PKL 11: Top five best debutant raiders of Pro Kabaddi 2024
These young guns impressed everyone with their performance in their debut season.
Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) has ended, and Haryana Steelers emerged as the champion for the first time in PKL history. This season was no exception and the teams went neck-to-neck to fight for the title, eventually Steelers claiming the trophy. The success of Manpreet Singh’s team is proof of the way the defenders dominated this season. However, amidst all their domination, a few raiders made their debut and were able to leave an impact.
The raiders have always ruled the Pro Kabaddi League. Ajay Thakur, Pardeep Narwal, Pawan Sehrawat, and Maninder Singh are a few big names who have dominated their opponents and have taken their teams to the championship. Although the narrative changed a bit this year and the defenders took matters into their own hands, the raiders did their part to support their teams.
Also Read: PKL 11: Top 10 defenders with most High 5s in Pro Kabaddi 2024
Some experienced raiders like Devank, Ashu Malik, and Arjun Deshwal were a few of the top raiders this season who outplayed their opponents. On the other hand, we also witnessed some stellar debut performances this year who registered their presence with their crucial contributions. Here are the top 5 raiders who created a fine impression this year.
5. Sushil Kambrekar
Bengal Warriorz did not have the season they expected under the leadership of Fazel Atrachali. However, they found a strong player like Kambrekar. He displayed a fabulous all-round performance including a Super-10. Kambrekar scored 34 raid points including 27 touch points and 7 bonus points. Apart from this, he also played a cameo in defence.
4. Aryavardhan Navale
In the final stages of PKL 11, Puneri Paltan discovered a gem when they gave a few opportunities to the young, Aryavardhan Navale. Navale played most of the season as a substitute player and managed to shine. Navale scored 45 raid points in 68 raids with a successful rate of 66.17% including 3 super-raids and a Super-10.
3. Moein Shafaghi
Moein Shafaghi is a player of another team which failed to meet the expectations this year. Although the main raiders of Tamil Thalaivas like Sachin Tanwar and Narender Kandola failed to deliver, Moein Shafaghi made his presence felt. Shafaghi scored 113 points this season.
The Afghan managed to shine in raiding as well as defence. He scored 103 raid points in 191 raids with a success rate of 53.92% including 4 super-10s. Other than that, he also clinched 10 tackle points in the 14 matches he played.
Also Read: PKL 11: Top 10 raiders with most Super 10s in Pro Kabaddi 2024
2. Ayan Lohchab
Ayan Lohchab played an important role in the success of Patna Pirates this year. Although his contributions get a little shaded by the mammoth contribution of Devank Dalal who turned out to be the best raider of the season, it was Lohchab who played a massive role in staying on the mat and bringing the revivals in crucial junctions of the game.
He scored 193 points this season, 184 of which came as raiding points in 326 raids with a success rate of 56.44%, including 7 Super-10s. Ayan also scored 9 tackle points.
1. Ajit Chouhan
Ajit Chouhan turned out to be the best debutant raider this season. Chouhan took responsibility from the beginning and had a tremendous season. When the main raider, Manjeet wasn’t able to perform to the best of his capabilities, Chouhan didn’t let the team feel his absence. Chouhan scored 185 raid points in 301 raids with a success rate of 61.46%. Chouhan’s contribution was massive for U Mumba and helped them grab a place in the playoffs.
It will be interesting to see how these emerging debutants will continue their journey in the next season. Will they be able to get bigger next season or will they face new challenges and succumb to them? Let us know what you think in the comment section.
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