PKL Melbourne Raid: Predicting the Playing 7 of PKL All Star Masters ft. Anup Kumar & Rakesh Kumar
Between the Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 semi-finals and final, there will be plenty of action and entertainment guaranteed for kabaddi fans as the competition shifts to Australia for the PKL Melbourne Raid on December 28.
Featuring in these two exhibition matches will be the past and present legends of PKL as they lock horns to enthrall global audiences. Prior to the Australian AFL members taking the mat against the Pro Kabaddi All Stars, there will be a clash between two Indian sides, each led by legends.
In this article, we will take a look at how the PKL All Star Masters, coached by BC Ramesh and led by Anup Kumar, line up. The side also features Rakesh Kumar, Sukesh Hegde, Maninder Singh.
Also Read: Predicting the Playing 7 of PKL All Star Mavericks
Corners: Nitesh Kumar (left) & Sandeep Narwal (right)
Tamil Thalaivas' left corner defender Nitesh Kumar has emerged to be a big success in PKL 11. He has picked up 72 tackle points in 21 matches and has been one of the few positives for the Thalaivas this season.
Sandeep Narwal, one of the league's best all-rounders of all time, will always be remembered for his energy. A beast in the right corner and his burly figure picking up speed in do-or-die raids, Sandeep Narwal will be one of the all-rounders in this side.
Covers: Jeeva Kumar (left) & Mohit Nandal (right)
Part of the title-winning U Mumba squad in Season 2, Jeeva Kumar has had multiple coaching stints after his playing career was over. He will be reunited with his former teammates as he plays in this match.
Mohit Nandal was one of the co-captains of the Haryana Steelers in PKL 10, where they went to the final. However, prior to PKL 11, it was announced that Mohit would not feature in the league. He will be eager to get back on the kabaddi mat in this exhibition match.
Raiders: Anup Kumar (c), Rakesh Kumar, Maninder Singh
Arguably India's most successful captain and the one who led U Mumba in their golden era, Captain Cool and Bonus ka Badshah Anup Kumar will lead the side. One of the biggest names to have ever played in PKL, Anup Kumar is an inspiration to many and is considered to be the mastermind behind building the formidable Puneri Paltan squad early that went on to win PKL 10.
The most expensive player of Season 1, Rakesh Kumar was sold for ₹12 lakh. He was a part of the Patna Pirates initially but his before performances came when he played for U Mumba in Season 4. He has coached the Haryana Steelers in the past as well and now will play under Anup Kumar once again in this game.
Maninder Singh has been a household name right from the debut season when he played for the champions Jaipur Pink Panthers. He is the league's second-highest raid points scorer and has been plying his trade for the Bengal Warriorz since Season 5. Maninder completes a formidable raiding trio in this side.
Bench: Sukesh Hegde, Jai Bhagwan, Vishal Bhardwaj, Saurabh Nandal, Ran Singh
Even the bench of the Masters boasts plenty of big names. Sukesh Hegde, who played second-fiddle to Rahul Chaudhari at the Telugu Titans, will be a part of the team. Young Jai Bhagwan, who has played for U Mumba and Bengaluru Bulls, will also feature.
His Bulls teammate from PKL 11, right corner Saurabh Nandal will be available. Ran Singh and Vishal Bhardwaj, two corners who earned a name for themselves in Pro Kabaddi history, are a part of the squad too and might get some game time.