After the end of the Chennai Leg of the sixth season of Pro Kabaddi league, anticipation is high in the air for its next leg to start. The matches have been filled with equal parts excitement and fast-paced action. Despite every victory being a team effort in Kabaddi, some of the raiders have stood out as amazing assets to their teams over the seasons. Here are some the best raiders who are sure to give their competitors a hard time in 2018:
1. Rahul Chaudhari
Chaudhari of Telugu Titans has consistently been one of the top raiders through all the seasons of Pro Kabaddi League. He also holds the record for highest cumulative raid points of 666 over the 5 seasons of the game. He is one of the most popular players and leading the Titans this season. He is multiple record holder in Pro Kabaddi and expected to play his best in the next leg, once again stealing the thunder from his opponents.
2. Monu Goyat
Former Patna Pirates raider Goyat is expected to be one of the best performers. He was the highest bid player in this season’s auction, joining the Haryana Steelers. With the record of 191 raid points in 26 games in the last season, he is one of the most highly anticipated raider in 2018. The Steelers will finally show their worth in the next leg of the game.
3. Ajay Thakur
The captain of Tamil Thalaivas is the highest scoring raider in 2018. With a total of 59 raid points from 5 matches, Thakur is the one who can single-handedly turn the tide of a game. He started the season in great form and scored 14 points in Thalaivas opening game against UP Yoddha. He has proven himself to be the shining star of the Thalaivas’ otherwise lacklustre performance this season. He is someone who can give a tough time to his opponents.
4. Pardeep Narwal
Narwal is getting back in form after the rough patch in the Asian Games, making better plays this season of Pro Kabaddi. The Patna Pirates captain is close behind Siddharth Desai with 27 raid points from 2 matches. Narwal is one of the most famous raiders in Pro Kabaddi and with second highest cumulative raid points in PKL. With clever tactics and a speciality in ‘Dubki’ in his arsenal, Pardeep Narwal is sure to give tough competition.
5. Pawan Kumar Sehrawat
The powerhouse of Bengaluru Bulls has made some of the most outstanding raids of this season. He scored 20 raid points in a single match against Tamil Thalaivas and even made a super raid earning 5 points. Sehrawat’s strategy to power through the defence and go all out has won the Bulls a victory but has also resulted in an unfortunate injury for him. In a single match, he has shown himself to be someone to watch out for despite the injury.
6. Deepak Niwas Hooda
Hooda of the Jaipur Pink Panther is another raider to look forward to this season. He has a cumulative record of 514 raid points over the previous seasons he has played in. Hooda also had a very high-value bid this season and the expectations from him are also high. Skilled in escaping opposing defenders, Hooda is one to raise the bar high in a game.
7. Siddharth Sirish Desai
This the debut season for U Mumba’s Desai and he is already showing his mettle with some excellent raids. He was in great form in the opening match against Puneri Paltan and scored 14 points. His lean physique proved to be an advantage in front of experienced players like Sandeep Narwal, who attempted to tackle him. Desai shows potential to be a threat with his score of 28 raid points from 2 matches.
8. Nitin Tomar
Nitin Tomar as the lead raider of Puneri Paltan has both the skill and the experience. Tomar has shown exactly why he was the highest valued player of last season. He has been a consistent player this season but has yet to shine as he did in previous seasons. With the current record of 22 raid points from 2 matches, he is keeping the Paltan in the forefront.
9. Anup Kumar
Adake is another strong addition in the lineup of Jaipur Pink Panther this season, in fact, he is heading the team. With a cumulative record of 494 raid points through the previous seasons, Kumar is an experienced player and leader. He is lining up to be one very tough competitor for the other teams in the game.
10. Rishank Devadiga
Devadiga ads up to the brilliant equation of raiders that UP Yoddha has chosen this year. All three raider may not individually be the best, but a lineup involving three great raiders is a definite plus for the team. Devadiga has earned 12 raid points from 2 matches till now. The Yoddha can expect better results in the coming matches with Devadiga on their side, who holds the record for the highest ever raid points in a single match from the previous season.
These are the raiders who have made their mark over the previous seasons and at the start of this season. The audiences can look forward to some fine raids and plays during Pro Kabaddi League 2018. Including some of your favourites, raiders and defenders in this season will be battling it out to an electrifying finish that one cannot miss.