Kabaddi Masters Dubai 2018: Highest paid players in Indian squad

After a two-day auction that provided some riveting action in terms of fat contracts and some big names going for big money, the time has now come to watch the world's best Kabaddi players in action as the nine-day Kabaddi Masters 2018 is set to commence in Dubai from the 22nd of June 2018 that will see six countries namely India, Pakistan, Iran, Republic of Korea, Iran and Kenya taking part in the competition.

The matches, which will be contested at the Al Wasl Sports Club will feature some of the biggest names in Kabaddi and is set to be kicked-off with the high voltage clash between India and Pakistan slated to be played out as the first game of this year's competition.

India, led by the versatile Ajay Thakur boast of some big names such as Rahul Chaudhari, Manjeet Chhillar but will have to be vary of the threat posed by some high profile players in the other teams as well.

With the Masters only round the corner, we take a look at the five costliest players from the recently concluded Pro Kabaddi League auctions, who will be taking part in the big competition.

---

#5 Surender Nada

Nada's presence on the left corner will be vital for India

One of the most decorated defenders in World Kabaddi, Surender Nada's defensive prowess has earned him a household name in the Pro Kabaddi League, a fact that was highlighted when he was purchased for a whopping sum of ₹75 lakh by Haryana Steelers, who did well to re-procure the services of Nada, who captained the squad in the previous season.

For a long time now, Nada's presence on the left corner has been laced with his ability to put in fearless tackles and also play the supporting role to excellent effect, two features of his defence that has made him play a pivotal role in the lucrative league as well as for India.

Having consistently featured in the 'Top ten defenders' for the history of the league, Surender Nada started off his Pro Kabaddi League career with U Mumba before moving to the Bengaluru Bulls and with consistent performances, found a place in the Indian setup as well.

#4 Rishank Devadiga

Rishank Devadiga's quick raiding will come in useful

Quick and gifted with an ability to strike at crucial moments, U.P Yoddha procured the services of the talismanic raider ahead of the fifth season of the Pro Kabaddi League and his performance alongside Nitin Tomar influenced the Yoddha to retain Rishank Devadiga, for a huge price of ₹111 lakh, potentially adding some captaincy flavour to their squad as well.

Having played for U Mumba prior to joining the Yoddha, Rishank's raiding has been heavily praised and continues to garner appreciation for the sheer ease at which the 26-year old picks up points. In recent times, his ability to gather tackle points has also slowly yet steadily earned him an all-rounder's tag.

#3 Deepak Niwas Hooda

Deepak Niwas Hooda's

all-round

prowess will come in handy

A member of the gold-medal winning Indian team at the 2016 South Asian Games and the 2016 World Cup, Deepak Niwas Hooda's terrific raiding has often overshadowed his defending but that has not deterred the lanky all-rounder from putting in the vital tackles, which has made his role on the mat bigger with every passing year.

The second-highest paid player in the inaugural auctions with a price of ₹12.6 lakh, Deepak Niwas Hooda's continual rise in form and quality of play has certainly earned him big bucks and will play a massive role in India's campaign.

#2 Rahul Chaudhari

Rahul Chaudhari can well suit into the role of India's lead raider

The poster boy of Indian Kabaddi, Rahul Chaudhari is one of the best raiders in the Pro Kabaddi League, a fact that is further strengthened when his stats are put up for everyone to see. The first ever player to cross 700 points in the Pro Kabaddi League, he was retained by the Telugu Titans for a huge sum of ₹129 crore rupees, with the Titans opting to exercise their 'Final Bid Match' card on their skipper from last season.

With a unique ability to cover both sides of the mat with pace and also gather points in large numbers, Rahul Chaudhari is one of the world's most feared raiders and in the Kabaddi Masters, will be one player to watch out for.

#1 Monu Goyat

Monu Goyat emerged as the PKL's costliest player

Having played under the shadow of Pardeep Narwal at the Patna Pirates, the services raider still managed to collect 202 points from 26 matches which helped Patna get to their third consecutive PKL title in the last season.

Ahead of season six, Monu Goyat was in the headlines as he emerged as India's costliest non-cricket athlete having bought for ₹151 lakh rupees by the Haryana Steelers and will don the lead raider's role. Drafted into the Indian team for the Masters, Monu will partner the likes of Pardeep Narwal, Rahul Chaudhari, Rohit Kumar in the Indian setup and will look to contribute and take India to yet another title win.