider award in Season 3 for his raiding prowess and ability to attack the opposition with energy and pace.
He has averaged 4.81 raid points per season while also contributing to the defenSe with 35 successful tackles, showing how well he played for the team. In 2017 auction, he was sold to Team UP for Rs. 45.5 lakh
