Kabaddi is known for its intensity and physical demands leaving little room for error. The nature of the sport means that performance is often defined by how effectively a player balances determination, control and endurance.
Over the years, many Indian players have built international reputations through their agility and tactical excellence.The fast-paced and combative nature of the sport has contributed to its growing reach, particularly following the rise of the Pro Kabaddi League, which provides a platform for top players to compete and showcase their abilities.
Below is a list of ten of the most well-known kabaddi players in India:
10. Manjeet Chhillar
Manjeet Chhillar began his sporting journey as a wrestler before a nose injury forced him to step away. He later returned to his village, Nizampur, where he took up kabaddi.
Recognised as one of the leading all-rounders in the sport, Manjeet holds the record for the highest number of successful tackles in Pro Kabaddi League history. His contributions in both defence and attack have been significant, and he was also part of the Indian team that secured gold at the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup.
Place of Birth: Nizampur Village, West Delhi
Position: All-Rounder
Matches Played: 74
Points: 620
9. Rishank Devadiga
Rishank Devadiga is known for his aggressive style and sharp execution on the mat. His ability to enter and exit defensive setups efficiently makes him a key raider.
A central figure for UP Yoddha, he combines tactical awareness with quick decision-making, often influencing matches through his attacking approach.
Place of Birth: Santacruz, Mumbai
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 126
8. Naveen Kumar
Naveen Kumar stands out as one of the youngest players to feature in the Pro Kabaddi League.
His speed and attacking instincts make him a difficult raider to contain, as he consistently finds ways to outmaneuver defenders. His development trajectory suggests continued growth in the coming years.
Place of Birth: Bhiwani, Haryana
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 87
Points: 690
7. Rohit Kumar
Rohit Kumar is widely regarded for his understanding of the game and his leadership qualities. He brings a combination of attacking strength and tactical awareness to his team.
Although primarily a raider, Rohit has also contributed in defensive roles when required, making him a versatile asset on the mat.
Place of Birth: Panipat, Haryana
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 101
Points: 729
6. Ajay Thakur
Ajay Thakur remains one of the most recognised names in Indian kabaddi. Known for his consistency and sharp execution, he has built a strong reputation as a reliable raider.
At 36, he continues to perform at a high level, having represented teams such as Puneri Paltan, Bengaluru Bulls, and Tamil Thalaivas. He is currently associated with Dabang Delhi K.C.
Place of Birth: Nalagarh, Himachal Pradesh
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 125
Points: 816
5. Maninder Singh
Maninder Singh is known for his strategic approach and leadership on the mat. As captain of Bengal Warriors, he has played a key role in guiding the team through his raiding ability and decision-making.
His consistency and ability to secure crucial points make him one of the standout players in Indian kabaddi.
Place of Birth: Dasuya, Punjab
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 107
Points: 1,004
4. Rahul Chaudhari
Rahul Chaudhari, often called the “Raid Machine,” has built his reputation as one of India’s leading raiders.
Initially starting as a defender, he transitioned into an attacking role and became known for his toe-touch technique, which allows him to score points with precision. He currently represents Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League.
Place of Birth: Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 143
Points: 1,027
3. Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda is an experienced all-rounder with a strong understanding of kabaddi tactics. His ability to contribute in both attack and defence adds balance to his team.
Although he has faced challenges in recent seasons, his overall record reflects his impact when performing at his best.
Place of Birth: Rohtak, Haryana
Position: All-Rounder
Matches Played: 153
Points: 1,042
2. Pawan Sehrawat
Pawan Sehrawat has established himself as one of the most dynamic raiders in Indian kabaddi. His physical strength and reach give him an advantage in breaking through defensive lines.
In Season 7 of the Pro Kabaddi League, he recorded 39 raid points in a single match against Haryana Steelers, highlighting his scoring ability.
Place of Birth: New Delhi
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 144
Points: 1,472
1. Pardeep Narwal
Pardeep Narwal tops the list as one of the most recognised kabaddi players in India. Known as the “Dubki King.”, he is widely regarded for his raiding efficiency and unpredictability.
He became the first player to cross 1000 raid points and was part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2019 South Asian Games. His ability to consistently deliver points makes him a standout figure in the sport.
Place of Birth: Sonipat, Haryana
Position: Raider
Matches Played: 170
Points: 1,690
While kabaddi may not yet have global popularity, it holds a strong presence across the Indian subcontinent and South Asia, where it takes determination and resilience to reach the highest level.
