The inaugural Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season in 2014 changed the future of kabaddi in India. While the innovative franchise format and television presentation attracted attention, it was the players who truly made the tournament unforgettable. Their performances turned kabaddi into must-watch entertainment and helped the league become one of India’s biggest sporting competitions.
From fearless raiders to rock-solid defenders, the best players in PKL Season 1 inspired millions of fans and laid the foundation for the league’s long-term success.
Anup Kumar – The Captain Who Led by Example
No discussion about the top raiders in PKL 2014 is complete without Anup Kumar of U Mumba.
The experienced captain finished the season with 155 raid points, making him the leading raider of the tournament. His calm personality, intelligent decision-making, and ability to control the pace of a match earned him the nickname “Captain Cool.”
Anup’s consistency throughout the competition also saw him receive the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Although U Mumba finished as runners-up, his performances made him one of the biggest stars of the inaugural season.
Rahul Chaudhari – The First Kabaddi Superstar
Rahul Chaudhari of Telugu Titans quickly became the face of the league.
With 151 raid points, he finished second among the top raiders in PKL 2014. His aggressive style, quick running hand touches, and fearless raids thrilled fans across the country.
Rahul’s exciting approach made him one of the first players to gain widespread popularity beyond traditional kabaddi audiences. He played a huge role in attracting young viewers to the sport.
Maninder Singh – Jaipur’s Match Winner
The success of the Jaipur Pink Panthers would not have been possible without Maninder Singh.
The young raider scored 130 raid points, finishing third among the league’s leading raiders. More importantly, he produced his best performances during the knockout stage, helping Jaipur lift the inaugural PKL trophy.
His powerful raids and ability to score multiple points in a single attack made him one of the standout performers of the season.
Kashiling Adake – Entertainment Every Match
Despite playing for Dabang Delhi K.C., who struggled during the tournament, Kashiling Adake impressed everyone with his attacking style.
He scored 113 raid points and became famous for his spectacular frog jumps and acrobatic raids. His entertaining performances ensured fans always had something to cheer, regardless of the result.
Manjeet Chhillar – Defensive Leader
Among the top defenders in PKL 2014, Manjeet Chhillar stood out with his leadership for Bengaluru Bulls.
He finished the season with 51 tackle points, jointly topping the defensive charts. His powerful blocks and fearless tackles made him one of the most respected defenders in the competition.
Surender Nada – The Ankle Hold Specialist
U Mumba’s Surender Nada also finished with 51 tackle points, sharing the honour of being the league’s top defender.
His ankle holds became one of the defining skills of the tournament, regularly stopping raiders just inches from the midline. His partnership with Anup Kumar was a key reason behind U Mumba’s run to the final.
Veteran Experience and Defensive Strength
Dharmaraj Cheralathan of Bengaluru Bulls contributed 39 tackle points, using his experience to guide the team’s defence throughout the season.
Meanwhile, Jaipur Pink Panthers defender Rohit Rana finished with 38 tackle points. Easily recognised by his protective face mask, he played a vital role in Jaipur’s championship winning campaign with several crucial tackles in important matches.
The best players in PKL Season 1 did far more than win matches. Their skill, passion, and unforgettable performances helped transform kabaddi into a national sporting phenomenon. Thanks to the brilliance of the top raiders in PKL 2014 and the top defenders in PKL 2014, the first Pro Kabaddi League season became the perfect launchpad for the competition’s incredible success.
