5 players who made their Indian national team debut thanks to Star Sports Pro Kabaddi

There is no doubt that the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi has unearthed several proficient players over the course of its three seasons. And like any other league, it has acted as a springboard for some of the players to go on and play for their national teams.The Indian national team at the recently concluded South Asian Games was filled with players from the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi, indicating just how influential the league has been in bringing kabaddi talent to the fore.Lets look at the five best players who were rewarded for their performances in the tournament:

#1 Kashiling Adake - Dabang Delhi

Kashiling Adake

Dabang Delhi’s number 11 is easily one of the finest products of this unique league. The lanky raider was the only player to score more than 100 points in the first two seasons – 113 and 114 in Season 1 and Season 2 respectively.

The second edition saw him named the best raider of the tournament despite his team not making the semi-final. Unsurprisingly, he received a call-up to the Indian national team in 2015, and he will be looking only one way now - forward.

#2 Sukesh Hegde - Telugu Titans

Sukesh Hegde (C) is one of Telugu Titans’ star players

In Sukesh Hegde, the Titans have one of the most consistent players in the league. With pace to burn and a cool head on his shoulders, Sukesh is extremely adaptable and has proven to be a constant threat for opposition defenders.

The 26-year-old had already racked up 141 points before the start of the third edition, and holds the key to the Titans' fortunes this season as well. His debut for the Indian team, which happened at the South Asian Games, was long overdue; there isn't a single player who deserved it more.

#3 Mohit Chhillar - U Mumba

Mohit Chhillar

In the inaugural season of the league, veteran defenders like Surender Nada and Dharamaraj Cheralathan turned on the style to grab several headlines. But a then 21-year-old Mohit Chhillar managed to make a mark for himself with his scintillating performances too, so much so that he was often mentioned in the same breath as the aforementioned duo.

Playing alongside experienced defenders Jeeva Kumar and Vishal Mane, Mohit did extremely well by amassing 42 defense points and helping his team to the title in Season 2. His no-nonsense approach caught the eye of the Indian kabaddi management who gave him a spot in the national team at the tender age of 22.

#4 Rahul Chaudhari - Telugu Titans

Rahul Chaudhari

Telugu’s captain has always been vocal about his aspirations to play for Team India. His confidence wasn’t misplaced at all, as the 22-year-old has always looked a cut above the rest whenever he has taken to the mat. His ability to coerce a defender into making a harried tackle is second to none.

Rahul was the second highest scoring raider in Season 1 with 151 points, and he maintained his spot in the following edition too, this time with 98 points. The second season was particularly memorable for the youngster as he captained the Titans to the semi-final.

Having made his long-awaited national team debut, Rahul will now be eyeing the captain's armband for India too.

#5 Sandeep Narwal - Patna Pirates

Sandeep Narwal

Patna Pirates all-rounder Sandeep Narwal has taken the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi by storm, to put it mildly. In the absence of Rakesh Kumar in Season 2, the coach entrusted Sandeep with the team's captaincy and he exceeded all expectations by guiding the team to the semi-finals.

Despite being just 22 years old, Sandeep is one of the most mature players on the mat, pacing his raids according to the team's needs. Built like an ox, it seldom happens that a raider escapes Sandeep's grasp. He has impressed so thoroughly that now, after receiving a call-up for the South Asian Games, he is being touted as a long-term replacement for Manjeet Chhillar in the national team.