Pro Kabaddi 2024: 5 active players who have been with their teams the longest in PKL ft. Naveen Kumar, Saurabh Nandal

In the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), player continuity within a franchise plays a pivotal role in building trust, consistency, and team morale. The longer a player stays with a team, the more they grow into an integral part of that franchise.

PKL has seen several stars become synonymous with the teams they represent over the years. It reflects loyalty from both the franchise and the player while consistent performances make them highly valuable to their team.

As we approach PKL Season 11, it is important to shed light on the active players who have remained with their current teams for multiple seasons. These players, through their dedication and skill, have become the faces of their respective franchises, playing key roles in their teams’ successes.

On that note, here’s a look at five active players who have been with their teams the longest in PKL.

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5 active players who have been with their teams the longest in PKL

Naveen Kumar - Dabang Delhi K.C

Naveen Kumar is among the best raiders in the league at present. (Image Credits: PKL)

Naveen Kumar, known as the “Naveen Express,” has been a vital part of Dabang Delhi K.C. since he made his debut in Season 6. His exceptional raiding ability quickly earned him a key role in the team.

Naveen played an instrumental role in Delhi’s first-ever PKL title victory in Season 8, becoming the franchise’s most reliable performer in high-pressure situations. He has also been honored as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice, in both Seasons 7 and 8, for his exceptional performance on the mat.

Naveen currently holds the sixth position for most raid points in PKL history, with a total of 1005 raid points to his name.

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Surender Gill - U.P. Yoddhas

Surender Gill has been a vital asset for the UP Yoddhas. (Image Credits: PKL)

Surender Gill has been with U.P. Yoddhas since Season 7, steadily establishing himself as a key player for the team. In his debut season, he scored 71 raid points, placing him among the top three raiders for the Yoddhas. Surender's game has consistently improved with each season, and he has become a go-to raider for the team during tough moments.

Over the four seasons, Gill has racked up an impressive 487 raid points, showcasing his value to the U.P. Yoddhas both as a raider and as a match-winner.

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Sumit - U.P. Yoddhas

Sumit Sangwan has risen through the ranks with UP Yoddhas. (Image Credits: Sumit Sangwan/IG)

Sumit has been a cornerstone of U.P. Yoddhas' defense since joining the team in Season 7. Forming a solid partnership with Nitesh Kumar in the corners, Sumit has provided crucial stability to the Yoddhas’ defensive setup. His outstanding defensive efforts in his debut season earned him the New Young Player award.

Over the last four seasons, Sumit has tallied 254 tackle points in 89 matches, making him the second-best defender for the U.P. Yoddhas. His consistency and defensive prowess have made him a key asset for the team.

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Pankaj Mohite - Puneri Paltan

Pankaj Mohit was part of Puneri Paltan's title winning team in season 10 (Image Credits: Pankaj Mohite/IG)

Pankaj Mohite burst onto the scene as an emerging star for Puneri Paltan in Season 7, where he amassed 110 raid points in his debut season. Although injuries caused him to miss a significant portion of the next two seasons, Pankaj managed to hold onto his place in the team.

In Season 10, he played a crucial role in Puneri Paltan’s title-winning campaign, scoring important points and proving his worth. In total, Pankaj has scored 280 raid points in 58 PKL matches, making himself a key player for the defending champions.

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Saurabh Nandal - Bengaluru Bulls

Saurabh Nandal (left) led the Bengaluru Bulls in Season 10. (Image Credits: PKL)

Saurabh Nandal has been a dependable force for the Bengaluru Bulls since his debut in Season 7. Playing in the right corner, Saurabh made an immediate impact, securing 56 tackle points in his first season. Over the years, he has consistently performed for the Bulls, becoming a defensive stalwart and a leader on the mat.

His leadership qualities came to the fore in Season 10 when he stepped up as captain of the team. With 246 tackle points in 92 matches, Saurabh has cemented his place as one of the best defenders in the league and a core player for the Bengaluru Bulls.