PKL 11: Top five all-rounders to watch out for at auction

Several in-demand all-rounders will be up for grabs in the PKL 11 auction.

Kabaddi is a unique sport where at some point any player could be asked to a role that they have less expertise. A raider is always expected to support the defenders. Positioned at Right-In and Left-In, the raiders could often indulge ankle holds to halt the opposition raiders.

The situation could be other way round as well with defenders going for a raid considering the time left or scoreline. While these occasions are common, teams look for all-rounders who can easily fit into these roles. It makes the team well-balanced and always keeps them in the position to score points.

Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has seen quality all-rounders and some of them will be up for grabs in the auction.

Top all-rounders to watch out for at PKL 11 auction

#5 Vijay Malik

The auction ahead of season 10 of PKL saw Vijay Malik fetch a whopping Rs 85 lakh by the UP Yoddhas to hire his services. It was on the backdrop of his stunning performance with the Dabang Delhi KC for three seasons including the title-winning journey in 2021-22. But the move didn’t pan out the way the Yoddhas expected as Vijay ended the season with only 47 points.

He could easily fit into any team with his exceptional skills and ability to make a significant impact in the game. Delhi have retained a wonderful core, and the addition of Vijay could be an extra reinforcement in their building.

Haryana Steelers are also another team that could get Vijay as they need raiders but don’t have a deep pocket. He could be a perfect pick to do raiding duties and strengthen their defense.

#4 Sandeep Narwal

Nicknamed Beast in the Kabaddi circles, Sandeep Narwal is one of the fascinating characters of Pro Kabaddi League. His aggression is loved by fans, and he has been part of the league since its inaugural edition. Surprisingly, he went unsold in the PKL 10 auction.

But teams would want to get him because of his versatility. Often found in the corner position, he could easily shift as a cover defender because of his strong physique.

The 31-year-old has been part of two title winning campaigns—once with Patna Pirates in 2016 and then with Dabang Delhi KC. It won’t be a surprise if he goes back to Patna Pirates. Tamil Thalaivas will also be another team that looks to add this all-rounder as their strategy coach Dharmaraj Cheralathan said that they are looking to build an aggressive team.

Also Read: PKL 11: Five players who could go unsold at auction

Also Read: PKL 11: Top five Raiders to watch out for at auction

#3 Mohammad Nabibakhsh

Making his debut in 2019, Mohammad Nabibakhsh quickly became a player to watch out for as he helped Bengal Warriors win multiple games. His all-round ability was one of the primary reasons, Bengal Warriors won their first PKL title in season seven. In his debut season, the Iranian scored 92 raid points and 32 tackle points.

Most importantly when Maninder Singh was injured during playoffs, it was the Iranian who led them from front and ensured they lay their hands on the PKL trophy. He hasn’t been used well in the last two seasons as he failed to get a permanent spot in the starting seven. U Mumba and Iran’s coach Gholamreza Mazandarani might want his countrymen into his team.

#2 Deepak Niwas Hooda

The biggest shock from last season’s auction was Deepak Niwas Hooda remaining unsold. The reasons that have widely talked about was the base price he had set at Rs 70 lakh was way too high as the teams had limited purse.

The all-rounder has realised it and has reduced it to Rs 13 lakhs this season. Teams will now be interested to get the former Indian captain in their team.

Deepak might not have played the previous season, but he still ranks among top five of the all-time raid points rankings. He is known for making comebacks having lost his parents at an early age, worked as a teacher before making it big in Kabaddi.

He will be raring to go, and teams will not be missing a quality all-rounder. Telugu Titans with whom he started his career would want to get him onboard as they can build a team around him.

#1 Mohammadreza Shadloui

Mohammadreza Shadloui has been a dominant force in the Pro Kabaddi League for the last three seasons. The Iranian has been among the top all-rounders in the history of the PKL and has played a very reliable left corner position.

In three seasons, he has bagged two Best Defender awards. His sudden raids often surprise the opposition, and he reaches the mid-line with ease because of his height.

With a Rs 2.35cr salary last year, he was the most expensive foreign player, and the Paltan may have let him go to free some amount in their purse. Having retained most of their core, the defending champions could raise the FBM card and welcome back the youngster into their team again.

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