Pro Kabaddi League has completely changed the way kabaddi is played. In the early years of the league, teams depended on specialist players. Raiders focused only on attack, while defenders stayed back and handled tackles. But modern kabaddi no longer works like that.
Today, the game belongs to versatile players who can raid, defend, and adapt during pressure situations. These players are called all rounders, and they have become the most valuable assets in the sport.
What is the meaning of all rounder in kabaddi?
An all rounder in kabaddi is a player who contributes in both raiding and defending. Unlike specialist players, an all rounder can switch roles depending on the situation of the match.
This flexibility helps teams maintain balance on the mat. Modern coaches now prefer players who can score raid points and also support the defense during crunch moments.
That is why the demand for the Best All Rounders in Pro Kabaddi has increased massively in recent seasons.
All Rounders Are Now the Biggest Auction Targets
The importance of all rounders became clear during the PKL Season 12 auction. Teams spent huge money on players who could contribute in multiple roles.
Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh became the most expensive player on the opening day after joining Gujarat Giants for ₹2.23 crore. His ability to defend strongly while also scoring raid points made him a perfect modern kabaddi player.
Similarly, players like Ankit Jaglan also attracted massive bids because franchises now value versatility more than one dimensional skill sets.
Why Modern Kabaddi Needs All Rounders
The speed and intensity of today’s kabaddi matches have made all rounders extremely important.
When a pure raider gets out, the team can suddenly look weak in defense. Similarly, if a specialist defender is forced to raid during a do or die situation, the chances of failure increase.
An all rounder solves both problems.
Players like Aslam Inamdar and Bharat Hooda can raid under pressure and immediately return to defend in the next play. This helps teams avoid all outs and maintain balance during difficult phases of the match.
Modern kabaddi is now more about survival, rotation, and controlling numbers on the mat. All rounders make that possible.
Different Types of Modern All Rounders
Not every all rounder plays the same role. Some focus more on defense, while others lead the attack.
Mohammadreza Shadloui is known as a defensive all rounder because he combines powerful tackles with useful raid points.
Aslam Inamdar plays the role of a raiding leader who controls the tempo of matches while also supporting the defense.
Bharat Hooda represents the explosive all rounder who can collect points in both departments throughout the season.
These players have changed how teams are built in modern kabaddi.
The Rise of Total Kabaddi
Teams like Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi K.C. have successfully used a flexible playing style called Total Kabaddi.
In this system, players constantly rotate positions. Raiders move into defensive chains, while defenders contribute in raids when needed. This makes it difficult for opponents to target weak links.
Many fans still debate, Who is World No. 1 Raider? While star raiders continue to dominate headlines, modern kabaddi clearly shows that balanced all rounders are becoming just as important as elite attackers.
The sport is no longer about one superstar carrying a team. The future belongs to complete players who can do everything on the mat.
