Ranking the 10 best raiders in Pro Kabaddi League history ft. Pardeep Narwal & Pawan Sehrawat
Since its inception, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has revolutionized the sport of kabaddi, creating a platform for some of the most skillful raiders to showcase their talent. Over the seasons, these raiders have mesmerized fans with their agility, strength, and ability to consistently score raid points, often turning the tide of matches single-handedly.
Raiders have the spotlight on them in every match as they shoulder the responsibility of bringing multiple points for their team under pressure.
The Pro Kabaddi League has witnessed the rise of several raiders who have made a name for themselves through their stunning performances. Here, we rank the top 10 raiders in PKL history, highlighting their contributions, stats, and achievements.
Ranking the 10 best raiders in Pro Kabaddi League history
#10 Ajay Thakur
Ajay Thakur, a veteran raider, was the face of Tamil Thalaivas in their initial seasons. Although his performance dipped in later years, Ajay's earlier contributions, particularly in Seasons 5 and 6, were instrumental for the Tamil Thalaivas. He scored 794 raid points across 120 matches, leaving a lasting legacy.
#9 Vikash Kandola
Vikash Kandola led the raiding unit of Haryana Steelers during his time with the team. Starting as a secondary raider, Vikash established himself as a dominant force, scoring 800 raid points in 120 matches. His best season came in Season 7, where he scored 190 raid points, including 11 Super 10s, making him a force to be reckoned with.
#8 Arjun Deshwal
Arjun Deshwal’s remarkable performance for Jaipur Pink Panthers, particularly during their title-winning campaign in Season 9, has cemented his place among the best raiders in the Pro Kabaddi League.
With 947 raid points from just 91 matches, Arjun’s consistency and skill in crucial moments have made him a key player in the league. His 17 Super 10s in Jaipur's title run in Season 9 speak volumes of his abilities.
#7 Sachin Tanwar
Sachin Tanwar debuted in Season 5 and has steadily risen to become one of the league's most consistent raiders. With 952 raid points from 128 matches, Sachin’s ability to execute Super Raids and his knack for scoring under pressure have made him a valuable asset. His 15 Super Raids and 35 Super 10s showcase his raiding prowess.
#6 Naveen Kumar
Naveen Kumar, also known as the "Naveen Express," is one of the fastest players to reach the 1,000 raid points milestone in Pro Kabaddi League history. Achieving this feat in just 91 matches, Naveen has been instrumental in Dabang Delhi KC’s success. His incredible speed and consistency have made him a formidable force on the mat, and he remains a key player for his team.
#5 Deepak Hooda
An all-rounder with a penchant for raiding, Deepak Hooda has been a mainstay in the Pro Kabaddi League since its early days. Known for his swift and unpredictable raids, Deepak has scored 1,020 raid points in 157 matches. His versatility has made him a key player for any team he played for, always keeping the opposition defense on its toes.
#4 Rahul Chaudhari
Rahul Chaudhari, once hailed as the "Poster Boy" of PKL, became an early star for Telugu Titans. His fearless raiding and acrobatic moves made him a fan favorite. With 1,045 raid points from 154 matches, Rahul has left an indelible mark on the league.
Although his performance dipped towards the end of his career, he remains one of the league’s all-time greats. Rahul announced his retirement after going unsold in the Season 11 auction.
#3 Pawan Kumar Sehrawat
Pawan Kumar Sehrawat, famously known as the "Hi-Flyer," has impressed kabaddi fans with his speed, agility, and ability to leap past defenders. Pawan’s explosive performances for Bengaluru Bulls, especially in Season 6, where he led them to their first PKL title, made him one of the most feared raiders in the league. He now plays for Telugu Titans, having amassed 1,189 raid points from 126 matches.
#2 Maninder Singh
Known for his sheer strength and ability to deliver under pressure, Maninder Singh is another powerhouse in the Pro Kabaddi League. After starting his career with Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 1, Maninder made a comeback in Season 5 with Bengal Warriorz, leading them to their maiden title in Season 7.
With 1,428 raid points from 143 matches, he has consistently been among the top raiders, making critical contributions in high-pressure situations.
#1 Pardeep Narwal
Often referred to as the "Dubki King" for his signature move, Pardeep Narwal is the most successful raider in the Pro Kabaddi League history. His incredible ability to score multi-point raids has always troubled defenders, making him a nightmare for opposition teams.
With 1,690 raid points from 170 matches, Pardeep is the only player to have crossed the 1,500 raid point mark. His record-breaking 369 raid points in a single season (Season 5) propelled Patna Pirates to three consecutive PKL titles in Seasons 3, 4, and 5.
(Note: All stats are before the start of PKL 11)