Top 5 Underrated Players of PKL 12
Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 has seen several unexpected heroes emerge from the shadows to deliver match-winning performances. These players may not have grabbed headlines during the auction or received massive contracts, but their on-mat impact has been exceptional. Here are the top 5 underrated players who have exceeded all expectations in PKL 12.
1. Nitesh Kumar (Tamil Thalaivas) – Defender
Nitesh Kumar is arguably PKL 12’s most underrated and successful story. Despite being retained for just Rs 2.03 lakh, he has emerged as the second-best defender in the entire league, trailing only Jaideep Dahiya by a single point.
With an impressive 56% tackle success rate and an average of 3.7 tackle points per match, Nitesh has been the backbone of Tamil Thalaivas’ defense. He has achieved multiple “Defender of the Day” awards and recorded 5 High 5s this season. His career total of 421 tackle points places him 4th on the all-time list.
What makes Nitesh’s performance even more remarkable is the massive value-for-money factor. He is delivering performances comparable to defenders who cost 10-20 times more. His consistency and reading of the game have been exceptional throughout the season.
2. Gaurav Khatri (Puneri Paltan) – Right Corner Defender
Gaurav Khatri has been Puneri Paltan’s defensive cornerstone and remains one of the most underrated players despite his stellar numbers. He became the third defender to reach 50 tackle points this season, joining an elite club.
His impact on team results is striking – Puneri Paltan won all four matches where he recorded High 5s. In victories, he averages 3.5 tackle points at 61% success rate, while in losses his average drops to just 1.3 points. This correlation shows how crucial he is to the team’s success.
Gaurav recently achieved a career milestone of 200 tackle points in PKL history during the season. With 77 matches, 200 tackle points, 14 High 5s, and 59% career success rate, he has established himself as one of the league’s elite defenders.
Despite being consistent for Puneri Paltan across multiple seasons, Gaurav doesn’t get the same recognition as foreign defenders or high-profile Indian stars. He’s the silent warrior who delivers when it matters most.
3. Vijay Malik (Telugu Titans) – All-Rounder & Captain
Vijay Malik has been the unsung hero leading Telugu Titans to their first playoff appearance since PKL Season 4. As captain, he has delivered consistently in both raiding and defense, making him a genuine all-rounder.
In the crucial match against table-toppers Puneri Paltan, Vijay scored a Super 10 with 10 raid points, leading his team to a 40-31 victory that confirmed their playoff berth. Against Gujarat Giants, he contributed 8 raid points in a tight 30-25 win.
What makes Vijay underrated is that despite being captain and consistent performer, he operates in the shadow of his teammate Bharat Hooda. Together, they form a dynamic duo contributing 82% of Telugu Titans’ raid points. Vijay’s leadership and tactical understanding have been instrumental in the team’s transformation.
Head coach Krishan Kumar Hooda praised the team’s collective effort, but Vijay’s role as captain-cum-all-rounder has been pivotal. At Rs 51.5 lakh, he’s proven to be one of the smartest investments of PKL 12.
4. Alireza Mirzaian (Bengaluru Bulls) – Iranian Raider
Alireza Mirzaian has been a revelation for Bengaluru Bulls this season. The Iranian raider has quietly climbed to 5th position in the raid points leaderboard with 156 points at 9.53 average per match. He has achieved most raid points by an overseas player in a PKL season.
His consistency has been remarkable with 126 successful raids and 56% raid success rate. In the crucial match against Dabang Delhi, Alireza scored a Super 10 that helped Bulls secure their top-eight berth with a commanding 33-23 victory.
Alireza’s adaptability and ability to read defenses have made him one of PKL 12’s most reliable finishers. His controlled aggression and quick reflexes have been vital for the Bulls’ success. In 16 matches, he has accumulated 160 total points including tackle contributions.
What makes him underrated is that while expensive raiders like Devank Dalal and Ashu Malik grab headlines, Alireza quietly delivers match-winning performances. His Super Raid against Dabang Delhi was named “Moment of the Day”, showcasing his ability to produce magic in clutch moments.
5. Sandeep Kumar (U Mumba) – Raider
Sandeep Kumar from Bihar has been U Mumba’s go-to raider and delivered some of the most consistent performances in PKL 12. He achieved four consecutive Super 10s – a remarkable feat that showcases his consistency.
Against Gujarat Giants, Sandeep scored 15-16 raid points in multiple matches, single-handedly dominating the opposition. His fourth consecutive Super 10 helped U Mumba crush Gujarat Giants 40-25, climbing to fourth place in the points table.
With a 50% raid strike rate and contributing significantly to U Mumba’s six wins from the first 11 matches, Sandeep has been instrumental in their playoff push. His running hand touch and ability to score in do-or-die situations have made him invaluable.
Sandeep represents excellent value for money compared to crorepati raiders. He previously played for Patna Pirates in Seasons 10 and 11, but has truly found his rhythm with U Mumba this season. His ability to deliver consecutive Super 10s shows mental toughness and consistency.
Honorable Mentions
Shubham Shinde (Telugu Titans) – Defender: The right corner defender has been crucial for Telugu Titans’ playoff qualification. He recorded his second High 5 of the season against table-toppers Puneri Paltan, contributing to the 40-31 victory. With 44 total points in 17 matches and 49% tackle success rate, Shubham has quietly anchored the Titans’ defense.
Aditya Shinde (Puneri Paltan) – Raider: The PKL 10 champion was retained and has delivered crucial performances. His Super Raids have turned matches in Paltan’s favor. Despite being a former champion with Puneri Paltan, Aditya remains underrated compared to star raiders.
These five players prove that talent and consistency matter more than auction prices. They are the true heroes of PKL 12 – delivering exceptional performances without the fanfare, carrying their teams on their shoulders, and showing that hard work and smart play can outshine expensive signings.
