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The first season of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) took the nation by storm. Everyone was suddenly interested in this age old ancient sport which was born and developed in India. Millions of fans tuned in to watch the teams on TV, and thousands came to watch their favourite team play in the stadiums.The PKL had a huge impact on the lives of the players, as they became household names. The tournament also brought many talented young players into the limelight.Let us now look at 5 young players who contributed hugely to their team’s success:
#5 Surjeet Narwal - Dabang Delhi
Surjeet Narwal, the 25-year-old raider, was the shining light in a poor campaign for Dabang Delhi, where they finished 6th. Narwal finished fifth in the list of top raiders for Season 1, and collected a total of 113 points.
Known for his breathtaking escapes after raiding the opponent’s territory, he got the name ‘The Flying Machine’ for his high flying antics in the field. The flying back kick has become synonymous with Narwal.
If Delhi are to qualify for the semis, Surjeet will be required to be in great touch and even improve on his performances from last season.
#4 Kashiling Adake - Dabang Delhi
Dabang Delhi’s Kashiling Adake tied with teammate Surjeet Narwal with 113 points while raiding. At a tender age of just 22 years, he has become one of the mainstays of the Delhi-based team. He, along with his teammate Surjeet, was one of the bright spots for Dabang Delhi, who otherwise had a disappointing campaign.
He collected a crucial 14 points in the match against Bengal Warriors, which helped his team end their two-match losnig run. Like Narwal, Adake too is known for his athleticism and high flying maneuvers in the field. He makes use of his height well and specialises in the toe touch.
With another year of top-level kabaddi under his belt, Adake is expected to surpass his performances from last season.
#3 Maninder Singh - Jaipur Pink Panthers
Maninder Singh of Jaipur Pink Panthers could not have dreamt for a better inaugural season in the Pro Kabaddi League. The 24-year-old finished third in the list of top raiders for Season 1, and his team went on to win the league and become the first Champions of PKL. He collected a whooping 130 points for his team, and perfomed consistently well all through the tournament.
He made heads turn in the final against U Mumba, as he performed way beyond his age to give victory to his team. He was the best player of the match, and was one of the key players in Jaipur creating history.
#2 Surender Nada - U Mumba
This 25-year-old defender from U Mumba caught everyone’s attention with his stellar performance in the inaugural season of Pro Kabaddi League. He finished second in the list of top defenders for Season 1, having scored 48 points. His incredible performances over the course of the tournament helped his team qualify for the final, where they eventually lost to Jaipur Pink Panthers.
His technique of catching the raiders by their ankles, famously dubbed the ankle hold, and confining them worked very well for him and the team. His playing style defied his tender age and the calm-headed defender was responsible for the remarkable performance by the Mumbai team.
A lot would depend on him if the team from Mumbai wishes to scale that final step and win the tournament this time.
#1 Rahul Chaudhari - Telugu Titans
The best young player of the tournament, Rahul Chaudhari was undoubtedly the find of the season. This exceptionally talented raider, just 22 years old, finished second in the list of top raiders in the inaugural season. He scored a mind-boggling 151 points, and almost single-handedly carried his team through the tournament. He made a total of 224 raids last season, which was the most by any player.
His perfomance against U Mumba was lauded by everyone, as he scored 23 points in the match. He was awarded the Star Sports Raider of the Tournament after the end of the season. At 10.79, he had the most raids per match in the entire tournament.
Everyone's eyes will certainly be on this young player, and Telugu Titans would need him to give an encore of his performance this season.
