Pro Kabaddi League: All-Time Playing 7 of UP Yoddhas in PKL

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UP Yoddhas, one of the four new teams that joined the Pro Kabaddi League in Season 5, quickly established themselves as one of the most consistent teams in the competition. Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, this franchise has been a formidable force, having made the playoffs in five out of the six seasons they've participated in.

While they've secured impressive positions during the league stages, finishing third in both PKL 5 and 6, they have yet to break into a final despite their consistency.

Season 7 saw a format change, but even then, UP Yoddhas managed to finish third in the league stage and made the playoffs once again. Despite their strong performances in the league stages, they've struggled in the knockout phases and are yet to play in a Pro Kabaddi League final.

However, their run in Season 10 was a deviation from their usual form, finishing 11th with only 4 wins from 22 matches. Despite this disappointing outing, UP Yoddhas' consistent playoff appearances can be credited to their faith in players.
Here's a look at their all-time playing 7, featuring a mix of raiders and defenders who have played pivotal roles for the franchise.

Center - Pardeep Narwal

Pardeep Narwal, the "Dubki King," has been the captain and lead raider for UP Yoddha since his arrival in Season 8. Although his first season with the Yoddhas was slightly below his usual high standards, Narwal returned to form in Season 9, racking up 220 raid points in 22 matches, including 11 Super 10s and 9 super raids.

With 530 points across three seasons for the UP-based team, Narwal's contribution has been immense in shaping the franchise's journey. His ability to deliver during crunch moments makes him an essential part of Yoddhas' all-time playing 7.

Left Cover - Shubham Kumar

Shubham Kumar has been a critical part of UP Yoddhas' defense since he joined the team for PKL 8. While UP Yoddhas' left cover position has seen changes over the seasons, Shubham established himself as a top performer in this position. Across the 8th and 9th seasons, he amassed 38 tackle points, including four super tackles in Season 8. His contributions helped the Yoddhas shore up their defense when needed most.

Right Cover - Ashu Singh

Ashu Singh has been one of the most consistent defenders for the UP Yoddhas since joining the team in Season 7. The right cover defender immediately made an impact, earning 42 points in his debut season. His performance only improved in Season 8, where he scored 53 tackle points.

Although Season 10 was a tougher outing for Ashu, scoring just 20 tackle points, his overall tally of 16 super tackles and four High 5s across seasons showcases his invaluable presence in the Yoddhas' defense.

Left In - Rishank Devadiga

Rishank Devadiga was one of the key players for UP Yoddhas in their inaugural season. Known for his explosive raids, he scored 170 points in 21 matches during PKL 5. Though his performance dipped slightly in the following seasons, he still managed to contribute more than 75 points in each of the next two editions, playing a crucial role in the Yoddhas' playoff qualifications. His impact as a lead raider and his ability to perform under pressure earns him a spot in this all-time 7 lineup.

Right In - Surender Gill

Surender Gill is one of the best talents discovered by UP Yoddhas. He made his debut in Season 7, earning 80 points in 18 matches, but it was in Season 8 that Gill really came into his own, finishing with an impressive 198 points in 23 games.

Injury issues hampered his performances in subsequent seasons, yet he still managed 145 points in Season 9 and 87 raid points in the injury-plagued Season 10. Despite his injuries, Gill's contributions in attack have been vital for the Yoddhas.

Left Corner - Sumit Sangwan

Sumit Sangwan has been a standout performer in the left corner position for UP Yoddha since his debut in Season 7. He made an immediate impact, finishing second on the defenders' leaderboard with 80 tackle points in 22 matches in his debut season.

His defensive prowess has been a key reason behind UP Yoddhas' solid defense over the years, consistently featuring in the top 12 for Most Tackle Points. Sumit's 61 tackle points in Season 10 reaffirmed his importance to the team's defensive structure.

Right Corner - Nitesh Kumar

Nitesh Kumar is synonymous with UP Yoddhas, having been a part of the team since their entry into the league. His defining moment came in Season 6 when he became the first player in Pro Kabaddi history to score 100 tackle points in a single season, earning him the Best Defender award.

With 350 tackle points, including 23 High 5s and 27 super tackles, Nitesh's consistency and leadership have been integral to the Yoddhas' success over the seasons.