The Pro Kabaddi League has produced some unforgettable stars over the years, but raiders have always remained the biggest attraction of the sport. Their ability to score points under pressure and change games within seconds has made them fan favorites across every season. When discussing the greatest raiders in PKL history, factors like consistency, match-winning impact, records, and longevity all matter.
Here is a look at the best kabaddi raiders of all time and how they shaped the history of the league.
1. Pardeep Narwal – The Undisputed King
No raider in PKL history has dominated the sport like Pardeep Narwal. With 1801 raid points in 190 matches, he remains the highest raid-point scorer in league history.
Known as the “Dubki King,” Pardeep changed the way raiding was viewed in kabaddi. His famous dubki move allowed him to escape defenders in impossible situations. He was also the main reason behind the historic title hat-trick of the Patna Pirates in Seasons 3, 4, and 5.
His greatest season came in Season 5 when he scored a record-breaking 369 raid points, including the legendary 8-point raid against Haryana Steelers. That performance alone cemented his place among the top raiders in Pro Kabaddi League history.
2. Maninder Singh – The Powerhouse Raider
Maninder Singh has built his legacy through consistency and strength. With 1568 raid points, he stands second on the all-time list.
Maninder first won the PKL title with Jaipur Pink Panthers in the inaugural season before injuries interrupted his career. However, his comeback story remains one of the greatest in the league. He returned stronger and guided Bengal Warriors to the Season 7 title.
Unlike speed-based raiders, Maninder relies on physical dominance. His ability to overpower defenders near the midline makes him one of the toughest raiders to stop.
3. Pawan Kumar Sehrawat – The Hi-Flyer
Pawan Kumar Sehrawat brought athleticism and aggression to a new level in PKL. With 1340 raid points, he is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players the league has ever seen.
Pawan became the face of Bengaluru Bulls during their title-winning Season 6 campaign. His attacking style and fearless raids made him a crowd favorite. He also topped the raiding charts in three consecutive seasons, which shows his incredible consistency.
His signature “Lion Jump” became one of the most iconic skills in modern kabaddi.
4. Arjun Deshwal – The Modern-Day Master
Arjun Deshwal represents the new generation of smart and efficient raiders. Despite playing fewer matches than many legends, he has already crossed 1383 raid points.
Arjun has become the main star for Jaipur Pink Panthers thanks to his calm decision-making and sharp footwork. Instead of relying on risky moves, he uses precision and quick escapes to score consistently.
His rapid rise proves why many fans already place him among the best kabaddi raiders of all time.
5. Naveen Kumar – The Speed Machine
Naveen Kumar, famously known as the “Naveen Express,” was one of the fastest players to achieve major milestones in PKL.
He became the quickest player to cross both 500 and 1000 raid points and won back-to-back MVP awards in Seasons 7 and 8. Naveen also helped Dabang Delhi K.C. win their first PKL title.
His streak of 28 consecutive Super 10s remains one of the most impressive records in league history.
Honorable Mentions
No discussion about the greatest raiders in PKL history is complete without mentioning Rahul Chaudhari and Anup Kumar.
Rahul Chaudhari was the first superstar of PKL and played a huge role in making the league popular during its early years. Meanwhile, Anup Kumar became famous for his calm leadership and tactical brilliance with U Mumba.
These legends inspired the next generation and helped kabaddi grow into one of India’s biggest sports leagues.
