Pro Kabaddi League (PKL): Kabaddi has gained immense popularity in the last 4-5 years. It is not wrong to say that this is now the second-most popular sport in India, which has a massive, huge fanbase. The Pro Kabaddi League is the prime example of this and has hosted ten successful editions. The 11th season began on October 18, and 12 teams are competing in the new edition.
Over the years, many great athletes have played in the PKL. From top raiders to top defenders, there have been a number of great figures who have grabbed the attention of the world with their tremendous play. But you also need a strong leader to manage the team on the mat.
Having won three editions, Patna Pirates are the most successful team in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL season). A captain plays an important role in the team’s success, and this blog will feature some of the greatest captains in PKL history. In this article, we will talk about the top three most successful captains in the PKL history.
Top 3 Most Successful Captains in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) history
3. Anup Kumar – 52 Wins
Anup Kumar is one of the most decorated figures in PKL history. He was one of the first batch of superstars in this tournament. In the second season, he led U Mumba to their maiden PKL title. Anup also led India at the highest level. Anup was a legendary raider in his own rights and had a very cool and calm nature. He is at third on the list of greatest PKL captains.
He had a great start as captain, having led to two consecutive finals for U Mumba in the first two seasons. U Mumba made to the third consecutive finals in the third season under Anup Kumar. After spending four seasons with U Mumba, he joined the Jaipur Pink Panthers in 2005 and became captain. But it didn’t work with the franchise, and he retired in season 6. Anup has won 52 games as captain.
| Match | Successful Tackles | Raid Points | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 8 | 964 | 972 |
2. Sunil Kumar – 65 Wins
Sunil Kumar is one of the best defenders in PKL history. He has been excellent on the mat, and his services as captain are best to none. He was the captain when the Jaipur Pink Panthers bagged the title in PKL season 9. He led the team from the front and also collected 82 tackle points in the season.
He is a right corner defender who has been one of the most followed current players in the PKL. That is why he bagged a massive amount of INR 1.015 crore at the PKL season 11 auction by U Mumba. He has been given the captaincy of the team in the ongoing season, and his calm and composed head can take the team to success. Sunil has won 65 matches so far as captain and there are many more to come.
| Match | Successful Tackles | Raid Points | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 163 | 390 | 553 |
1. Fazel Atrachali – 70 Wins
A Kabaddi legend from Iran, Fazel Atrachali, is one of the best overseas stars in all PKL history. Fazel made his PKL debut in the second season and has become one of the modern-day greats in this sport. He is someone whom you want in a pressure situation because he is one of the best defenders in the tournament’s history.
Fazel comes with his sharp and tactical leadership skills, and he has led a number of PKL franchises until now. The teams that he had led in the PKL are U Mumba, Puneri Paltan, and Gujarat Giants. In 2023, Gujarat Giants made the playoffs under his leadership, indicating his great leadership skills. Fazle Atrachali is the most successful PKL captain of all time with 70 wins. He is still playing and it can take this tally ahead.
| Match | Successful Tackles | Raid Points | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 170 | 497 | 9 | 506 |
