Sandeep Kumar: Early Life, Domestic Career, PKL Achievements, Social Media and More
Sandeep Dukhan Kumar stands out as one of the most inspiring stories in modern Indian kabaddi. The young right raider from Bihar has shown that dreams can come true with hard work and dedication. His journey from playing on dusty village grounds to competing in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is a story of struggle, persistence, and success.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Sandeep Dukhan Kumar |
| Date of Birth | May 24, 2003 |
| Age | 21 Years (as of 2024) |
| Height | 180 cm |
| Position | Right Raider |
| PKL Team | Patna Pirates, U Mumba |
| PKL Debut | Season 10 (2023) |
| Birthplace | Samastipur, Bihar |
| Current Residence | Rohtak, Haryana |
| Father’s Profession | Auto Rickshaw Driver |
| Inspiration | Ajay Thakur |
Early Life & Family
Sandeep Kumar comes from a simple family background in Bihar. He was born on May 24, 2003, in Samastipur. However, he grew up in Begusarai district of Bihar but currently lives in Rohtak district of Haryana. His father works as an auto rickshaw driver, while his mother is a housewife. The family faced many financial problems during Sandeep’s childhood.
His father had to work in Rohtak, Haryana, driving an auto rickshaw to earn money for the family. This meant Sandeep Kumar, his mother, and his two siblings had to live with relatives in Bihar because the father’s income was not enough. Sandeep has one brother and one sister, with his sister being a national level gymnast player.
The family did not understand kabaddi as a career option initially. They wanted Sandeep Kumar to focus on studies and get a regular job instead of wasting time on sports. The financial condition was so difficult that Sandeep often could not follow proper diet plans that are needed for sports training. When he asked for money to participate in tournaments, his family would sometimes refuse, thinking kabaddi would not lead anywhere.
Sandeep Kumar started playing kabaddi when he was 12 years old. During summer holidays, he went to play cricket with his school friends. While playing cricket, they saw a kabaddi ground where some kids were playing. They asked if they could join, and the kids agreed. This is how Sandeep’s kabaddi journey began. While his friends left kabaddi after a few months to return to cricket, Sandeep continued with the sport.
Domestic Career
Before joining the Pro Kabaddi League, Sandeep Kumar worked hard to improve his skills in domestic tournaments. He trained at the Patliputra Sports Complex, where his dedication to kabaddi was clearly visible. His talent started showing during his school and junior level competitions.
Sandeep Kumar got selected for Junior Nationals, which was a big step in his career. After that, he also played in the Junior Federation Cup. These competitions helped him gain experience and learn from better players. The young raider continued to work hard even when his family did not support him financially.
The turning point in his domestic career came when he participated in the Yuva Kabaddi Series (YKS). In 2023, Sandeep Kumar represented Panchala Pride in the Yuva Kabaddi Series Monsoon Edition held in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. His performance in this tournament was outstanding and caught the attention of PKL scouts.
During the YKS tournament in September 2023, Sandeep won several titles including the Power Raider of the Match award. His excellent performance in domestic tournaments, especially in YKS, opened the door to professional kabaddi. The tournament became the platform that helped him get noticed by Pro Kabaddi League teams.
The success in domestic competitions started changing his family’s opinion about his kabaddi career. When Sandeep Kumar began winning prize money between ₹1,500 to ₹5,000 in local tournaments, his family started to see the potential in kabaddi. The money he earned helped take care of his expenses and even brought ration for the family.
PKL Journey
Sandeep Kumar’s Pro Kabaddi League journey started in Season 10 when Patna Pirates bought him for ₹9 lakh at the PKL 2023 auction. This was a dream come true for the young player who used to watch airplanes fly over his village and wonder what it would be like to travel in one.
His debut season in PKL Season 10 was impressive for a first-time player. According to the PKL website, Sandeep Kumar played 20 matches in Season 10 with a 55% raid strike rate. During his debut season, he scored 86 raid points, which was a remarkable achievement for a newcomer. One of his best performances came on January 31, 2024, when he scored 14 raid points against Bengaluru Bulls and was awarded the “Raider of the Day” title.
Sandeep Kumar continued with Patna Pirates for Season 11 in 2024. He wears jersey number 11 for the team. The young raider has maintained his position as a key player for Patna Pirates. His style of play shows agility and quick thinking, which makes him effective as a right raider.
The experience of playing in PKL has been completely different from his earlier life. The first time he traveled by airplane was for a PKL match, which was a surreal experience for him. He mentioned that watching the same Ganga river from above that he used to play beside was an emotional moment.
Throughout his PKL journey, Sandeep has worked under coaches like Narender Redhu and Anil Chaprana at Patna Pirates. He has spoken highly of his coaches, especially mentioning that Redhu sir is very friendly and backs him a lot during practice sessions.
| Season | Team | Matches Played | Raid Points | Tackle Points | Total Points | Raid Strike Rate | Tackle Strike Rate |
| Season 10 (2023/24) | Patna Pirates | 20 | 86 | 1 | 87 | 55.12% | 7% |
| Season 11 (2024) | Patna Pirates | 16 | 43 | 0 | 43 | 33.07% | 0 |
| Overall PKL | 36 | 129 | 1 | 130 | 45.1% | 4% |
Achievements
Sandeep Kumar has achieved several milestones in his short but impressive kabaddi career. His achievements show his growth from a village player to a professional kabaddi star.
Pro Kabaddi League Achievements:
- PKL debut in Season 10 with Patna Pirates
- Scored 130 points in his debut PKL season
- Won “Raider of the Day” award on January 31, 2024
- Scored 14 raid points in a single match against Bengaluru Bulls
- Continued with Patna Pirates for Season 11
Domestic Tournament Achievements:
- Power Raider of the Match in Yuva Kabaddi Series 2023
- Multiple tournament wins with prize money ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹5,000
- Selected for Junior Nationals
- Participated in Junior Federation Cup
Personal Milestones:
- Successfully transitioned from poverty to professional sports
- Became the first from his family to achieve success in sports
- Inspired other young players from similar backgrounds
His success in PKL has also changed his family’s perspective completely. Now his parents call him during matches and encourage him to perform well. They even ask why he is not in the playing seven when he is on the bench. This shows how much his achievements have meant to his family.
Sandeep’s journey from earning small amounts in local tournaments to getting a ₹9 lakh contract in PKL represents a significant achievement. He has proven that with dedication and hard work, players from any background can reach the top level of professional kabaddi.
Sandeep Kumar: Social Media Presence
Sandeep Kumar, the emerging kabaddi star and Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) player for Patna Pirates, is also active on social media. His presence on these platforms allows fans to follow his journey closely, see his achievements, and get a glimpse into his life off the mat. Here is a detailed look at his social media activity, popular platforms, and the type of content he shares.
- Main Account: Sandeep has an official Instagram account, [@sandeepkbd07], where he shares photos and videos from his matches, training sessions, and personal life.
- Followers: As of August 2025, this account has more than 4,600 followers, follows 33 accounts, and has posted 143 times.
- Content: Most of his posts include match highlights, team celebrations, locker room moments, and training routines. He also shares inspirational messages and interacts with fans through Instagram Stories and Reels, which sometimes feature his standout performances for Patna Pirates.
- Fan Engagement: Sandeep responds to fan comments on his photos, and often reposts stories where fans tag him during PKL matches.
Conclusion
Sandeep Kumar’s story is a perfect example of how determination can overcome difficult circumstances. From being the son of an auto rickshaw driver to becoming a professional kabaddi player in the Pro Kabaddi League, his journey shows that dreams can come true with hard work.
His rise from playing on village grounds to competing at the highest level of Indian kabaddi is truly inspiring. The young raider has not only achieved personal success but has also made his family proud and changed their lives. His achievements in PKL Season 10 and continued presence in Season 11 show his consistency and dedication to the sport.
Sandeep continues to work hard with Patna Pirates, aiming to improve his performance and achieve greater success in future seasons. His story serves as motivation for many young players from similar backgrounds who dream of making it big in professional sports. With his talent, dedication, and the experience he is gaining in PKL, Sandeep Kumar is sure to achieve even greater heights in his kabaddi career.
The young player from Bihar has shown that no dream is too big when you have the courage to chase it. His journey from poverty to professional success makes him a role model for aspiring kabaddi players across India.
