Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5: Players to have played for four different PKL teams

The Pro Kabaddi League is all set to enter its fifth edition on July 28, in what promises to be the biggest tournament of its kind in the history of Indian sport. The new season will have a whopping 12 teams after four new ones were added and will play 138 matches across three months in a truly unique format that features wild card matches as well.

Most players have been a part of the tournament since its inception and there is a small number who have had the opportunity to play for a variety of teams. In this article, we take a look the players who will achieve the distinction of playing for four different teams once the new season gets underway.

#1 Dharmaraj Cheralathan

Having turned 42 earlier this year, the veteran defender is one of the most recognised players in the league. He was part of the Indian team that lifted the inaugural Kabaddi World Cup last year and is adept at playing on both corners.

In the first two seasons, he was part of the Bengaluru Bulls lineup along with ace all-rounder Manjeet Chhillar. In the third, he played for the Telugu Titans and in the next one, he led the Patna Pirates to their second PKL trophy. This season, he will turn out for the Puneri Paltan.

#2 Somvir Shekhar

Shekhar (extreme left) has played for the Bulls

Somvir Shekhar is another versatile defender who has become an established name in the league. One of the few top-class cover defenders, he has tonnes of experience and four high 5s to his name across the four editions.

The first season saw him start off with the Patna Pirates, after which he played for the Bengaluru Bulls in Season 2 alongside Manjeet Chhillar. The next two saw him turn out for the Puneri Paltan, as he rejoined Chhillar once again. In Season 5, the same duo will turn out for the Jaipur Pink Panthers and once again, they will look to use their experience and take the team to the title.

#3 Sachin Shingade

Shingade was Delhi’s best defender last season

Another strong cover defender, Shingade is another Pro Kabaddi veteran and was one of the best performers in Season 4. The 29-year-old has 72 tackle points to his name at an average of 2.4 per game.

His PKL journey started in Season 2 with the Telugu Titans and in the next one, he was a part of the Puneri Paltan lineup. In the fourth edition, he had his best campaign as he stood out in the Dabang Delhi defence. He will star with fellow Maharashtra man Vishal Mane in the heart of the Patna Pirates defence in Season 5.

#4 Mahipal Narwal

The all-rounder, who hails from Haryana, will also make it four teams once he steps onto the mat this season. He is an excellent backup player to have and is handy in both attack and defence – with 57 raid and 30 tackle points.

The first two seasons saw him turn out for the Puneri Paltan and in the next one, he won the league title with the Patna Pirates. In the fourth season, he reached another final but this time, ended on the losing side with the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Come July 28, he will take the mat for one of the new teams – the Gujarat Fortune Giants.

#5 Shrikant Tewthia

Tewthia played for Delhi in Season 1 and 2

Another valuable squad player, Tewthia hails from Uttar Pradesh and can help out his team with his raiding and tackling skills. He has one of each – a Super 10 and a High 5, and has made 40 appearances over the four seasons.

The first two saw him turn out for the Dabang Delhi team, while in Season 3 he shifted base to Bengaluru to play with the Bulls. In the last one, he finished runners-up with the Jaipur Pink Panthers and this time around, he would certainly want to go the full distance with the Bengal Warriors.

#6 Manoj Kumar

Manoj Kumar (centre) was with the Titans in Season 3

Manoj Kumar is a reliable cover defender, with two High 5s to his name. He also brings in tonnes of experience, having featured in every season so far and played 47 matches. Hailing from Haryana, the 23-year-old will look to prove his worth in the upcoming season.

The first two PKL editions saw him play for the Puneri Paltan, after which he moved to the Telugu Titans. He was a part of the Bengaluru Bulls in Season 4 and this season, he will feature for the Gujarat Fortune Giants.