All Category A Players in PKL 12, The Top Stars of Pro Kabaddi League
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is one of the most exciting sports tournaments in India, bringing together the best kabaddi players from the world. Each season, the PKL auction divides players into categories based on their skills and past performances. Category A Players in PKL 12 will be the top stars, known for their ability to change games with their raiding or defending skills. In PKL Season 12, 16 players were selected in Category A, with six of them consistently making it to this elite group since PKL Season 10. So, who all are in the Category A Players in PKL 12?
The Category A Players in PKL 12 are Mohammadreza Shadloui, Rahul Sethpal, Deepak Rathi, Shubham Shinde, Devank Dalal, Ankush Rathee, Reza Mirbagheri, Arjun Deshwal, Sumit Sangwan, Bharat Hooda, Pawan Sehrawat, Vijay Malik, Fazel Atrachali, Ashu Malik, Yogesh Dahiya, and Sunil Malik. The six players who have been in Category A for three seasons in a row are Arjun Deshwal, Ankush Rathee, Sunil Malik, Sumit Sangwan, Mohammadreza Shadloui, and Fazel Atrachali.
Why Category A is Important in PKL
Before we talk about the players, let’s understand why Category A Players in PKL 12 are so important. Category A is the highest group in the PKL auction, reserved for players who have shown exceptional skills and consistency. These players often attract the highest bids from teams because they can single-handedly turn matches in their favor. Being selected as a Category A Player in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 means a player is among the best in the league, whether they are raiders, defenders, or all-rounders.
Moreover, teams build their strategies around these players, making them the backbone of their squads. The Category A Players in PKL 12 are not just talented but also carry the pressure of performing in high-stakes matches. Now, let’s look at each of the 16 players in this elite group.
The 16 Category A Players in PKL 12
1. Mohammadreza Shadloui
Mohammadreza Shadloui, fondly known as ‘Shows Topper’ is one of the top all-rounders in PKL and a consistent Category A Player. Hailing from Iran, he has been in Category A since PKL 10, showing his ability to excel in both raiding and defending. In PKL 11, he was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP), topping the tackle points chart with 82 points for Haryana Steelers. His move to the Steelers for Rs 2.07 crore in PKL 11 proved his worth. Shadloui’s versatility makes him a key Category A Player in PKL 12.
2. Rahul Sethpal
Rahul Sethpal is a strong defender who earned his spot among the Category A Players in PKL 12. Retained by Haryana Steelers, he was a key part of their title-winning campaign in PKL 11. His ability to make crucial tackles in big moments makes him a valuable asset.
3. Deepak Rathi
Deepak Rathi is another defender who made it to the Category A Players in PKL 12 list. Known for his quick reflexes and smart tackling, Deepak has become a reliable player for his team Patna Pirates. His selection in Category A highlights his consistent performances and ability to handle top raiders.
4. Shubham Shinde
Shubham Shinde is a talented defender who secured his place among the Category A Players in PKL 12. Playing for Patna Pirates in PKL 11,his strong tackling and game-reading skills have made him a fan favourite. Shubham’s ability to stay calm under pressure has earned him a spot in this elite group.
5. Devank Dalal
Devank Dalal, a star raider for Patna Pirates, is one of the Category A Players in PKL 12. In PKL 11, he was the Best Raider of the Season, scoring an impressive 301 raid points. His fearless raiding style and ability to score in tough situations make him a top pick in Category A.
6. Ankush Rathee
Ankush Rathee is a consistent name among the Category A Players in PKL 12, having been in this group since PKL 10. As a defender for Jaipur Pink Panthers, Ankush made history in PKL 9 with the most tackle points by a debutant (89 points). His strong defending skills and leadership make him a key player in PKL 12.
7. Reza Mirbagheri
Reza Mirbagheri, an Iranian defender, is one of the Category A Players in PKL 12. Known for his powerful tackles and ability to stop raiders, Reza has become a vital part of his team Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defense.
8. Arjun Deshwal
Arjun Deshwal, fondly known as ‘Raid Machine’ is a star raider and one of the six Category A Players in PKL 12 who have been in this group since PKL 10. Playing for Jaipur Pink Panthers, he was the MVP of PKL 9, topping the raid points chart with 296 points. Arjun’s consistency and leadership as captain make him a standout Category A Player in PKL 12.
9. Sumit Sangwan
Sumit Sangwan is a dependable defender who has been among the Category A Players in PKL 12 for three seasons in a row. His ability to make crucial tackles and support his team’s defense has earned him a spot in this elite group. Sumit’s consistency is a big reason for his continued presence in Category A.
10. Bharat Hooda
Bharat Hooda, a powerful raider, is one of the Category A Players in PKL 12. He was the Best Raider for Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 9, scoring 279 raid points. Bharat’s aggressive raiding style and ability to score big points make him a top pick in Category A.
11. Pawan Sehrawat
Pawan Sehrawat, known as the “Hi-Flyer,” is a legendary raider and one of the Category A Players in PKL 12. Retained by Telugu Titans for Rs 1.725 crore in PKL 11, Pawan has been a game-changer for years. His speed and raiding skills make him a must-have in Category A.
12. Vijay Malik
Vijay Malik is an all-rounder who earned his spot among the Category A Players in PKL 12. His ability to contribute in both raiding and defending makes him a valuable player. Vijay’s versatility and consistent performances have secured his place in this elite group.
13. Fazel Atrachali
Fazel Atrachali, also known as ‘Sultan’, is the highest-scoring defender in PKL history with 545 tackle points. He is a consistent Category A Player in PKL 12 since PKL 10. The Iranian star, who captained Bengal Warriorz in PKL 11, has won the PKL title twice. His experience and tackling skills make him a top Category A Player in PKL 12.
14. Ashu Malik
Ashu Malik, a star raider for Dabang Delhi K.C., is one of the Category A Players in PKL 12. He was the Best Raider of PKL 10, scoring 276 raid points. Ashu’s quick raids and ability to outsmart defenders make him a key player in Category A.
15. Yogesh Dahiya
Yogesh Dahiya, a talented defender, is one of the Category A Players in PKL 12. He won the New Young Player of the Season award in PKL 10 with 74 tackle points for Dabang Delhi K.C. Yogesh’s rise to Category A shows his potential as a future star.
16. Sunil Malik
Sunil Malik, a strong defender, is among the six Category A Players in PKL 12 who have been in this group since PKL 10. As captain of Jaipur Pink Panthers in PKL 9, he led his team to the title with a High 5 in the final. Sunil’s leadership and tackling skills make him a top pick.
As PKL Season 12 begins, fans will be excited to watch these Category A Players in PKL 12 in action. Whether they are raiding, defending, or leading their teams, these players will make the season unforgettable. Keep an eye on the Category A Players in PKL 12 as they aim to win the title and create new records in the Pro Kabaddi League.
