Here is a list of the top 10 Karnataka players in Pro Kabaddi:
- Sukesh Hegde (Raider, Bengaluru Bulls)
- Prashanth Kumar Rai (Raider, Bengaluru Bulls)
- Darshan J (Defender, Tamil Thalaivas)
- K. Prapanjan (Raider, Gujarat Fortunegiants)
- Shabeer Bapu Sharfudheen (Raider, Dabang Delhi K.C.)
- Jeeva Kumar (Defender, Bengaluru Bulls)
- Rajaguru Subramanian (Defender, U Mumba)
- Sachin V (Defender, Bengaluru Bulls)
- Rakesh Gowda (Raider, Telugu Titans)
- Sandeep Dhull (Defender, U Mumba)
This list is based on the players’ performances in the Pro Kabaddi League, their individual and team achievements, and their overall impact on the game. It is important to note that this is a subjective list, and many other talented Karnataka players could have been included.
1. Sukesh Hegde (Raider, Bengaluru Bulls)
Sukesh Hegde is a left-handed raider known for his speed and agility in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).
He debuted in 2017 with the Telugu Titans and joined the Bengaluru Bulls in 2018.
Hegde has been a consistent member of the Bengaluru Bulls, helping them reach the finals in 2019 and 2022.
In the 2022 season, he was the league’s third-highest scorer with 197 points and was named in the ‘Dream 11’ team.
Hegde’s strengths include speed, agility, excellent raiding skills, and a good understanding of the game.
However, he can sometimes be inconsistent and over-confident and needs to work on his fitness levels.
Overall, he is a talented raider with the potential to be one of the best in the PKL, aiming to help the Bengaluru Bulls win the title in the upcoming season.
2. Prashanth Kumar Rai (Raider, Bengaluru Bulls)
Prashanth Kumar Rai is a talented raider for the Bengaluru Bulls in the Pro Kabaddi League.
He joined the team in 2018 & has become a crucial player known for his explosive raiding skills.
With his agility and speed, Rai consistently puts pressure on the opposing defense, scoring crucial points for his team.
Although he has faced some challenges with injuries, when he’s at his best, Rai can be a game-changer for the Bengaluru Bulls. Overall, he brings valuable experience and a strong presence to the team’s raiding unit.
3. Darshan J (Defender, Tamil Thalaivas)
Darshan J is a talented right-cover defender for the Tamil Thalaivas in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).
Known for his strong tackling skills, he made his PKL debut in 2017 and has been a member of the team since then.
Darshan J has helped the Tamil Thalaivas reach the semi-finals in the 2018 and 2020 seasons.
In the 2022 season, he was the second-highest tackler in the league, with 66 points.
His strengths include strong tackling, good game understanding, and communication skills.
However, he can be inconsistent and over-aggressive at times and needs to improve his fitness levels.
Overall, Darshan J is a talented defender aiming to help the Tamil Thalaivas win the PKL title in the upcoming season.
4. Prapanjan (Raider, Gujarat Fortunegiants)
K. Prapanjan is an Indian Kabaddi player known for his speed, agility, and do-or-die raiding skills. He currently plays as a raider for the Gujarat Fortunegiants in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).
Prapanjan made his PKL debut in Season 3 with U Mumba and has since played for Telugu Titans, Tamil Thalaivas, and Gujarat Fortunegiants.
He excelled as a Do-or-Die specialist and proved himself with 34 points during do-or-die raids in Season 5 with the Tamil Thalaivas.
Prapanjan was then bought by Bengal Warriors in 2019, where he played a crucial role in helping the team reach the tournament final.
In the PKL 2021 auction, he was purchased by Tamil Thalaivas.
Prapanjan is considered a dangerous raider who can turn the tide of a match and is highly regarded for his team-oriented mindset. He is a rising star in the Kabaddi world with a promising future ahead.
5. Shabeer Bapu Sharfudheen (Raider, Dabang Delhi K.C.)
Shabeer Bapu Sharfudheen is a talented raider who plays for the Dabang Delhi K.C. in the Pro Kabaddi League.
With his swift raiding skills, he brings speed and agility to the team’s offense. Sharfudheen started his PKL journey in 2014 with the Bengaluru Bulls and has since played for various teams before joining Dabang Delhi K.C. in 2021.
He is known for his ability to quickly penetrate defenses and score points with clever footwork.
While he has faced some inconsistencies, his potential to make impactful raids remains evident.
Overall, Sharfudheen is a valuable asset to the team, aiming to contribute to their success in the Pro Kabaddi League.
6. Jeeva Kumar (Defender, Bengaluru Bulls)
Jeeva Kumar is a veteran defender for the Bengaluru Bulls in the Pro Kabaddi League.
He has played since the first season in 2014 and has also represented India at the international level, winning a gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games.
Known for his strong tackling skills and composed demeanor, Kumar is a valuable asset to the Bengaluru Bulls. He aims to help the team secure their first PKL title in 2023.
7. Rajaguru Subramanian (Defender, U Mumba)
Rajaguru Subramanian is a former player who now defends the U Mumba Kabaddi team.
He represented the Telugu Titans and Dabang Delhi K.C. in the Pro Kabaddi League before joining U Mumba in Season 7.
Subramanian is a strong and versatile defender known for his tackling skills against both raiders and defenders. He is also a capable raider who has contributed important points to his team.
In Season 7, he emerged as U Mumba’s top tackle point scorer and was honored as the Emerging Player of the Season.
As a key member of the U Mumba team, Subramanian is expected to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
While he has shown great potential, there is room for improvement in terms of consistency & raiding skills. Nonetheless, he remains a promising player to watch in the Pro Kabaddi League.
8. Sachin V (Defender, Bengaluru Bulls)
Sachin V is a defender for the Bengaluru Bulls Kabaddi team.
He has previously played for the Puneri Paltan, Gujarat Fortunegiants, and Bengal Warriors in the Pro Kabaddi League.
Sachin is a strong and versatile defender known for his ability to tackle raiders and defenders. He is also a capable raider who has made valuable contributions to his team.
In Season 8, he was the second-highest tackle point scorer for Bengal Warriors and received the Defender of the Match title twice.
As a key member of the Bengal Warriors, Sachin is expected to have a significant role in the upcoming season.
While he shows great potential, there is room for improvement in terms of consistency and raiding skills. Nevertheless, Sachin remains a talented player to watch in the Pro Kabaddi League.
9. Rakesh Gowda (Raider, Tamil Thalaivas)
Rakesh Gowda is a highly skilled kabaddi raider from India, currently playing for the Tamil Thalaivas in the Pro Kabaddi League.
He has an impressive track record, with 85 matches played and 708 raid points to his name.
Known for his attacking prowess, Gowda has achieved 21 Super 10s and 33 High 5s throughout his career.
With an average of 8.27 raid points per match and a personal best of 24 raid points in a single game, he has proven to be a valuable asset for the Tamil Thalaivas.
Notable achievements include winning the Pro Kabaddi League in 2019, being named the Most Valuable Player in the same season, and securing spots in the Pro Kabaddi League’s All-Star Team for both 2019 and 2020.
As a rising star in the kabaddi world, Rakesh Gowda’s future looks promising, and he continues to make significant contributions to his team’s success.
10. Sandeep Dhull (Defender, U Mumba)
Sandeep Dhull is a skilled defender who plays for the U Mumba Kabaddi team in the Pro Kabaddi League.
He is renowned for his impressive defensive abilities and has made a significant impact in the league. Dhull’s strong build and agility make him a formidable force on the kabaddi mat.
He excels at anticipating and countering raiders, making him a vital asset to the U Mumba team.
With consistent performances, Dhull’s defensive prowess contributes greatly to U Mumba’s success in the Pro Kabaddi League.
