Top 5 Most Expensive Raiders in PKL 12
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction, held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai. It brought together top players from India and abroad, with teams spending big to build their squads. Among the highlights were the top 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, who grabbed attention with their high price tags. These raiders are key players known for their raiding skills, speed, and ability to score points.
Before we explore the top 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, let’s understand why this auction was a big deal. The PKL Season 12 auction had over 500 players. Teams had a budget of INR 5 crore to form squads of 18–25 players, with a mix of raiders, defenders, and all-rounders. The auction saw intense bidding, especially for raiders, as they are often the game-changers in kabaddi. The top 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 stood out due to their past performances and potential to lead their teams to victory.
The Top 5 Most Expensive Raiders in PKL 12
1. Devank Dalal – Bengal Warriorz (INR 2.205 Crore)
First on the list of the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 is Devank Dalal, who joined Bengal Warriorz for a massive INR 2.205 crore. This made him the second-most expensive player overall in the auction and the fifth-most expensive in PKL history. Devank, a young raider, had a breakout Season 11 with Patna Pirates, scoring 301 raid points. His speed, agility, and ability to outsmart defenders made him a top pick.
Bengal Warriorz saw Devank as a key player to strengthen their raiding unit. His high price reflects his growing popularity and consistent performance. Moreover, his ability to handle pressure in big matches made him a valuable asset. Fans are excited to see how Devank performs with Bengal Warriorz in PKL Season 12, making him a standout among the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12.
2. Ashu Malik – Dabang Delhi K.C. (INR 1.90 Crore)
Next among the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 is Ashu Malik, re-signed by Dabang Delhi K.C. for INR 1.90 croreusing the Final Bid Match (FBM) rule for two seasons. Ashu has been a consistent raider for Delhi, known for his quick raids and smart gameplay. His ability to score points in crucial moments has made him a fan favorite.
Dabang Delhi’s decision to use the FBM rule shows their trust in Ashu’s skills. The team wanted to keep him for two seasons to ensure stability in their raiding lineup. As one of the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, Ashu is expected to lead Delhi’s attack and help them compete for the title. His high price tag is proof of his importance to the team.
3. Arjun Deshwal – Tamil Thalaivas (INR 1.405 Crore)
Third on the list of the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 is Arjun Deshwal, who was signed by Tamil Thalaivas for INR 1.405 crore. Arjun, previously with Jaipur Pink Panthers, is known for his fast raids and ability to score points against tough defenses. His experience and consistency made him a hot pick in the auction.
Tamil Thalaivas invested heavily in Arjun to boost their raiding strength. His ability to work well with other players and perform under pressure was a key reason for his high price. As one of the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, Arjun is expected to be a game-changer for Tamil Thalaivas. Fans are eager to see how he adapts to his new team and leads their attack.
4. Guman Singh – UP Yoddhas (INR 1.073 Crore)
Guman Singh takes the fourth spot among the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, signed by UP Yoddhas for INR 1.073 crore. Guman is a versatile raider known for his quick movements and ability to score in tight situations. His experience across multiple PKL seasons made him a valuable addition to the Yoddhas.
UP Yoddhas, who had a limited budget, still went all out to secure Guman. His ability to complement other raiders and contribute to team strategies was a big factor in his high price. As one of the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, Guman is expected to play a key role in UP Yoddhas’ campaign. His signing shows the team’s focus on building a strong raiding unit.
5. Sachin Tanwar – Puneri Paltan (INR 1.058 Crore)
Rounding out the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 is Sachin Tanwar, who joined Puneri Paltan for INR 1.058 crore. Sachin is a reliable raider with experience playing for multiple teams. His calm approach and ability to score consistent raid points made him a top target in the auction.
Puneri Paltan saw Sachin as a key player to strengthen their attack. His experience and ability to perform in big matches justified his high price. As one of the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, Sachin is expected to lead Puneri Paltan’s raiding efforts and help them aim for the championship.
Why Were These Raiders So Expensive?
The 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 fetched high prices for several reasons. First, raiders are often the backbone of a team, scoring the majority of points through raids. Teams like Bengal Warriorz, Dabang Delhi, Tamil Thalaivas, UP Yoddhas, and Puneri Paltan invested heavily to secure top talent. Second, these players have proven track records, with impressive raid points and consistent performances in past seasons. Finally, the competitive bidding in the auction drove up prices, as teams fought to build strong squads.
Moreover, the PKL 12 auction saw a record 10 players cross the INR 1 crore mark, showing the growing value of top players. The 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 were at the center of this trend, highlighting their importance to their teams.
The PKL Season 12 auction was a game-changer, with the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 stealing the show. Devank Dalal, Ashu Malik, Arjun Deshwal, Guman Singh, and Sachin Tanwar proved their worth with their high price tags. These raiders are set to light up the kabaddi mat with their skills and determination. As PKL Season 12 kicks off, fans are excited to see how these players perform and lead their teams to glory.
FAQs About the 5 Most Expensive Raiders in PKL 12
1. Who was the most expensive raider in the PKL 12 auction?
Devank Dalal was the most expensive raider, signed by Bengal Warriorz for INR 2.205 crore.
2. Which team used the Final Bid Match rule to retain a raider?
Dabang Delhi K.C. used the FBM rule to re-sign Ashu Malik for INR 1.90 crore for two seasons.
3. Why did teams spend so much on the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12?
Teams spent heavily because raiders are key to scoring points, and these players have proven skills, consistency, and the ability to win matches.
