Pro Kabaddi League 2024: A Look at All-Time Best Playing 7 of Tamil Thalaivas in PKL

Since joining the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) in its fifth season, Tamil Thalaivas has consistently boasted a strong roster, yet they have faced challenges in translating that talent into victories.

The Chennai-based franchise has showcased a mix of seasoned players and emerging stars, but the team has often struggled to find a cohesive rhythm in both their raiding and defensive units.

Despite these difficulties, the Thalaivas did make a notable playoff appearance in Season 9, where they lost a tightly contested semifinal to Puneri Paltan. Here, we take a closer look at the all-time playing 7 of Tamil Thalaivas, highlighting the key contributors who have donned the jersey over the years.

Left Corner: C Arun

C Arun made his mark in the PKL as a left corner defender during Seasons 5 and 6 with Tamil Thalaivas. His debut season was promising, as he racked up 36 points in 20 matches.

However, his performance dipped in Season 6, where he could only manage 8 points from 16 appearances. Following his time with the Thalaivas, Arun continued his career with the Telugu Titans in Season 7, finishing his tenure with a total of 36 matches and 44 tackle points.

Left In: Rahul Chaudhari

A household name in the PKL, Rahul Chaudhari is celebrated as one of the league's finest raiders. After spending his first six seasons with the Telugu Titans, he joined Tamil Thalaivas, where he made a significant impact in Season 7, scoring 138 points over 22 matches. Unfortunately, the team faced a disappointing season overall, finishing at the bottom of the points table.

Left Cover: Manjeet Chhillar

Manjeet Chhillar, a veteran of the league, brought his experience to Tamil Thalaivas in Season 6. He started strong, scoring 67 points in 19 matches during his debut season.

However, the team's struggle to make the playoffs persisted. In Season 7, Chhillar played in 15 matches, contributing 41 points, but the team continued to face challenges in their performance.

Center: Ajay Thakur

Ajay Thakur, a World Cup-winning raider, was a cornerstone of the Tamil Thalaivas from their inaugural season. He emerged as the top scorer for the team in the first two seasons, accumulating 222 points in Season 5 and 204 points in Season 6. His impact waned in Season 7, where he managed only 58 points, marking the end of his tenure with the Thalaivas.

Right Cover: Darshan J

Darshan J joined the Tamil Thalaivas in the 2017 season and made his presence felt as a reliable right cover. He scored 41 points in 20 matches during his first season and followed it up with six points in nine appearances the following year. His consistent contributions were vital to the team's defensive strategy.

Right In: V. Ajith Kumar

V. Ajith Kumar burst onto the scene as a dynamic raider in Season 7. Representing Tamil Thalaivas for the first time, he impressed fans and analysts alike, scoring 121 points across 19 matches. His performance showcased his potential as a future star in the league.

Right Corner: Sagar

Sagar has been an essential part of the Tamil Thalaivas' defensive lineup since making his debut in Season 7. Over four seasons with the franchise, he has established himself as a key player, participating in 70 matches and amassing an impressive 223 tackle points.

With 24 super tackles and 20 high fives to his name, Sagar boasts an average of 3.19 successful tackles per game, solidifying his reputation as a defensive powerhouse.