Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Tamil Thalaivas' all-time PKL 7
Tamil Thalaivas have faced their share of challenges since entering the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in Season 5. The team, despite its efforts, has yet to reach the PKL final and has only managed one playoff appearance in their history. Alongside UP Yoddhas and Telugu Titans, they remain one of the few teams yet to experience a PKL final.
Yet, despite this lack of success on the biggest stage, Tamil Thalaivas have fielded some incredible talents over the years. These players have delivered standout performances and helped shape the team’s identity. As we look back, it's time to acknowledge the Thalaivas' all-time playing seven, featuring the best performers to have ever worn the Thalaivas jersey.
#1 Ajay Thakur (Raider)
Ajay Thakur, a veteran of the sport, was the face of Tamil Thalaivas when they made their debut in PKL Season 5. His performances in his first two seasons with the Thalaivas were nothing short of spectacular. In Season 5, he amassed 213 raid points in 22 games, finishing third in the league’s list of top raiders. He followed that up with 203 raid points in Season 6, ranking fifth.
Thakur's unique ability to perform under pressure made him a reliable asset, especially in do-or-die raids. However, as age and injuries took their toll, he struggled in Season 7, managing just 58 raid points in 13 games, which led to his departure from the team. Nonetheless, his impact on Tamil Thalaivas during their initial years was pivotal.
#2 Narender (Raider)
In more recent seasons, the emergence of Narender has injected hope into the team’s future. Making his PKL debut in Season 9, Narender quickly established himself as one of the league’s most promising raiders. His explosive performances saw him rack up 243 raid points in 23 games, finishing fourth in the overall raid points tally. In Season 10, he proved his debut was no fluke, continuing his strong form with 186 raid points in 21 games.
Narender's quick rise to prominence has been one of Tamil Thalaivas' biggest positives in recent years, and he remains a crucial part of their setup as they look forward to PKL Season 11.
#3 Ajinkya Pawar (Raider)
While Narender has led the new wave, Ajinkya Pawar has also played a significant role in Tamil Thalaivas’ raiding unit. Pawar joined the team in Season 8 and quickly became known for his speed and effectiveness in do-or-die raids. Though often playing the role of a second raider, Pawar’s agility and knack for scoring in clutch situations earned him a solid reputation.
Over three seasons, he scored 362 raid points in 61 games, providing a consistent threat alongside the primary raiders.
#4 Sahil Gulia (Left Corner)
On the defensive front, Sahil Gulia has been a rising star for the team. Since making his debut in Season 8, Gulia has shown steady improvement. In his first season, he managed 30 tackle points in 18 games, but it was in Season 9 and 10 that his performances truly stood out. In Season 9, he scored 57 tackle points in 23 games, and in Season 10, he bettered that with 69 tackle points in 22 games.
Gulia’s presence at the left corner has become a crucial component of the team’s defense, and his upward trajectory suggests he could be a mainstay for seasons to come.
#5 Sagar (Right Corner)
Sagar, another defensive stalwart, has been a game-changer for Tamil Thalaivas, especially in recent seasons. After making a limited appearance in Season 7, Sagar blossomed into one of the league’s top defenders in Season 8, when he scored an impressive 82 tackle points in 22 games. His consistent performances earned him the captaincy and further recognition as one of the best right corners in PKL.
In Season 9, Sagar added another 53 tackle points in 17 games and followed it up with 66 in 18 games in Season 10. His leadership, combined with his defensive ability, has been integral to Tamil Thalaivas' competitive performances.
#6 Surjeet Singh (Right Cover)
Surjeet Singh, though he played only one season with Tamil Thalaivas, deserves mention for his leadership and defensive contribution in Season 8. As the captain of the team that year, Surjeet led by example, contributing 53 tackle points in 20 games.
His ability to marshal the defense and organize his teammates helped instill a sense of structure in the Thalaivas' backline. While his tenure was short, his impact was lasting, and he remains one of the standout defenders to have played for the team.
#7 Manjeet Chillar (Left Cover)
Lastly, no discussion of Tamil Thalaivas' all-time playing seven would be complete without mentioning Manjeet Chillar. A legendary figure in kabaddi, Manjeet brought his vast experience to the Thalaivas in Seasons 5 and 6.
Though primarily known as an all-rounder, his defensive contributions were key to Tamil Thalaivas’ campaigns. Over two seasons, he scored 108 points in 34 games, leading the team as both a captain and a player.