Kabaddi is a game of speed, strength, and strategy, and in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), the best teams rely on players who can raid and defend with equal efficiency. These all-rounders bring balance, making them invaluable assets on the mat. Over the years, PKL has witnessed some incredible all-rounders who have defined the league with their versatility and match-winning abilities.
Here’s a look at the top 10 all-rounders in Pro Kabaddi League history.
10. Meraj Sheykh
🟢 Teams: Telugu Titans, Dabang Delhi
🏆 PKL Stats: 194 Raid Points, 24 Tackle Points
Meraj Sheykh was one of the first overseas players to make a mark in PKL. He debuted with Telugu Titans in Season 2 before finding his true form with Dabang Delhi in Season 4. A natural leader, Meraj became the first overseas captain in PKL history and played a key role in Delhi’s rise, maintaining an impressive 78% not-out rate.
9. Rajesh Narwal
🟣 Teams: Jaipur Pink Panthers, UP Yoddhas, Haryana Steelers
🏆 PKL Stats: 266 Raid Points, 73 Tackle Points
Rajesh Narwal played a crucial role in Jaipur Pink Panthers’ title-winning campaign in Season 1. His all-round performance in the semis (8 points) and final (6 points) helped Jaipur lift the trophy. While he played for multiple teams in later seasons, he remained one of the most underrated yet impactful all-rounders in PKL history.
8. Rakesh Narwal
⚫ Teams: Patna Pirates, U Mumba
🏆 PKL Stats: 102 Raid Points, 14 Tackle Points
Rakesh Narwal was one of the most expensive signings in the inaugural PKL auction, joining Patna Pirates. While injuries limited his impact, he was later used as a defensive all-rounder for U Mumba. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, continuing to contribute to the sport.
7. Nitin Rawal
🔴 Teams: Jaipur Pink Panthers, Haryana Steelers, Bengaluru Bulls
🏆 PKL Stats: 133 Raid Points, 112 Tackle Points
Nitin Rawal started as a raider for Jaipur Pink Panthers before transitioning into a top-tier defender. His move to Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 11 showcased his defensive capabilities as he scored 74 tackle points, making him one of the league’s standout all-rounders.
6. Vijay Malik
🔵 Teams: Patna Pirates, Dabang Delhi, Telugu Titans
🏆 PKL Stats: 200+ Points (Combined)
Vijay Malik’s rise was largely due to Coach Krishna Kumar Hooda, who identified his potential. After starting with Patna Pirates, Vijay became a key player for Dabang Delhi, playing a pivotal role in their PKL 8 title win. His defensive and raiding skills make him a key figure in modern PKL.
5. Aslam Inamdar
🟠 Team: Puneri Paltan
🏆 PKL Stats: MVP (PKL 10), 57 Raid Points (PKL 11)
One of India’s brightest young talents, Aslam Inamdar rose through Puneri Paltan’s youth ranks and helped them reach the PKL finals. By PKL 10, he was named Most Valuable Player, and in PKL 11, he adapted his game to focus more on team balance, proving his maturity and leadership at just 25 years old.
4. Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh
⚫ Teams: Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, Haryana Steelers
🏆 PKL Stats: 3 Finals in 4 Seasons, 2x Best Defender
Iranian sensation Mohammadreza Shadloui has had an unmatched defensive impact in PKL. In just four seasons, he has been in three finals, winning back-to-back titles. His versatility shone in PKL 11, where he also delivered 57 raid points, proving he’s not just a defensive powerhouse but also a capable raider.
3. Sandeep Narwal
🟢 Teams: Patna Pirates, U Mumba, Dabang Delhi, UP Yoddhas
🏆 PKL Stats: 92 Raid Points, 27 Tackle Points (Season 1)
Nicknamed “The Beast”, Sandeep Narwal was one of PKL’s most exciting all-rounders. He made an immediate impact in Season 1 with Patna Pirates, executing 8 Super Raids and 6 Super Tackles. Over the years, his role evolved into a defensive leader, but he remained one of PKL’s most physically dominant players.
2. Deepak Niwas Hooda
🟠 Teams: Telugu Titans, Puneri Paltan, Jaipur Pink Panthers
🏆 PKL Stats: 12.6 Lakh (2nd Most Expensive Player in Season 1 Auction), Former India Captain
A true PKL legend, Deepak Niwas Hooda was a highly sought-after player in the first-ever auction. He helped shape Puneri Paltan’s resurgence before leading Jaipur Pink Panthers as captain. Despite going unsold in PKL 10 and 11, he remains in the top 8 all-time raiders list and is still looking for a comeback opportunity.
1. Manjeet Chhillar
🔵 Teams: Bengaluru Bulls, Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas, Dabang Delhi
🏆 PKL Stats: Best Defender (PKL 1), MVP (PKL 2), PKL Champion (Dabang Delhi)
Regarded as PKL’s greatest all-rounder, Manjeet Chhillar was a force on both ends of the mat. As Bengaluru Bulls’ captain, he dominated the league, winning the Best Defender award (PKL 1) and the MVP award (PKL 2). His career saw him lead Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas, and eventually guide Dabang Delhi to their maiden PKL title.
His signature “double thigh hold” remains one of PKL’s most iconic defensive moves. Even today, no player has matched his all-round legacy in the league.
Conclusion
These all-rounders have defined Pro Kabaddi League history, proving their versatility and game-changing ability. Whether as dynamic raiders, lockdown defenders, or team leaders, these stars have elevated the sport of Kabaddi to new heights.
With emerging talents like Aslam Inamdar and Mohammadreza Shadloui on the rise, PKL’s next generation of all-rounders could soon challenge the legends. Who will be the next great all-rounder in PKL history? Time will tell.