Indian men's kabaddi team probable starting 7 for Asian Games 2026
Sunil Kumar will lead the 12-man Indian squad at the 2026 Asian Games.
The Asian Games 2026 are set to begin, and the kabaddi event will run from September 21 to 26. All the teams have arrived in Japan for the competition and are preparing for the upcoming major matches.
The Indian men’s kabaddi team will step onto the mat aiming to defend their gold medal, having selected 12 of the country’s best players.
Leading the pack, Sunil Kumar has made some strong statements ahead of the tournament against their fierce rivals, Iran. The clashes between Iran and India have always been close and mostly in favour of the Indian team.
However, Iran upset India in the semi-final of the Asian Games 2018 and later won the gold medal, defeating South Korea in the final.
As the Indian team steps up for the challenge, they will need their 7 best players in the starting lineup. Let’s look at the Indian men’s kabaddi team’s probable starting 7 for the Asian Games 2026.
Here’s India’s probable starting 7
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7. Sumit Sangwan – Left Corner
Sumit Sangwan is also making his debut for India after delivering outstanding performances in domestic tournaments and the Pro Kabaddi League for several years. He is the most likely first-choice left-corner defender.
6. Rahul Sethpal – Right Corner
Rahul Sethpal, who plays for Haryana Steelers in the Pro Kabaddi League, earned a spot in the Indian team for the first time. He will take charge of the right corner.
Gaurav Khatri is another option in this position. Most likely, he will serve as Rahul’s backup. Rahul has been impressive with his defensive abilities and consistency in the Pro Kabaddi League, which could make him an important player for India.
5. Jaideep Dahiya – Left Cover
Making his debut for India, Jaideep Dahiya is the only left cover defender in the Indian squad. Jaideep has emerged as one of the top defenders in the Pro Kabaddi League and in the Senior Nationals, earning an Indian team call-up, and he will be ready to prove his mettle at the Asian Games.
4. Sunil Kumar (C) – Right Cover
Sunil Kumar, captaining the Indian team for the first time, faces major challenges. He will shoulder the responsibility of the right cover position.
Over the years, Sunil has proved himself as one of the world’s best cover defenders, and he was also part of the gold medal-winning Indian team at the Asian Games 2022.
3. Pawan Sehrawat (VC) – Left In
Pawan Sehrawat led India to victory in the 2022 Asian Games. However, this time the team management has chosen Sunil Kumar as captain, with Pawan as his deputy.
Pawan has been one of India’s best players, and his experience can help the Indian team. His all-round abilities could also come in handy, as the team might need him in defence at times.
2. Arjun Deshwal – Right In
Arjun Deshwal is another raider with significant experience. Arjun has also been one of the top raiders in the Pro Kabaddi League and in other domestic tournaments, and he was also part of the gold medal-winning Indian team at the 2022 Asian Games. While India aim to defend gold, Arjun’s experience and astute gameplay could prove beneficial.
1. Devank Dalal – Centre
Another debutant for the Indian team, and one of the most exciting players to watch out for, is Devank Dalal. Devank was the best raider of Season 11 of the PKL and the second-best in PKL 12. Known for his strength and reach, Devank could also prove to be India’s lead raider.
Who is the captain of the Indian men’s kabaddi team at the Asian Games 2026?
Sunil Kumar is the captain of the Indian men’s kabaddi team at the Asian Games 2026.
When will the kabaddi event at the Asian Games 2026 begin?
The Kabaddi event at the Asian Games 2026 will run from September 21 to 26.
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