Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Pardeep Narwal to Pawan Sehrawat - Top 5 Indian Raiders of All-Time

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has quickly established itself as one of India's most popular sporting events. Since its inception, the league has brought the ancient game of kabaddi to a modern audience, turning raiders into some of the most beloved athletes in the country.

Raiders, responsible for taking the offensive and scoring points, are often seen as the stars of the show. Over the years, many raiders have made their mark in PKL history, but only a few have consistently stood out for their sheer brilliance on the mat.

Here's a look at the top 5 Indian raiders who have etched their names into PKL history with their dazzling performances ahead of the Pro Kabaddi League 2024 - PKL Season 11.

1. Pardeep Narwal

No conversation about kabaddi raiders is complete without mentioning the name Pardeep Narwal. Often hailed as the "Dubki King" for his unique raiding style, Pardeep is the all-time leading raid point scorer in PKL history with a staggering 1,690 raid points in 170 matches.

His ability to pull off multi-point raids and his signature "dubki" move have left defenders clueless on numerous occasions.Pardeep is the only player in PKL to have crossed the 1,500-raid point mark and to score over 350 raid points in a single season-a record 369 points during season five with Patna Pirates.

He played a pivotal role in guiding Patna Pirates to three consecutive PKL titles in seasons 3, 4, and 5. After a successful stint with Patna, Pardeep moved to UP Yoddhas before returning to his first franchise, Bengaluru Bulls, in season 11.

Super Raids: 75
Super 10s: 85
Average Raid Points/Match: 9.94
Raid Success Rate: 44%

2. Maninder Singh

Maninder Singh is another standout raider, renowned for his brute strength and agility. Starting his career with Jaipur Pink Panthers in season one, Maninder took a break due to injury but returned stronger than ever with Bengal Warriorz in season five.

His comeback saw him dominating the league, culminating in Bengal Warriorz winning their first PKL title in season seven.With 1,428 raid points in 143 matches, Maninder is known for his ability to execute clutch raids in high-pressure situations. His remarkable consistency earned him a return to Bengal Warriorz for season 11, where he was bought back using a final bid match card for a whopping ₹1.15 crore.

Super Raids: 47
Super 10s: 72
Average Raid Points/Match: 9.99
Raid Success Rate: 48%

3. Pawan Sehrawat

Known for his electrifying pace and incredible leaping ability, Pawan Sehrawat has rightfully earned the nickname "Hi-Flyer." Starting his PKL journey with Bengaluru Bulls, Pawan's meteoric rise to prominence came when he returned to the Bulls in season six, helping them secure their maiden title.

His raiding prowess continued to shine as he notched up 1,189 raid points in just 126 matches, becoming one of the most feared raiders in the league.Pawan's raiding style is characterized by his ability to break through defensive chains and execute swift multi-point raids. He has now switched sides, playing for Telugu Titans in season 10 after a brief stint with Tamil Thalaivas.

Super Raids: 34
Super 10s: 62
Average Raid Points/Match: 9.44
Raid Success Rate: 49%

4. Rahul Chaudhari

Often called the "Poster Boy" of PKL, Rahul Chaudhari was one of the early stars of the league. Starting with Telugu Titans in season one, Rahul went on to become one of the most consistent performers in the tournament's history, amassing 1,045 raid points over 154 matches.

His high-flying raids and fearless attitude on the mat made him a fan favorite from the outset. Though his performance waned in the latter half of his career, Rahul's early exploits with Telugu Titans, Tamil Thalaivas, and Jaipur Pink Panthers cemented his status as one of the top raiders of all time. After going unsold in the season 11 auction, Rahul Chaudhari retired, leaving behind a stellar legacy.

Super Raids: 25
Super 10s: 42
Average Raid Points/Match: 6.79
Raid Success Rate: 37%

5. Naveen Kumar

In a relatively short span, Naveen Kumar has already etched his name among the greats. Nicknamed "Naveen Express" for his incredible speed and agility, he is the fastest raider to reach the 1,000 raid points milestone in PKL history, achieving it in just 91 matches.

Playing for Dabang Delhi KC, Naveen's stellar performance earned him the MVP award in season seven, where he led his team to the finals.His relentless pursuit of points and unparalleled consistency make him one of the deadliest raiders on the mat today, with 1,005 raid points in 91 matches.

Super Raids: 11
Super 10s: 63
Average Raid Points/Match: 11.04
Raid Success Rate: 51%