PKL 11: Top five raiders who will be retained by their team

These raiders were in top-notch form in the last edition of the league.

The Pro Kabaddi League‘s 11th season (PKL 11) is scheduled to resume during its original July–September period. The player auction is the first step in teams’ preseason preparations. The PKL organizers and the host broadcaster Star Sports, which is presently hosting the Indian Premier League, have collaborated to hold the Auction at the end of May.

Teams have started preparing for the Auctions as many teams like Dabang Delhi KC and Telugu Titans have informed new coaches ahead of the season. Every year the price of the player has been on an increasing trend and this year will be no different. Raiders have been in the highest demand and teams with quality attackers would like to retain them.

Here are the Top 5 Raiders who the teams will retain for PKL 11.

Arjun Deshwal – Jaipur Pink Panthers

When the Pink Panthers won the championship in season nine, Arjun Deshwal was a phenomenon. Known as “The Raid Machine,” he was given the responsibility to do the majority of the scoring for their title defense. He certainly lived up to the hype in PKL 11, amassing 276 raid points and 17 Super 10s. Especially he gave it everything at the home leg scoring 50 points in four games and completely dismantling the opposition’s defense. Having been the top-scoring Raider in seasons nine and ten, it is a no-brainer that Jaipur Pink Panthers will retain him.

Naveen Kumar – Dabang Delhi KC

It was an unfortunate injury that ended the season ten for Naveen Kumar after just six games. He looked invincible till then scoring 71 points playing in half a dozen fixtures. Naveen Express was sensational in their title-winning season eight and has grown from strength to strength. He was appointed as the skipper ahead of season nine and he led them to the playoffs. With Joginder Narwal as the new coach, he would want to ensure Naveen is in the Delhi jersey for the toss.

Ashu Malik – Dabang Delhi KC

When Naveen was injured, many thought Dabang Delhi might not qualify for the playoffs. But one man proved everything wrong, as Ashu Malik, who was chosen as the best raider of the season took up the responsibility. The team’s success this season in reaching the elimination stage was mostly due to Ashu Malik. Ashu Malik did an excellent job of overseeing the raiding tasks and ensuring that Naveen Kumar’s absence remained undetected. At the end of the tenth PKL season, he was awarded the best raider of the season. The season eight champions will look to have the duo of Naveen & Ashu for the next season.

Maninder Singh – Bengal Warriors

Resurgence is a word that gives a perfect storyline to any sportsperson or sports team. The story of Maninder Singh with Bengal Warriors is one such example. After helping Jaipur Pink Panthers win the inaugural edition of the Pro Kabaddi League, he was injured and out for the next three seasons. In season five when the league expanded, Bengal Warriors bought him and there has been no looking as the partnership has grown bigger including a title in season seven. It won’t be a surprise if the partnership continues for season 11.

Aslam Inamdar – Puneri Paltan

Aslam Inamdar, the skipper of Puneri Paltan, was essential to their triumphant expedition in season 10. In 23 games, he scored 26 tackle points and 142 raid points. Everything else about his leadership was outstanding. He was selected as the Most Valuable Player of the Season in recognition of his accomplishments as the captain and a versatile player. Thanks to his partnership with Shadloui, he led the team and had the biggest impact despite being very young. The men in orange will look to have the same leadership for their title defense.

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