Pro Kabaddi League 2024: 3 big players who have never won PKL title ft. Jang Kun Lee
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has seen some of the finest kabaddi players display their talents over the years. While the league has produced numerous champions and celebrated moments, there are still some iconic players who, despite their brilliance, have never laid their hands on the coveted PKL trophy.
These players have contributed immensely to the growth of the sport, becoming fan favorites and household names. Yet, the PKL title has remained just out of reach for them.
PKL 11 could be the last opportunity for some veteran names to claim a title that has long evaded them. As fans prepare for the season, we take a look at three big names who have never won the Pro Kabaddi League trophy.
#3 Deepak Hooda
One of the most prolific all-rounders in PKL history, Deepak Niwas Hooda is yet to taste title glory. Over the course of 157 matches, Hooda has scored an incredible 1,119 points, placing him fourth on the all-time PKL points leaderboard.
His versatility as both a raider and a defender made him one of the most sought-after players in the league’s early years.
Starting his PKL journey with Telugu Titans, Hooda played two seasons for the franchise before moving to Puneri Paltan, where he continued to shine. After a strong run with Pune, he joined Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 6 and was part of the team until Season 8.
Ironically, Jaipur lifted the PKL trophy in Season 9, the season after Hooda left the franchise.
Hooda’s fortunes in PKL have seen him play for various teams but he has never even made it to a final, let alone win a title. His last appearance was with Bengal Warriorz in PKL 9, and he remains one of the biggest names without a PKL trophy.
#2 Jang Kun Lee
Jang Kun Lee is arguably the most beloved overseas player in PKL history. The South Korean raider, with 471 raid points in 106 matches to his name, has been a fan favorite since the league’s inception for his charisma on the mat. Lee started his PKL career with Bengal Warriorz and remained with the franchise for six seasons.
However, much like Deepak Hooda, Jang Kun Lee experienced the bitter irony of seeing his former team win the title without him. After leaving Bengal Warriorz ahead of Season 7, his former team went on to lift their maiden PKL title that very season. Lee had joined Patna Pirates that year, but unfortunately, his stint there did not result in the same success.
Having been absent from PKL after Season 7, Lee is now poised for a potential comeback with Patna Pirates in PKL 11. This season could be his chance to win the elusive PKL title, something that has remained out of reach.
#1 Surjeet Singh
A veteran defender and one of the most reliable right covers in PKL, Surjeet Singh has seen individual success but no team silverware. With 404 tackle points in 148 matches, Surjeet holds the distinction of being the Indian defender with the most tackle points in PKL history and second overall, only behind the legendary Fazel Atrachali.
Surjeet has been part of the league since Season 3, representing various teams, but his journey to the title has been filled with near misses and disappointments. Despite his immense contribution to team defenses, he hasn’t had the opportunity to even play in a PKL final.
With PKL 11 around the corner, Surjeet is part of two-time champions Jaipur Pink Panthers, giving him perhaps his best chance yet to finally secure the title that has eluded him for so long.
With a strong Jaipur squad and his own stellar defensive capabilities, this season could mark a breakthrough moment for the seasoned defender.