Pro Kabaddi 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers' all-time PKL 7
Jaipur Pink Panthers are the second-most successful team in PKL history. They won their first title in the inaugural season and bagged the title again in season nine.
After Patna Pirates, they are the only other team to have multiple trophies to their name. They won their second title after a long gap of eight seasons but have now grown into one of the top contenders in the league.
Last season, they came close to winning a third tile but lost the semi-final. With a storied history, several top-notch players have represented Jaipur Pink Panthers over the years, making them one of the best franchises in PKL.
Here is a look at their all-time best playing seven ahead of season 11.
Jaipur Pink Panthers' all-time PKL 7
Arjun Deshwal
Arjun Deshwal has established himself among the best raiders in recent times. A prominent raider for Jaipur Pink Panthers, he impressed in his very first season with them in season eight, scoring 267 raid points. With 296 raid points in season nine, Arjun led their title run. Overall, he has amassed 842 points for Jaipur in just three seasons.
Rohit Rana
Left-cover defender Rohit Rana was a mainstay in their defense during the inaugural season when they won the trophy. Famously known as the 'Mask Man', Rana picked up 38 tackle points that season, including three High 5s. He played four seasons for the franchise and is remembered for his special performance that helped them win their maiden PKL trophy.
Sunil Kumar
Sunil Kumar led Jaipur's resurgence, ending their wait for another title as he captained the side to victory in season nine. A prolific right-cover defender, he led from the front that season, gathering 64 tackle points which included four High 5s and 2 super tackles. His defensive skills and leadership qualities make him a key player in their history. As they made the semi-finals last season, Sunil once again made a major contribution with 59 points.
Jasvir Singh
Jasvir Singh led Jaipur's charge in the initial seasons and was the face of the franchise. During their title-winning campaign in season 1, the 'Smiling Assassin' picked up 113 points. He is known for bringing in the concept of empty raids, which he used effectively during his five-season stint with the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Despite a drop in form, he remained one of their key players throughout.
Deepak Niwas Hooda
Veteran all-rounder Deepak Niwas Hooda is among the best players to have embraced the league. He was a key figure in Jaipur's raiding unit for three editions from season 6 to 8. His best performance for them came in season 6 where he racked up 208 points from 22 matches. In the following seasons, he did not perform as per his standards but still managed to score over 100 points in each season.
Ankush Rathee
A young left-corner defender, Ankush Rathee has risen through the ranks in the league. In his first appearance for the Jaipur Pink Panthers in season 9, he emerged as the best defender, amassing 89 tackle points. His performance, which included nine High 5s and five super tackles, was instrumental in them going on to win the title. Ankush has been consistent and impactful in his short career so far. He picked up 70 points last season, turning into their go-to defender.
Sahul Kumar
Sahul Kumar has been another key figure as far as Jaipur's defensive unit is concerned. Sahul's journey with the Jaipur Pink Panthers began in season 8, where he showed glimpses of his potential with 45 tackle points. In the following season, when they won the title, he bettered his performance, accounting for 57 tackle points. In the previous season, Sahul bagged 39 tackle points, thus establishing himself as a consistent performer.