5 young players who can shine in Star Sports Pro Kabaddi Season 3

Last season, an 18-year-old defender from Telugu Titans, Sandeep Kandola, took Star Sports Pro Kabaddi by storm. His impressive defensive displays for the Telugu Titans won him plaudits from critics and fans alike. The league seems to have developed a penchant for churning out quality youngsters.Recently graduating from academies and being thrown into the limelight, some falter away, but there are some who take the bull by its horns and go on to achieve greater heights.Let’s take a look at players who could make an impact this season:[NOTE: The players have to be 23 or under]

#1 Deepak Niwas Hooda - Puneri Paltan

Former Telugu Titans raider Deepak Niwas Hooda

Age: 21 years

Last season, the likes of Rahul Chaudhari and the expensive Iranians were the ones who stole the limelight for the Titans. But, one young man’s performance definitively did not go unnoticed, especially by the Puneri Paltan management. Deepak was quite often used in do-or-die raids by the Titans – A testament to his cool and calm demeanour.

Despite scoring a total of 187 points – 150 in raid and 37 in defence – in the first two seasons, Deepak remains a relatively unknown quantity. A move to Puneri Paltan will help him catch the spotlight and etch his name among the greats.

#2 Rohit Kumar Chaudhary - Dabang Delhi

Rohit Kumar Chaudhary

Age: 22 years

Rohit Kumar Chaudhary got a glorious endorsement last season when U Mumba and India coach, Bhaskaran Edachery mentioned his name as one of the potential stars who have impressed him.

His stock has risen ever since as he ably supported the team's main raider, Kashiling Adake with 61 raid points last season. He often bailed his team out of tricky situations when Kashi was finding it tough at the other end. The twinkle-toed youngster will be under the spotlight and be looking to perform in this season.

#3 Deepak Narwal - Patna Pirates

Deepak Narwal (2nd from L) was a revelation for Patna Pirates last season

Age: 20 years

Last season, Patna Pirates’ captain Rakesh Kumar’s injury-affected campaign opened the doors for 20-year-old Deepak Narwal to shine. In the former Indian captain's absence, Deepak shone, helping the Pirates reach the semi-final.

In just 16 matches, he amassed 61 raid points last season. This time around, though, there will be added responsibility on the young gun and he will be keen to catapult himself higher up in the leaderboard.

#4 Rishank Devadiga - U Mumba

Rishank Devadiga

Age: 21 years

If Anup Kumar points out a player as one to watch out for, you sit up and take note. A regular in the star-studded U Mumba side, Rishank Devadiga has quietly gone about doing his job.

In his debut season, he scored 64 points while notching up 44 points in U Mumba's title-winning campaign. With 2 seasons already under his belt, Rishank is primed to step out of the shadow and finally graduate into the big leagues.

#5 Pardeep Narwal - Patna Pirates

Pardeep Narwal

Age: 18 years

Still in his teens, Pardeep Narwal is slowly getting the feel of the world’s biggest kabaddi league. Despite having played just 7 matches so far, the youngster has already made a mark with Patna Pirates.

A raider by trade, Pardeep is also equally adept at defending. He is definitely one to watch out for this season as Patna Pirates look to improve on their results (4th place) this time.