Pro Kabaddi 2024: Top 5 all-rounders to watch out for ft. Mohammadreza Shadloui & Pawan Sehrawat
Pro Kabaddi 2024 starts tonight (Friday, October 18) in Hyderabad. The reverse countdown to the opening game of PKL 11 has started as the Telugu Titans gear up to take on the Bengaluru Bulls.
The PKL 11 Auction happened earlier this year in Mumbai, where the 12 teams splurged crores of rupees to acquire the players they wanted. All-rounders were in high demand at the auction as all teams showed interest in signing multi-talented players.
It is rare to find a quality all-rounder in kabaddi these days, which is why the few all-rounders on the market ended up earning huge deals. Some relatively unknown all-rounders also earned contracts from the franchises. Before the new season begins, here's a list of the five best all-rounders to look out for in Pro Kabaddi 2024.
#1 Mohammadreza Shadloui, Haryana Steelers
Mohammadreza Shadloui was the most expensive overseas signing at this year's PKL Auction. Last season's runners-up Haryana Steelers signed the left corner specialist all-rounder for ₹2.08 crore at the auction.
Shadloui played a huge role in Puneri Paltan's maiden championship win in PKL 2023/24, scoring 126 points in 24 matches. Notably, he won the Best Defender award and also chipped in with two super raids. Haryana fans were delighted when their team signed the Iranian star at the auction.
#2 Pawan Sehrawat, Telugu Titans
Star Indian all-rounder Pawan Sehrawat will captain the Telugu Titans once again in the Pro Kabaddi League. The Titans re-signed the all-rounder at the auction earlier this year.
Sehrawat is the only player in PKL history to record a Super 10 and a High 5 in the same match, a feat he has achieved twice. This record alone shows the extraordinary talent that Sehrawat has.
#3 Mohammad Nabibakhsh, Gujarat Giants
After a forgettable season in PKL 10, Mohammad Nabibakhsh received another deal from the Gujarat Giants at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction. Nabibakhsh only managed 28 points in 21 matches last season.
However, it seemed like the team management did not have a clear role for the mighty all-rounder from Iran. Perhaps coach Ram Mehar Singh has a better plan for the PKL 2019 winning all-rounder this year, which is why he re-signed him at the auction.
#4 Aslam Inamdar, Puneri Paltan
Puneri Paltan skipper Aslam Inamdar led his side from the front last season, scoring 142 raid points and 26 tackle points. Apart from his swift raids, Inamdar is also known for his ankle holds in defense.
Inamdar has been one of the top match-winners for Pune in recent PKL seasons. It will be interesting to see if he can continue in the same vein in Pro Kabaddi 2024 as well.
#5 Himanshu, Tamil Thalaivas
Himanshu is an upcoming star from the Tamil Thalaivas squad. The Chennai-based franchise used him regularly last season, and he returned with 37 points from 16 matches. 21 out of his 37 points came in the defense, which also included a High 5.
The Thalaivas have offered him another contract for season 11. Himanshu will aim to improve his performance and score at least 50 points for his team this year.