India have unveiled their list of probables for the Asian Games 2026 training camp, assembling a blend of seasoned internationals and players who impressed in the Pro Kabaddi League. This group is set to serve as the foundation from which the final squad will be finalised ahead of the continental competition.
That said, the selections have also sparked debate due to several high-performing PKL players being left out despite strong recent campaigns. Considering form, impact, and positional importance, five names in particular stand out as surprising omissions, raising questions about squad balance and depth.
Sagar Rathee
Sagar Rathee’s situation is shaped by a mix of performance levels and recurring fitness issues. In PKL Season 12, he recorded 12 tackle points in 5 matches before suffering another injury setback. His involvement in Season 11 was even more limited, featuring in just one match and scoring 3 points before being ruled out.
Despite these interruptions, his earlier record remains impressive. He accumulated 67 tackle points in 18 matches during Season 10 and followed that with 53 points in 17 matches in Season 9.
He also delivered 83 tackle points in Season 8 and showed promise during his debut campaign in Season 7, all while representing Tamil Thalaivas. While his defensive credentials are well established, repeated injuries may have played a role in his exclusion.
Akash Shinde
Akash Shinde brings together strong domestic performances and international experience, having been part of India’s gold medal-winning squad at the 2022 Asian Games.
In PKL Season 12, he turned out for Bengaluru Bulls and collected 68 raid points from 15 matches, leading the raiding unit. Prior to that, with Puneri Paltan, he registered 93 points in 19 matches in Season 11, 58 points in 13 matches in Season 10, and 142 points in 22 matches in Season 9.
Since making his debut in Season 8, Shinde has shown steady growth. His ability to shoulder raiding responsibility across different teams while maintaining consistency makes his absence a noteworthy decision.
Ajinkya Pawar
Ajinkya Pawar has maintained a steady scoring record as a raider across multiple PKL franchises. In Season 12, playing for Dabang Delhi, he amassed 68 raid points from 19 matches. During Season 11 with Bengaluru Bulls, he added 64 points in 17 matches.
His most productive stint came with Tamil Thalaivas, where he delivered 133 raid points in Season 10, following 141 points in 22 matches in Season 9 and 114 points in 18 matches in Season 8.
Pawar made his PKL debut with Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 6, with Season 7 proving relatively modest. His consistency over time and adaptability across teams underline his value.
Vinay Tevathia
Vinay Tevathia has been a dependable raider for Haryana Steelers over several PKL seasons.
In Season 12, he produced 134 raid points in 18 matches, building on 166 points in 24 matches in Season 11 and 165 points in 23 matches in Season 10. He has remained a regular presence for the Steelers since Season 7, also contributing across Seasons 8 and 9.
His ability to handle high raid volumes while maintaining output over consecutive seasons highlights his reliability. Based on his consistent record, his absence from the probables list stands out.
Mohit Goyat
Mohit Goyat has established himself as a consistent secondary raider for Puneri Paltan across multiple PKL campaigns.
He registered 151 raid points in Season 10 from 22 matches, followed by 104 points in 19 matches in Season 11. Even in Season 12, with limited opportunities, he managed 13 points in 6 matches.
Importantly, he crossed the 100-point mark in both Seasons 8 and 9, reflecting sustained performance over time. His ability to support the lead raider while maintaining efficiency makes his omission a significant talking point.
