Top 5 Unsold Players in PKL 12 Auction
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction, held on May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, was an exciting event for kabaddi fans. Teams spent huge amounts to sign top players, but some big names surprisingly went unsold. These players, despite their past success, didn’t find buyers due to factors like recent form or team strategies. So, who are the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12?
The PKL 12 auction had over 500 players, with teams having a budget of INR 5 crore to build squads of 18–25 players. Raiders, defenders, and all-rounders were up for grabs, but teams focused on players with recent success or young talent. Big names like Pardeep Narwal went unsold because of inconsistent performances or strategic choices, while teams spent heavily on stars like Mohammadreza Shadloui (INR 2.23 crore) and Devank Dalal, one of the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12. Let’s look at the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12 and why they missed out.
Top 5 Unsold Players in PKL 12 Auction
1. Pardeep Narwal – Raider
First on the list of the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12 is Pardeep Narwal, known as the “Dubki King.” Pardeep is the PKL’s most successful raider, with a record 1,694 raid points. He led Patna Pirates to three straight titles (Seasons 3–5) and scored 369 points in Season 5 alone. His base price was INR 20 lakh (Category B), but no team bid for him.
Why did Pardeep go unsold? His recent form has been poor. In Season 10, he scored 122 raid points in 17 matches, and in Season 11, he managed only 111 points in 20 matches with Bengaluru Bulls. At 28, teams likely favored younger raiders like Devank Dalal (INR 2.205 crore), one of the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12. His unsold status is the “end of an era,” making him the biggest shock among the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12.
2. Siddharth Desai – Raider
Next among the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12 is Siddharth Desai, a powerful raider once signed for INR 1 crore by Haryana Steelers in Season 10. His base price was likely INR 13 lakh (Category C). Desai was a star with Telugu Titans, known for his strong raids, but his form dipped in recent seasons.
Teams may have skipped Desai due to his inconsistency. Instead, they focused on raiders like Arjun Deshwal (INR 1.405 crore), part of the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12. Desai is among the top 5 unsold legends, showing his past success didn’t outweigh his recent struggles. His absence is a surprise among the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12.
3. Sahil Gulia – Defender
Sahil Gulia, a defender, is third on the list of the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12. His base price was INR 20 lakh (Category B). Gulia has shown promise in past seasons, but he was one of only two players unsold on Day 1, alongside Pardeep Narwal. His recent performances may not have impressed teams enough to bid.
With defenders like Mohammadreza Shadloui (INR 2.23 crore) and Ankit Jaglan (INR 1.573 crore) fetching high prices, teams prioritized proven or younger defenders. Gulia’s unsold status among the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12 highlights the tough competition in the auction.
4. Sombir Goswami – Defender
Sombir Goswami takes the fourth spot among the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12. As a defender, his base price was likely INR 13 lakh (Category C). Sombir has been a reliable defender in past seasons, but his form or team strategies led to no bids in PKL 12.
Teams focused on defenders like Yogesh Dahiya (INR 1.125 crore) or stars from the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12 to balance their squads. Sombir’s inclusion in the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12 shows how selective teams were, even with experienced players.
5. Vikash Khandola – Raider
Rounding out the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12 is Vikash Khandola, a raider with experience at Dabang Delhi and Bengaluru Bulls. His base price was likely INR 13 lakh (Category C). Khandola fetched INR 55.25 lakh in Season 10, but his recent performances were not strong enough to attract bids.
Teams preferred raiders like Guman Singh (INR 1.073 crore), one of the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, over Khandola. His unsold status among the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12 reflects the focus on current form over past reputation.
Why These Players Went Unsold
Several reasons explain why the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12 didn’t find teams:
- Recent Form: Pardeep Narwal and Siddharth Desai had poor seasons, with low raid points compared to their past records.
- Team Budgets: With a INR 5 crore purse, teams spent heavily on stars like Mohammadreza Shadloui and the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, leaving little for veterans.
- Young Talent: Teams favored younger players like Devank Dalal or Ankit Jaglan, who showed recent success.
- Strategic Choices: Teams built balanced squads, prioritizing specific roles over players with inconsistent form.
The auction saw 10 players cross INR 1 crore, showing fierce competition. The top 5 unsold players in PKL 12, despite their fame, were overlooked as teams chased current performers.
Comparison to Top Raiders
While the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12 include raiders like Pardeep Narwal and Siddharth Desai, the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12—Devank Dalal (INR 2.205 crore), Ashu Malik (INR 1.90 crore), Arjun Deshwal (INR 1.405 crore), Guman Singh (INR 1.073 crore), and Sachin Tanwar (INR 1.058 crore)—showed why teams invested in them. These raiders had strong recent performances, unlike Narwal or Desai, highlighting the shift toward form and youth.
What’s Next for These Players?
Teams can sign unsold players before the season starts, so Pardeep Narwal, Siddharth Desai, Sahil Gulia, Sombir Goswami, and Vikash Khandola might still join PKL 12. However, as of the auction’s end, they remained without teams. Fans can follow updates on prokabaddi.com or Star Sports for news on post-auction signings.
The PKL Season 12 auction was full of surprises, with the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12—Pardeep Narwal, Siddharth Desai, Sahil Gulia, Sombir Goswami, and Vikash Khandola—missing out despite their past success. These players, once stars, were overshadowed by new talents and the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12. As Season 12 begins, fans hope to see these veterans return, either through signings or in future seasons.
FAQs About Top 5 Unsold Players in PKL 12
1. Why did Pardeep Narwal go unsold in the PKL 12 auction?
Pardeep Narwal went unsold due to his poor recent form, scoring only 111 raid points in Season 11, compared to younger raiders like those in the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12.
2. Can unsold players like Siddharth Desai still join PKL 12?
Yes, teams can sign unsold players before the season starts, so Desai and others among the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12 might still get picked.
3. Why did teams prioritize new players over the top 5 unsold players in PKL 12?
Teams focused on players with recent success, like the 5 most expensive raiders in PKL 12, and younger talents, leaving veterans like Sahil Gulia and Vikash Khandola unsold.
