Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Telugu Titans' all-time PKL 7
Telugu Titans, one of the original eight teams in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), have experienced their share of challenges over the years. Despite being a fixture since the league’s inception, they remain the only team from the original eight yet to win a PKL title.
Nevertheless, they have seen several exceptional players wear their jerseys, contributing to memorable moments, even if ultimate success has eluded them. Here’s a look at the all-time playing 7 for the Telugu Titans, featuring some of the best talents to represent the franchise.
#1 Rahul Chaudhari (Raider)
Rahul Chaudhari, also known as the "Showman," was the face of Telugu Titans and the PKL in its early years. As one of the most prolific raiders in PKL history, Chaudhari's time with the Titans spanned six seasons, during which he became synonymous with the team's identity.
In the inaugural season, he scored 151 raid points in 14 matches, finishing second in the list of most raid points. Over six seasons with the Titans, he amassed a staggering 825 raid points, becoming the team's top raider and one of the most iconic players in the league.
#2 Pawan Sehrawat (Raider)
The "Hi-Flyer" Pawan Sehrawat joined the Telugu Titans in Season 10 and was a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing campaign for the team. Sehrawat delivered a stellar performance, scoring 202 raid points in 21 games, placing him third on the list of most raid points for that season. His athleticism and game-changing raids provided much-needed excitement for Titans fans. Now entering PKL 11, Sehrawat remains a key figure in the Titans’ hopes for revival.
#3 Deepak Hooda (All Rounder)
Deepak Hooda, one of the most consistent all-rounders in PKL history, began his career with Telugu Titans. Hooda played for the team in the first two seasons, making his presence felt on both ends of the mat.
In Season 1, he scored 89 points and followed it up with 96 points in Season 2. While his tenure with the Titans was relatively short, Hooda’s versatility and all-round contributions make him a worthy inclusion in their all-time playing 7.
#4 Surjeet Singh (Right Cover)
Surjeet Singh, a veteran defender in PKL, had a brief stint with the Telugu Titans in Season 9. Though his time with the Titans was not the most successful, managing just 17 tackle points in 13 games, he remains one of the biggest names to have played for the team.
Known for his leadership and defensive capabilities, Surjeet's presence added experience to the Titans' defense, even if his numbers didn’t fully reflect his impact.
#5 Parvesh Bhainswal (Left Cover)
After solid performances for Gujarat Giants, Parvesh Bhainswal moved to Telugu Titans in Season 9, where he quickly became a key defender. Bhainswal scored 54 tackle points in 21 games that season, demonstrating his ability to anchor the left cover position.
However, his performance dipped in Season 10, where he managed only eight tackle points in 15 games. Despite this, his contributions in Season 9 were significant enough to earn him a spot in the Titans' all-time playing 7.
#6 Vishal Bhardwaj (Left Corner)
Vishal Bhardwaj has been a cornerstone of the Telugu Titans’ defense, excelling at the left corner position. After a limited appearance in Season 4, Bhardwaj became a regular from Season 5 onwards.
His best season came in PKL 5, where he notched 71 tackle points in 22 games. He continued his strong form in subsequent seasons, scoring 60 points in 17 games in Season 6 and 62 points in 19 games in Season 7. Despite the Titans' struggles, Bhardwaj's defense consistently stood out, making him one of their best-ever defenders.
#7 Abozar Mighani (Right Corner)
Iranian defender Abozar Mighani played for the Telugu Titans in Seasons 6 and 7 and was a vital part of their defensive setup. In Season 6, Mighani secured 56 tackle points in 21 matches, showcasing his aggressive approach at the right corner.
He followed it up with 39 points in 18 matches in Season 7, forming a solid defensive duo with Vishal Bhardwaj. Mighani’s time with the Titans added a much-needed international flavor to their defense, making him one of their standout overseas players.