Kabaddi is a popular sport in India, and the Pro Kabaddi League has taken the country by storm since its inception in 2014. The league features 12 teams from different parts of India, and each team has a unique identity and fan following. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Pro Kabaddi teams, their history, and the players who make them special.
Table of Contents
Pro Kabaddi Teams
The Pro Kabaddi League currently features 12 teams. It marks the edition of this popular sport and marks the first time spectators can witness matches inside stadiums as opposed to bio-bubbles. At present, some of the finest kabaddi players worldwide are competing to claim this year’s championship title – making for an exhilarating time as a fan of this exciting sport! Let’s take a look at each team and what they bring to the league.
Bengal Warriors
The Bengal Warriors are based in Kolkata, West Bengal, and have been a part of the league since its inception. They won their first championship in 2019 and have a strong lineup of players, including Maninder Singh, Deepak Hooda, and Shrikant Jadhav.
Bengaluru Bulls
The Bengaluru Bulls won their first championship in 2018 and have been a consistent presence in the league since then. Led by captain Mahender Singh, they have a talented squad that includes Vikash Kandola, and Bharat.
Their team boasts an impressive lineup which is capable of going all out for victory, while their defence can wreak havoc against opposing attacks. Leading this charge are Bharat, Aman and Saurabh Nandal who could prove an invaluable resource against adversary attacks.
Dabang Delhi K.C.
The Delhi-based team has had a mixed history in the league, with their best performance coming in 2021-22 when they finished as championships. However, with a strong squad that includes players like Naveen Kumar, Anil Kumar, and Vishal, they are always a threat to the opposition.
Gujarat Giants
The Gujarat Giants are a relatively new team in the league, having joined in 2017. However, they have made their mark by finishing runners-up in both 2017 and 2018. Some of their star players include Parteek Dahiya, Chandran Ranjit, and Rohit Kumar.
Haryana Steelers
The Haryana Steelers are a team based in Haryana and have been a part of the league since 2017. They are yet to win a championship but have a strong squad led by veteran player Manjeet, as well as young talents such as Meetu Sharma and Vinay.
Jaipur Pink Panthers
The Jaipur Pink Panthers were the inaugural champions of the Pro Kabaddi League in 2014 and are the latest champions of 2022. They have been a consistent presence in the league since then. They are led by captain Sunil Kumar Malik and have a talented squad that includesArjun Deshwal, Ankush, and Sunil Kumar.
Also Read : Pro Kabaddi Season 9 : Jaipur Pink Panthers Emerge as Champions
Puneri Paltan
The Pune-based team has been a part of the league since 2014 but is yet to win a championship. Puneri Paltan has been one of the pioneers of Pro Kabaddi League, making for some thrilling matches since its inaugural edition. Led by Ravi Shetty and boasting top raiders like Aslam Inamdar and Mohit Goyat as top raiders while corner defenders like Badal Singh and Pankaj Mohite as corner defenders are great options, Puneri Paltan can win this year.
Fazel Atrachali and Mohammad Nabibakhsh from Iran were brought into the defensive unit through auction for 1.38 crore and 87 lakh, respectively, further strengthening it. Additionally, management has kept most of last year’s defence core intact.
Patna Pirates
The Patna Pirates are one of the most successful teams in the league. They have enjoyed incredible success since entering the Pro Kabaddi League, having won three championship titles and finishing as runners-up once. Led by Neeraj kumar and coached by Ravi Shetty, they are play their home matches at Patliputra Sports Complex.
A strong squad exists but must maximize its full potential for optimal results – Iranian defender Mohammadreza Chiyaneh looks outstanding this season, which could prove key in reaching playoff qualification for their opponents – the Pirates.
Also Read : Review PKL 9 Highlights: Bengaluru Bulls, Puneri Paltan, Jaipur Pink Panthers
Tamil Thalaivas
The Tamil Nadu-based team has been a part of the league since 2017 but is yet to make a mark. However, they possess plenty of talent, but teamwork and coordination are what will ultimately define success in pro kabbadi. If they want to reach the playoffs, they must improve quickly in their game.
Mohit Chillar was a standout at right cover last season for them, providing vital service in chain tackling. For a reasonable sum they added chain-tackle specialist Mohit Chillar as part of their roster.
Telugu Titans
The Telugu Titans are a team based in Hyderabad, Telangana, and have been a part of the league since 2014. They are yet to win a championship but have had some talented players such as Siddharth Desai, Ravinder Pahal, and Vishal Bhardwaj.
U Mumba
The Mumbai-based team has been a consistent presence in the league since 2014 and has won the championship once, in 2015. U Mumba has been in the playoffs 5 times in Season 1, Season 2, Season 3, Season 6, and Season 7. They are led by captain Surinder Singh and have a strong squad that are looking to win a long-awaited championship this year.
Also Read : Review PKL 9 Highlights: UP Yoddhas, Tamil Thalaivas, Dabang Delhi KC
UP Yoddha
The UP Yoddha is a team based in Uttar Pradesh and has been a part of the league since 2017. They are known for producing talented homegrown players in Premier League. Multiple times they have made it to the playoffs yet to win a championship. The UP Yoddha aim to continue this success this season.
They have some talented players such as Pardeep Narwal, and Nitesh Kumar. Pardeep Narwal was the best raider last season in the team while Nitesh Kumar is considered one of India’s strongest defenders, giving this team an added strength boost. Both players possess huge potential in making it stronger.
Conclusion
Overall, the Pro Kabaddi teams in India bring a unique flavor to the sport, with players from different regions and backgrounds coming together to represent their cities. The league has grown in popularity over the years and has even attracted international players.
The Pro Kabaddi teams in India represent the diversity and passion of the country, with players from different regions and backgrounds coming together to compete at the highest level. With a strong fan following and the league’s continued growth, the Pro Kabaddi League is set to become even more popular in the future, both in India and internationally.