Jaideep, Ankit shine as best captains in PKL Season 11

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has witnessed many inspirational leaders since its inception in 2014. Pro Kabaddi Season 11 also saw several captains who led their teams by example on and off the mat just like the previous editions. With that in mind, let’s look at the best captains from Pro Kabaddi League Season 11.

Jaideep Dahiya - Haryana Steelers

Star defender Jaideep Dahiya played a significant role in guiding Haryana Steelers to their maiden PKL title. Considered to be one of the best defenders in the Pro Kabaddi, Jaideep once again impressed as a leader after he helped the Steelers finish as runners-up last season. Having been a consistent performer for the Steelers in the last few seasons, Jaideep concluded Season 11 with 39 tackle points, including three Super Tackles and one High 5.

Ankit Jaglan - Patna Pirates

After being elevated from the position of vice-captain to captain in the middle of the season, Patna Pirates’ Ankit Jaglan rose to the challenge and performed exceptionally as a leader. Captain Ankit led from the front as he scored 79 tackle points to finish among the top two defenders in Pro Kabaddi Season 11. With his impressive performances as a player along with stellar leadership, Ankit helped the Pirates qualify for the PKL final for a record-extending fifth time.

Sumit Sangwan - UP Yoddhas

Tasked with captaincy duties after Surender Gill’s injury, UP Yoddhas’ Sumit Sangwan hogged the limelight with his incredible leadership skills. Despite a slow start, UP Yoddhas finished third in the Pro Kabaddi Season 11 standings to qualify for the Playoffs. The Sumit Sangwan-led Yoddhas later thrashed two-time winners, Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Eliminator before losing to the eventual champions Haryana Steelers in the first semi-final. Meanwhile, Sumit concluded PKL Season 11 with 72 tackle points in 23 matches, including seven Super Tackles and four High 5s.

Sunil Kumar - U Mumba

U Mumba’s captain Sunil Kumar became the most successful Pro Kabaddi captain in the recently concluded edition. With a win over Puneri Paltan, Sunil Kumar surpassed Fazel Atrachali’s record for most wins as a captain in PKL history (73). After ye another successful season, he sits at the top with 77 wins as a captain. Additionally, Sunil Kumar is the first-ever Indian captain to lead in more than 100 PKL matches. Under his brilliant leadership, U Mumba qualified for the Playoffs after three seasons. The Indian defender previously guided Jaipur Pink Panthers to the title in PKL 9. Apart from his leadership, Sunil ended the season with 54 tackle points in 23 matches.

Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar - Dabang Delhi K.C.

Season 11 of Pro Kabaddi 11 saw Dabang Delhi K.C. appoint their star raiders Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik as co-captains of the team. Dabang Delhi K.C.’s decision of two captains proved to be a masterstroke as they were one of the dominant teams in Season 11. With 13 wins, four ties and five losses, the Delhi-based franchise directly qualified for the PKL 11 semi-finals after finishing second in the standings. Co-captain Ashu Malik led from the front with 262 raid points while Naveen Kumar contributed with 97 raid points and 3 tackle points as Patna Pirates later ended Delhi’s incredible 15-match winning streak in the semi-finals.

Follow Pro Kabaddi on Instagram, Facebook, X & YouTube for all the latest updates!