PKL 9: Top five existing new young players retained by teams

The upcoming season of the league is gearing up to be very exciting.

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is one of the most popular leagues in India. The competition sees the best kabaddi talent from India and abroad. Last year, Season 8 took place under strict COVID-19 protocols and in a bio-bubble. Post a gruelling campaign with several iconic clashes, Dabangg Delhi came out as the winners of the tournament after beating the high-flying Patna Pirates.

Season 8 saw several individuals making a name for themselves. In particular, a few young Indians won a lot of praise for their sensational performances. Some of them have been retained by the franchises ahead of the auction for Season 9 of the Pro Kabaddi League.

Getting retained ahead of the auction in August will be a huge confidence boost for the young players. Each franchise can retain four players under the New Young Players category. The youngsters will get a chance to build on their strong performance last year with the same outfit. Here is a look at the top five existing new young players retained ahead of the PKL auction:

5. Ashu Malik

Ashu Malik was one of the finds of the last PKL season. The raider for Dabang Delhi was one of the factors in the outfit going all the way in Season 8. In 22 appearances for the team, Malik managed 59 points. 

He also managed two Super Tackles and was impressive in most matches. His all-around display is particularly the reason why Dabang Delhi have retaining the player. His average of 2.32 points per match can improve and the franchise will hope that happens in Season 9.

4. Bharat

Bharat was a surprise package for Bengaluru Bulls last year. He is the existing new young player retained in preparation for the new season. The raider played 23 matches for the outfit last season and scored 129 points. He had a strike rate of 59% during raids and can build on it.

He provided good cover to Pawan Sehrawat, who was one of the best raiders in the competition. Bharat had three Super 10s and 14 tackle points as well. Certainly, the Bulls have put faith in the raider once again.

3. Rakesh

Rakesh is the retained player under the New Existing Young Player category by Gujarat Giants. The raider was very solid in his performances last season, scoring 140 points in 22 outings. He had a raid strike rate of 47%, which could certainly improve next season.

He scored five Super 10s and had a 6.36 average raid points per match. A lot of other teams were interested in Rakesh, who could be a perfect cover raider to the main individual in this department. Gujarat have shown their faith in the player who will aim to improve even more in Season 9. 

2. Mohit Goyat

Mohit Goyat was exceptional for Puneri Paltan last season. He scored 187 points in 21 appearances for the outfit. These points were essential in helping the team reach the playoffs of the tournament.

Mohit Goyat had a 45% success rate in raids and scored over 7.57 average points per game too. Puneri Paltan had a strong performance and the outfit has decided to put faith in the good performers from last season once again.

1. Aslam Inamdar

Aslam Inamdar was one of the best performers in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 8. The all-rounder was brilliant in both attack and defence. More dominantly a raider, Inamdar scored 189 points for Puneri Paltan in 23 matches.

This was an outstanding first season in the PKL by Aslam Inamdar. Expectedly, the Paltan did not waste any time in retaining the player ahead of the new season of the league. If the outfit are to win the competition, then Aslam Inamdar will certainly play a major role once again. He had five Super 10s last term and seven super raids.

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