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Pro Kabaddi League Season 7 is set to start from July this year. The auctions for the same was held recently as the teams have already started preparing for the long tournament. A trend that has been noticed in the last two seasons is that all the 12 teams are more focused on youngsters to deliver for them rather than the experienced campaigners. The success of young Bengaluru Bulls squad is proof of the same.
The result of that has been that the veterans are not finding any buyers in the auctions. The likes of Jasvir Singh, Kashiling Adake will not play Season 7 and other experienced players are soon set to follow.
On the other hand, a few veterans are still active in the League with the likes of Joginder Narwal and Manjeet Chhillar being retained ahead of the auctions. Rahul Chaudhari and Dharmaraj Cheralathan were also brought for a big sum at the auctions.
Popular India players like Navneet Gautham, Anup Kumar, and Rakesh Kumar have played in the PKL and retired later. While Navneet and Rakesh suffered from lack of game-time, the fatigue-factor took a toll on Anup Kumar.
On that note, here is a list of three players who could retire after Season 7.
#3 Jeeva Kumar
Jeeva Kumar, the defender from Tamil Nadu has played in all the 6 seasons of Pro Kabaddi League so far. The 37-year-old played for U Mumba for the first 4 seasons while he represented UP Yoddhas for the next two seasons. He was recently purchased by Bengal Warriors for Season 7.
With age catching up on the defender, it is a good option for the experienced man to make way for the youngsters. Jeeva Kumar is no longer a part of the Indian team too and although his experience could be useful for the Bengal Warriors in the upcoming season, he could hang up his boots after the next season.
#2 Joginder Narwal
Primarily a left-corner defender, Joginder was a surprise retention by Dabang Delhi ahead of the Season 7 auctions. He was the captain of the squad in Season 6 and will continue to be so for the upcoming season too.
Having played for the likes of Bengaluru Bulls, U Mumba and Puneri Paltan in the past, Joginder is an experienced player whose contributions on the mat are invaluable. However, keeping the future of the Indian team in mind, the 37-year-old could try and make way for the youngsters.
#1 Dharmaraj Cherlathan
Probably the most experienced player in the League, Dharmaraj Cheralathan is a legend of the game. The 43-year-old has represented for as many as 5 times in the 6 seasons of PKL while Haryana Steelers would be his 6th franchise.
The Tamil Nadu man is a good left-corner/right-corner defender and can also be useful at times with his raids. However, going by the rate at which youngsters are showcasing their talent on the big stage, the 43-year-old could feel that Season 7 could be his last.
