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Pro Kabaddi League, one of the most celebrated Indian sports franchise competitions, has gained an excellent reputation over the past few years, thanks to its strategic gameplay and top-class players from the country and overseas.
Though the tournament was inaugurated with eight teams, it was later expanded to 12 franchises, with four new sides joining in 2017. The competition follows a double round-robin format, with playoffs and a final scheduled among the top sides.
That said, let’s shift our focus on who captained the franchises in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 3 and where they are now.
#1 Anup Kumar (U Mumba)
Former U Mumba skipper Anup Kumar was part of the franchise for the first five PKL editions before joining the Jaipur-based franchise in PKL 2018. However, he announced his retirement from the sport in December 2018.
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Nevertheless, later he continued to be associated with the sport as Puneri Paltan’s coach. Furthermore, he was also part of the Star Sports expert panel. Most recently, he was appointed as selector and coach of the junior Indian kabaddi team.
#2 Rahul Chaudhari (Telugu Titans)
The ‘Raid Machine’ Rahul Chaudhari was part of the Telugu Titans set-up for the first six PKL editions. Later, he was roped in by Tamil Thalaivas, Puneri Paltan, and Jaipur Pink Panthers for the next few seasons.
However, the magnificent raider went unsold in the PKL 2024 Player Auction and he announced his retirement from the league in August 2024 to ‘pave the way for new talent’. Statistically, he is the fourth-best raider in PKL history with 1045 raid points.
#3 Ravinder Pahal (Dabang Delhi KC)
After playing for the Dabang Delhi KC franchise in the first three PKL editions, Ravinder Pahal moved to Puneri Paltan and Bengaluru Bulls. In PKL 2018 and 2019, he rejoined the Delhi-based franchise before making it to Gujarat Giants and Telugu Titans.
Interestingly, his last PKL season came in 2022. Nicknamed ‘The Hawk’, he could bag only one point from four matches in PKL 2022. In PKL 2023 and 2024 Player Auctions, the star defender went unsold.
#4 Sandeep Narwal (Patna Pirates)
Sandeep Narwal was part of the Patna Pirates' setup for the first three seasons. Later, he was drafted by the Telugu Titans, Puneri Paltan, U Mumba, Dabang Delhi KC, and UP Yoddhas for other editions of the campaign.
The Arjuna and Bhim Awards winner has Sandeep Narwal Sports Academy in Haryana and he trains budding Kabaddi players at the academy. He also works as an income tax inspector.
#5 Surjeet Narwal (Bengaluru Bulls)
After being part of the Delhi franchise in the first edition, he was drafted by Bengaluru Bulls in the third season as the team's skipper. However, his last season came in the fourth edition with the Bengal Warriors set-up, picking up only 11 points.
When he is not seen on the Kabaddi mat, Surjeet Narwal likes to spend some quality time with his family and works out in the gym.
#6 Manjeet Chillar (Puneri Paltan)
After captaining Bengaluru Bulls in the second season, Manjeet Chillar moved to Puneri Paltan in the third edition as a captain. Later, he was roped in by Jaipur Pink Panthers and Tamil Thalaivas for the next few seasons.
He ended his PKL career with Dabang Delhi KC in PKL 2021, propelling his side to a title win. After he retired from the sport, he joined Telugu Titans as the assistant coach. Recently, he was appointed as the brand ambassador of the inaugural IPKL season and Delhi Kabaddi League.
#7 Nilesh Shinde (Bengal Warriors)
Nilesh Shinde was part of the Bengal-based franchise in the initial four PKL editions. His PKL career came to an end in the PKL 2017 edition with the Dabang Delhi KC franchise, when he scored only 24 points.
In the PKL 2018 Player Auction, officials removed Nilesh Shinde's name without any official reason. Since then, he hasn’t been part of the Pro Kabaddi League. Nevertheless, the accomplished defender has inspired a lot of budding players throughout the years.
#8 Ran Singh (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
All-rounder Ran Singh was part of the Jaipur Pink Panthers set-up in the initial four PKL editions. Later, he joined Bengal Warriors, Tamil Thalaivas, and Bengaluru Bulls. However, he went unsold in the PKL 2024 Player Auction.
Ran Singh's best season came in PKL 2018 when he accumulated 71 points for the Bengal Warriors franchise. Whenever he is away from the mat, he can be seen spending time with his close ones and in the gym.
