Top 5 former Pro Kabaddi players in IIPKL 2019

With massive changes happening in the world of Kabaddi, a new chapter has started from 13th May as Indo International Premier Kabaddi League. New Kabaddi Federation (NKF), formed by former Kabaddi players of India is conducting the league.

This league is going on in Pune, Mysore, and Bangalore with over 160 Indian and 16 foreign players set to show their skills. Eight teams namely as Bangalore Rhinos, Chennai Challengers, Diler Dilli, Haryana Heroes, Mumbai Che Raje, Pondicherry Predators, Pune Pride, and Telugu Bulls are taking part.

In the first phase of the tournament, 20 matches are currently being played at Pune's Belawadi Stadium from 13th May to 21st May. The second phase will take place in Mysore's Chamundi Vihar Stadium from 24th May till 29th May. Bangalore's Shree Kanteerava Stadium will witness the concluding part from 1st June to the final of IIPKL Season 1 on 4th June.

DSPORT is the official broadcaster of the league and is broadcasting all the matches. MTV, MTV HD, and DD Sports are also broadcasting from 8 PM onwards as per Indian Standard Time (IST).

Former Pro Kabaddi League stars like Sunil Jaipal, Kuldeep Singh, Rakesh Singh Kumar who have immense experience in the past are now grabbing the spotlight in the inaugural edition of IIPKL.

Here are the top 5 players from Pro Kabaddi who are playing in IIPKL Season 1.

---

Anil Patil (Telugu Bulls)

He has played many national tournaments under Maharashtra Police as well.

Anil Kashinath Patil is a former Pro Kabaddi player who represented Jaipur Pink Panthers in the third edition of the tournament.

Anil Patil debuted for Jaipur as a substitute in a match against Bengaluru Bulls which Jaipur won (30-21). His best performance came with 7 raid points against U Mumba in 10 raids, playing against the likes of Fazel Atrachali and Mohit Chhillar in the corner defense.

Shashank Wankhede (Mumbai Che Raje)

Shashank Wankhede is captaining Mumbai Che Raje for IIPKL Season 1.

One of the experienced left cover defender hailing from Maharashtra, Shashank Wankhede has represented Bengaluru Bulls (Season 3), Telugu Titans (Season 4), and Bengal Warriors (Season 5) in the Pro Kabaddi League in the past.

Known for his hard-hitting dashes and powerful blocks, Shashank Wankhede in Season 5 provided some vital support to PO Surjeet Singh in the right cover and played some crucial match winning tackles as well.

Rakesh Singh Kumar (Pondicherry Predators)

Rakesh Singh Kumar has a vital role in Pondicherry Predators'

defense .

Played over 49 matches in the Pro Kabaddi League, Rakesh Singh Kumar is also an acknowledged left cover defender who has represented Dabang Delhi K.C. (Season 1, 2 and 3), Haryana Steelers (Season 5) and Telugu Titans (Season 6).

Rakesh Kumar Singh has 50 tackle points at an average of 1 tackle point per match. Rakesh is known for his assistance to the right corner defender. He is also known to bring surprise factor in his game by tackling big match raiders like Pardeep Narwal in the past.

Kuldeep Singh (Pondicherry Predators)

Kuldeep Singh has played with the likes of Ravinder Pahal and Mahender Singh in the past.

Kuldeep Singh was one of the highlight performers during the fifth edition of Pro Kabaddi with Bengaluru Bulls. He became a prominent left corner defender and won them many close matches in the middle of the tournament.

Out of 20 matches played, Kuldeep Singh scored 40 tackle points with an average of 2 tackle points. He has performed consistently in the second half of Season 5 with his breath-taking ankle holds which were a delight to watch. He has also represented Patna Pirates in Season 1 and Dabang Delhi K.C. in Season 3 however didn't get enough chances in the starting 7.

Along with the experienced and versatile Rakesh Kumar Singh in the left corner, Kuldeep Singh is representing Pondicherry Predators in the inaugural edition of IIPKL as a feast to the eyes for Pondicherry fans.

Sunil Jaipal (Diler Delhi)

Sunil Jaipal (third from left to right)

Sunil Jaipal is a star allrounder who has played a lot in the Pro Kabaddi League and has provided match-winning performances for his teams. He has represented Bengal Warriors in Season 1 and 2, Patna Pirates in Season 3 and Bengaluru Bulls in Season 5.

Sunil Jaipal has overall 125 total points including 87 raid points and 38 tackle points. Having played over 38 matches, Sunil has turned around many encounters single-handedly. He loves using quick running hand touches and can steal bonuses under the corner defense with his shuffle across the court. He can also play as a right cover defender as he is capable of executing waist holds.

Sunil Jaipal is the captain of Diler Delhi in the first edition of Indo International Premier Kabaddi League (IIPKL) as a well-known player. He is expected to set the tournament much more exhilarating to watch and could be the top performer as well.