Pro Kabaddi 2024: 3 big names that might go unsold ft. Siddharth Desai
As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) reaches new heights of professionalism, the dynamics of team selection have evolved significantly. Teams are now more strategic, willing to invest heavily in top-performing players while making tough decisions to bench or release even the most popular names when their performances don’t meet expectations.
The upcoming PKL Season 11 Auction, set to take place on August 15 and 16, promises to be another intense affair, with several star players potentially facing the harsh reality of going unsold.
With 88 players already retained across various categories, including 22 Elite Retained Players (ERP), 26 Retained Young Players (RYP), and 40 Existing New Young Players (ENYP), the pool of non-retained players includes some of Pro Kabaddi’s biggest stars.
Among them are Pawan Sehrawat, Pardeep Narwal, Maninder Singh, Fazel Atrachali, and Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, all of whom will be up for grabs. However, the auction might also see some once-celebrated names left without a team, reflecting the ever-changing nature of the sport.
Here are three big names that might go unsold at the Pro Kabaddi Season 11 Auction.
Pro Kabaddi 2024: 3 big names that might go unsold
#3 Rahul Chaudhari
Rahul Chaudhari, once the poster boy of the PKL, has seen his impact diminish over the last few seasons. After he departed from Telugu Titans, where he built his legacy, Chaudhari's performance took a sharp downturn. His move to Puneri Paltan in the eighth edition of the PKL saw him play only seven games, where he scored a meager 13 points.
During the PKL 10 Auction, he initially went unsold before being picked up by Jaipur Pink Panthers once again. However, he could only manage six points in four games. Given his declining form and limited impact on the mat, it’s possible that fans may not see Rahul Chaudhari in a Pro Kabaddi jersey again, marking the end of an era for the league’s first superstar.
#2 Siddharth Desai
Siddharth Desai’s entry into the PKL was nothing short of sensational. U Mumba, a dominant force in the early seasons, was revitalized by Desai’s “Bahubali” performance during his debut season, which helped them qualify for the playoffs. His exceptional form continued when he moved to Telugu Titans, but injuries soon began to take a toll on his career.
Despite his talent, Desai’s time on the mat has been limited due to frequent injuries. Haryana Steelers took a significant gamble by investing heavily in him during the Pro Kabaddi 10 Auction, but he spent most of the season warming the bench. As teams weigh their options in the upcoming auction, they may hesitate to take a similar risk, potentially leaving Desai without a team for the next season.
#1 Vikash Kandola
Vikash Kandola’s rise in the PKL was swift and impressive. After making his debut with Dabang Delhi KC in Season 4, Kandola became a star with the Haryana Steelers in Season 5, known for his speed and ability to catch defenders off guard. His move to Bengaluru Bulls was highly anticipated after Pawan Sehrawat’s departure, with coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat determined to bring Kandola on board.
Unfortunately, Kandola struggled to maintain his previous form, scoring only 68 raid points during Season 10. Despite his youth, the auction dynamics might not work in his favor, and teams could opt for more reliable performers, leaving Kandola at a risk of going unsold.