Who Were the Best Players from Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League?
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
PKL Season 11 Best Defender - Nitesh Kumar
Nitesh Kumar of the Tamil Thalaivas was crowned the king of defence in season 11 of the PKL, as he demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the campaign, making key plays that often kept his team competitive in pivotal moments. Despite the Thalaivas failing to secure a spot in the Playoffs, Kumar’s consistency was undeniable as he delivered some of the most unforgettable tackles of the season. Over the course of 22 matches, the 27-year-old amassed an impressive 77 tackle points, including a league-best eight High 5s - the highest by any defender in Season 11. Mohammadreza Shadloui (82 tackle points) and Ankit Jaglan (79 tackle points) were also among those in the mix for the coveted Best Defender of the Season award.
PKL Season 11 Best Raider - Devank Dalal
Season 11 runners–up Patna Pirates were led by the standout performances of Devank Dalal, whose incredible contributions to the team earned him the prestigious Best Raider award. Dalal was a dominant attacking force for the Pirates, racking up 301 raid points in 24 matches, ending as the only player to surpass the 300-point mark for the season. The 22-year-old from Rohtak finished level with Ashu Malik of Dabang Delhi for the most Super 10s (18 in total), - his personal best in the PKL - while his clutch performances under pressure quickly saw him become the cornerstone of the Pirates’ attack. Malik and Arjun Deshwal of the Jaipur Pink Panthers were the only other raiders to score above 200 raid points in Season 11 of the PKL.
PKL Season 11 MVP - Mohammadreza Shadloui
Mohammadreza Shadloui, the Haryana Steelers versatile all-rounder, was a key figure for the champions, leading them to the title in season 11 with big performances on both sides of the mat. Known as the ‘Showstopper’ Shadloui lived up to his nickname by finishing the season with an exceptional 139 total points, which included 57 raid points and 82 tackle points spanning 24 games. His ability to control games was unmatched and his consistency was reflected in accumulating five High 5s, making him an easy selection for the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title for the season.
PKL Season 11 Best Newcomer - Ayan Lochab
Patna Pirates also found a breakout star in Season 11 of the PKL in the form of youngster Ayan Lochab, whose impact on the team earned him the New Young Player award in his debut season. He scored an excellent 184 raid points across 25 games at a strike rate of 33%, while he also notched up seven Super 10s and chipped in on defence when needed with nine tackle points. Locab’s New Young Player award adds to his already impressive list of achievements, which include a gold medal at the 49th Jr. National Kabaddi Championship and two gold medals at the Khelo India Youth Games with Haryana, all of which signal his future as a Kabaddi sensation.
