Famous Kabaddi Players In India: Legends Of Kabaddi Field

If you love Kabbadi, you might know how intense and power-packed this sport is. There is no scope for mistakes in this sport. Depending on how aggressively you play, you either win or get thrown out. Kabbdi is not a very popular sport in the world. However, in the Indian Subcontinent and South Asia, it takes some true grit and courage to become a great Kabbadi player. Many famous Kabaddi players in India have made their mark internationally through their talent, agility, intelligence, and extraordinary skills.

Kabaddi is played between two teams with seven players in each, with a single offensive player called a “Raider.” The raider runs into the opposing team’s half of the court and tries to tap out as many players as possible without getting tackled by the opposing defenders within 30 seconds. Because of the aggressive nature of the sport, it is swiftly gaining popularity in different parts of the world, especially after the introduction of India’s Pro Kabaddi League. This tournament allows the best Kabaddi players in India and worldwide to compete against each other and showcase their talent and skills.

In today’s blog, we will discuss India’s top 10 most famous Kabaddi players in India who have significantly brought Kabaddi to the limelight. Starting in descending order, here is the list of the best Kabaddi players in India.

10. Manjeet Chhillar

Manjeet started his career as a wrestler, but he retired from the game due to a nose injury. Then, he returned to his village, Nizampur, and started playing Kabbadi. Manjeet, one of the best all-rounders of Kabaddi, holds the record for the most successful tackles in the entire history of PKL. He is often referred to as the “Cradle of Indian Kabaddi.” because of his valuable contributions in both defense and attack. Moreover, he was also included in the team that won the Gold medal at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup.

Place of Birth: Nizampur Village, West Delhi
Position: All-Rounder
Matches Played: 74
Points: 620

9. Rishank Devadiga

Kabaddi is an aggressive game, and Eishank completely justifies this statement. Rishank Devadiga is a dangerous yet talented player who never misses a chance to tag opponents in a single breath. One of India’s most famous Kabaddi players in India, Rishank, can easily make his way in and out of opponents’ defences. He is the think tank of UP Yoddha, who never fails to impress through his skills and sharp game tactics.

Place of birth: Santacruz, Mumbai
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 126

8. Naveen Kumar

Naveen Kumar is the youngest player in the Pro Kabaddi League and the first player born in the 2000s to play in the KPL. He is known for his quickness and aggressive nature on the mat, where he tricks defenders to score points. With the speed at which he is progressing, the chances are he is going to become one of the best raiders of all time, depending on how well he develops and executes the game over the years.

Place of birth: Bhiwani Haryana
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 87
Points: 690

7. Rohit Kumar

Undoubtedly, Rohit is one of the most famous Kabaddi players in India who knows the game inside and out. He possesses a mix of skills and firepower. Moreover, he is also an inspiring leader who knows how to recognise each team player’s potential. Rohit Kumar is a key player for his team who knows how to snatch points from the opponent’s defence. Although he is a great raider, someone, he also plays as a defender when the team requires

Place of birth: Panipat, Haryana
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 101
Points: 729

6. Ajay Thakur

You will always see one player associated with famous Kabaddi players in India, Ajay Thakur. He is one of the best raiders ever; he is consistent, quick, sharp, and knows how to get points for his team. Ajay is 36 years old and the oldest player in KPL, but he never misses a chance to amaze his fans with his outstanding skills and raids. He has played with several franchises, such as Puneri Paltan, Bengaluru Bulls, and Tamil Thalivas, and is currently playing with Daband Delhi K.C

Place of birth: Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 125
Points: 816

5. Maninder Singh

No one can beat him in tactics and strategy; that is the aura of Maninder Singh. He is one of the most famous Kabaddi players in India and the captain of the Bengal Warriors. What sets him apart from other best Kabaddi players in India is his excellent skill in going for the kill and earning points for his team. With outstanding raiding skills and decision-making, every team wants a player like Maninder Singh.

Place of birth: Dasuya, Punjab
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 107
Points: 1,004

4. Rahul Chaudhari

Often referred to as Raid Machine, Rahul Chaudhari is one of the best Kabaddi players in India. He started his career as a defender but soon became a lethal raider with the ability to steal points from his opponents. Rahul is famous for his signature move, the toe-touch raid, in which he jumps in the air, touching the opponent’s team’s heads with his toes. He is currently playing for the Jaipur Pink Panthers in KPL.

Place of birth: Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 143
Points: 1,027

3. Deepak Hooda

Deepak Hooda is arguably the best Kabaddi player in India, who knows all the game’s tactics. The 27-year-old, Deepak, is an all-rounder who can get through any defence and gain points for his team. He is also a great defender who can score points and stop opponents from scoring points. However, from the last few seasons of KPL, he is having a rough patch but when he is in full form, there is no one stopping him.

Place of birth: Rohtak, Haryana
Position: All-Rounder
Matches Played: 153
Points: 1,042

2. Pawan Sehrawat

He is just 24, but his experience and skills speak volumes. He is famous for his long reach and lower body strength, which gives him an extra edge to score points tackling through opponents’ defence. Among the famous Kabaddi players in India, Pawan Sehrawat has already set the bar high with his aggressive and skilful gameplay. During season 7 of KPL, he made a record against Haryana Steelers by scoring 39 raid points in a single game.

Place of birth: New Delhi
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 144
Points: 1,472

1. Pardeep Narwal

If you search on Google, who is the best kabaddi player? 9/10 times, you will see Pradeep Narwal at the top of the list. Often referred to as “Dubki King.” Pradeep Narwal tops our list of the most famous Kabaddi players in India. Absolute beast, Pradeep scores ten raid points on average, and it’s almost impossible to predict his next moves as he can get through opponents’ defences within seconds. Moreover, he is the first player to score 1000 raid points and win a gold medal in the South Asian Games 2019.

Place of birth: Sonipat, Haryana
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 170
Points: 1,690