Hey sports fans and Kabaddi enthusiasts! If you’ve been glued to the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) or international showdowns, you know Kabaddi isn’t just a game – it’s a high-octane thriller packed with raids, tackles, and heart-pounding comebacks. As we hit the midpoint of 2025, the Kabaddi world is buzzing with talent that’s pushing boundaries.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan cheering from the stands or someone new to the sport (welcome aboard!), this is your guide to the top players who could steal the show this year. Picture this: Agile raiders dodging defenders like shadows, and unyielding stoppers turning the tide in seconds. As a storyteller who’s thrilled by underdog tales and a blogger hooked on spotlighting game-changers, I’m breaking down the must-watch stars for 2025. We’ll mix stats, stories, and predictions to keep it real and riveting.
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Top Kabaddi Players to Watch in 2025: Rising Stars and Seasoned Raiders Set to Dominate the Mat
Kabaddi, once rooted in rural tradition, has transformed into a high-octane global sport, thanks to the rise of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and international tournaments. As we step into 2025, the mat is set for a thrilling season filled with electrifying raids, bone-crunching tackles, and strategic brilliance. This year, a mix of seasoned legends and emerging stars are poised to dominate the kabaddi arena, captivating fans with their agility, power, and game-changing performances.
From the unstoppable raiding prowess of Pardeep Narwal and Maninder Singh, to the defensive mastery of Fazel Atrachali and Saurabh Nandal, and the all-round excellence of Aslam Inamdar, these athletes are redefining the sport. Whether you’re a die-hard kabaddi enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these are the players you’ll want to keep an eye on as they battle for glory in 2025.
1. Pawan Sehrawat: The High-Flying Raider Ready for Redemption
Ah, Pawan “High Flyer” Sehrawat – the name alone evokes images of gravity-defying leaps over defenders. After a stellar 2024 where he captained Telugu Titans and notched over 200 raid points, 2025 is his year to shine brighter. Traded to Tamil Thalaivas for a record sum, Pawan’s explosive speed and do-or-die raids make him a nightmare for opponents.
At 28, he’s not just scoring; he’s inspiring a new generation. Watch for him in PKL – experts predict he’ll break the 300-point barrier this season. Fun fact: His journey from a Haryana village to Kabaddi stardom is pure inspiration, proving grit beats glamour every time.
2. Naveen Kumar: The Express Raider’s Comeback Trail
If consistency had a face, it’d be Naveen Kumar. The Dabang Delhi sensation, known as “Naveen Express,” battled injuries in 2024 but still racked up impressive tackle points. Now fully fit in 2025, he’s back with vengeance, leading raids with precision and pace. With over 900 career raid points already, Naveen’s all-round game – blending offense and defense – could propel Delhi to the finals.
At 24, he’s the young gun to bet on, especially in high-stakes matches. His story? From humble beginnings in Uttar Pradesh to PKL MVP contender – it’s the kind of tale that hooks you.
3. Arjun Deshwal: The Jaipur Pink Panthers’ Secret Weapon
Arjun Deshwal is the raider who’s quietly becoming a legend. After helping Jaipur win PKL Season 9, he exploded in 2024 with 250+ raid points. In 2025, with Jaipur reloading their squad, Arjun’s agility and bonus-point mastery are set to dazzle. He’s not flashy, but his smart plays – like those cheeky toe touches – outwit the best. Aged 25, he’s peaking at the right time. If you’re scouting for fantasy picks, Arjun’s your guy; his consistency could make him the top scorer this year.
4. Mohammadreza Shadloui: The Iranian Powerhouse Defender
Kabaddi’s gone global, and Iran’s Mohammadreza Shadloui is proof. Joining Puneri Paltan in 2024, he became the league’s most expensive foreign player ever. In 2025, his defensive prowess – think iron-clad tackles and super holds – is elevating the game. With 80+ tackle points last season, Shadloui’s strength and strategy are unmatched. At 26, he’s bridging international styles, making matches more unpredictable. His rise from Iranian leagues to PKL stardom is a cross-cultural epic worth following.
5. Maninder Singh: The Bengal Warriors’ Veteran Maestro
Don’t count out the vets! Maninder Singh, at 34, is the seasoned raider leading Bengal Warriors with wisdom and firepower. After crossing 1,000 raid points in his career, 2025 sees him mentoring while dominating – expect clever raids and leadership that turns games around. His resilience through injuries makes him a fan favorite. If Bengal makes a deep run, Maninder’s the heartbeat. His story? A reminder that experience trumps youth in crunch time.
6. Emerging Talents: Keep an Eye on These Rookies
No list is complete without the new blood shaking things up:
- Ashu Malik (Dabang Delhi): The 22-year-old all-rounder is racking up points on both ends – a future captain in the making.
- Sachin Tanwar (Patna Pirates): His aggressive raids and defensive smarts could make him PKL’s breakout star.
- Vishal Bhardwaj (Telugu Titans): A defensive rock at 23, his high successful tackle rate is turning heads.
These picks are based on 2025’s early PKL trends, where teams like U Mumba and Haryana Steelers are also fielding promising squads. With AI analytics now predicting player performance (yeah, tech’s invading sports too), expect data-driven surprises.
Why 2025 is Kabaddi’s Breakout Year?
Kabaddi’s exploding – viewership hit 200 million last season, and with women’s leagues gaining traction, it’s more inclusive than ever. Factors like international players and tech integrations (think VR training) are elevating the sport. But it’s the human element – the sweat, strategy, and stories – that keeps us hooked. Whether it’s Pawan’s leaps or Maninder’s comebacks, these athletes embody perseverance.
Planning to catch a match? PKL tickets are hot; grab ’em early. Or stream on apps for that front-row feel. Who’s your top pick? Drop a comment – let’s chat Kabaddi! For more on top Kabaddi players 2025, PKL updates, and sports sagas, subscribe below. Stay in the game!
(Insights from recent PKL reports and player stats as of July 2025. For the latest, check official PKL sites.)
