PKL 12: Top five best players of Gujarat Giants in Pro Kabaddi 2025

Gujarat Giants are aiming for their first-ever silverware in PKL 12.

Gujarat Giants have been one of the most loved franchises in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). They were introduced into the league during season five, when the league expanded to 12 teams. They tasted instant success in the fifth edition, making it to the finals, but they lost to the Patna Pirates in the finals.

Gujarat Giants reached the finals again in the next season, but lost to Bengaluru Bulls. They had the likes of Fazel Atrahcalli, Sunil Kumar, Sachin Tanwar, and K Prapanjan, who got them to the top. As some of the players left them, the performances started to wane as they failed to qualify in two consecutive years since then.

The team management has done a complete overhaul, releasing most of their players and picking new ones in the auction. Let’s look at the top five players who could help Gujarat Giants end the trophy drought.

Also Read: PKL 12: Top five best players of Bengaluru Bulls in Pro Kabaddi 2025

5. Lucky Sharma

While Gujarat Giants’ left corner has a solid performer, they will have the services of Lucky Sharma at the right corner. The former Pink Panther will be playing for only his second franchise, having made his debut and spent three years with the inaugural champions.

The 31-year-old showed his might last season, complementing Ankush Rathee. He will have to repeat the same with Mohammadreza Shadloui for the two-time finalists.

4. V. Ajith Kumar

Pro Kabaddi League is a platform for talents to showcase their quality, and Ajith Kumar is one of the rare gems playing in PKL. He started his career with Tamil Thalaivas and was an instant hit. Since then, he has played for three other franchises and has made a huge impact.

It includes a title-winning run with the Jaipur Pink Panthers in season nine. He will play a crucial role in the raiding department to keep the scoreboard ticking and could contribute to the defence if required.

3. Rakesh Sungroya

Rakesh Sungroya has played most matches for the franchise and is the only player to be with them since season eight. The continuity shows the faith shown by the management in the talented raider. The 23-year-old has racked up 90+ points every season since his debut.

If the Giants have to lift the trophy, then Rakesh should have a 180-point season. His quickness and energy are infectious, which could reflect in the team’s confidence if he starts doing well. The management would want to keep his fitness in check for him to survive the entire tournament.

2. Parteek Dahiya

Parteek Dahiya is no stranger to Kabaddi, as he was inspired to take up the sport by his uncle, Deepak Niwas Hooda. The man from Sonipat has lived up to the expectations as he has done well in the three seasons he played in the league.

His debut season saw him score 183 points in 19 games with a Raid Strikerate of 75%. He continued his good form for the Giants in season 10 before injury made him sit out a few games last season. The 23-year-old would want to lay his hands on the trophy, a feat which his uncle Deepak Hooda couldn’t do.

1. Mohammadreza Shadloui

Mohammadreza Shadloui will once again be the crowd puller of the season. The showstopper has been sensational in the Pro Kabaddi League. In the four seasons he has played, he has played the finals thrice, winning it twice with two different teams.

Both came in the last two seasons, and the Iranian would want to make it three out of three. He won the Most Valuable Player award twice, and the Giants fans would be eager to see him wear the orange jersey. Gujarat was expected to snap him last season; however, they missed him and the management would want to make amends this season to bring the trophy home.

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