Indian men's team probable starting 7 for Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026

13 nations are participating in the inaugural edition of the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship.

Excitement is in the air as the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 is approaching. The inaugural edition will run from October 23 to 31.

The schedule has been announced, and all teams have named their respective squads for the tournament. The Indian men’s kabaddi team have also announced a 14-member squad, aiming to win the inaugural edition.

However, the squad does not include the 12 players who represented India at the Asian Games 2026 and won gold for the nation, as management has decided to rest key players and give other talents a chance.

These players have also earned their spots in the national team through their performances in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and the Senior National Kabaddi Championship.

Fans will expect the Indian team to perform at the same level as they did at the Asian Games. Let’s look at the probable starting 7 of the Indian men’s team for the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship.

Here’s India’s probable starting 7

Nitesh Kumar – Left Corner

Nitesh Kumar is likely to occupy the left-corner position. Over the last two seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), Nitesh has emerged as one of the country’s best defenders.

In PKL 11, he was Best Defender of the Season. He finished third among the most tackle-point scorers. He will also be making his international debut and will aim to help India win the tournament

Shubham Shinde – Right Corner

Shubham Shinde, one of the major names who missed out from the Indian team for the Asian Games 2026, has finally got a chance to represent the national team.

He is most likely to be the team’s main right-corner defender. Shinde will look to justify his selection and solidify his position for future tournaments.

Parvesh Bhainswal – Left Cover

Another experienced player who might be seen at left cover is Parvesh Bhainswal. Parvesh also won gold with the Indian team at the 2022 Asian Games.

However, he was not selected for the Asian Games 2026. Parvesh has another chance to showcase his best and reclaim his place in the Indian team.

Surjeet Singh – Right Cover

Captain Surjeet Singh will take charge of right cover. Surjeet has been a big name in the kabaddi world for a long time, and he was part of the Indian team that won gold at the 2022 Asian Games.

However, he wasn’t selected for the Asian Games 2026. Surjeet will make his return to the Indian team for this tournament and aim to lead India to the trophy.

Bharat Hooda – Left In

Bharat Hooda will also make his international kabaddi debut. The all-rounder, who represents Telugu Titans in the Pro Kabaddi League, is known for raiding from both sides, giving his team an advantage.

He also contributes to tackles when raiders attempt to score bonus points on the left side. Bharat will prove crucial for the team with his all-round skills as India aim for another tournament victory.

Aditya Shinde – Right In

Aditya Shinde is the most likely candidate to be the team’s left raider. He has emerged as one of the top raiders after PKL 12, where he helped his franchise, Puneri Paltan, reach the final.

Since then, he has also impressed in domestic tournaments. Aditya will make his debut for the national team and aim to make his mark on the international stage.

Naveen Kumar – Centre

After missing out on the Asian Games squad, Naveen Kumar has returned to the national team. The star raider is struggling with poor form and has also sustained several injuries in recent years.

However, his class remains undeniable, and he will be eager to deliver his best performance for the nation once again. He may play as the team’s main raider, occupying the centre position on the offensive side.

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