When a player represents only one franchise year after year, it acts as a morale booster for him. In a tournament like the Pro Kabaddi League, where there are 12 teams featuring multiple players, it helps them grow in confidence. Continuity with a quality player has been key for most of the franchises in the PKL, and these players have also become the face of their teams over the years.

Ahead of the PKL Season 11 Player Auction, we look at the active players who have been at their current teams the longest.

Naveen Kumar | Dabang Delhi K.C.

The Naveen Express took off for Dabang Delhi K.C. in Season 6, and he has been instrumental for the franchise with his standout performances on the mat. He played a vital role in lifting the PKL trophy for the team in Season 8. He has been the team’s biggest match-winner and knows how to soak up the pressure and perform well in tough situations. Naveen Kumar has won the Most Valuable Player award twice, in Season 7 and Season 8, for his excellent performances. He occupies the sixth position for the most raid points scored in PKL, amassing 1005 raid points.

Surender Gill | U.P. Yoddhas

Surender Gill has been associated with the Yoddhas since Season 7 and has been a valuable asset to the team. He had a decent outing in his debut season and was among the top three raiders for the side with 71 raid points. He improved his game with each passing season and took up the scoring responsibilities whenever the team was in trouble. In the four seasons that he has been a part of the Yoddhas, the raider has amassed 487 raid points.

Sumit | U.P. Yoddhas

Sumit joined hands with his corner partner Nitesh Kumar in Season 7 and has provided the much-needed stability to the Yoddhas defence. This pair has done wonders for the team over the seasons. Sumit has been one of the standout defenders for U.P. Yoddhas in the last four seasons. Left corner, Sumit was handed the New Young Player award for his solid defensive show in Season 7. He has bagged 254 tackle points in 89 matches and he is the second best tackler for the Yoddhas in PKL.

Ashu Singh | U.P. Yoddhas

Another player from the Yoddhas setup, Ashu Singh, features on the list and has been handy for the team for the past four seasons. In his first PKL season, he produced 42 tackle points and played his part for the team. The right cover made a huge contribution to the team’s success, scoring 49 tackle points in both Season 8 and Season 9. In Season 10, he could only manage to add 20 tackle points to his tally, and it was the only season in which his team couldn’t make it to the Playoffs.

Pankaj Mohite | Puneri Paltan

Pankaj Mohite came in as a rising star for Puneri Paltan in Season 7. He secured 110 raid points in his debut season and grabbed the eyeballs for his splendid performance. Though he missed out on most of the matches in the next two seasons he managed to retain his spot in the side. In Season 10, he added vital points to the team’s tally and helped them claim their first-ever title. In total, he has scored 280 raid points for the defending champions in 58 PKL matches.

Saurabh Nandal | Bengaluru Bulls

Saurabh has stepped up to the occasion whenever the Bulls have been in trouble safeguarding their fortress. The right corner made an impression straight up in Season 7 when he made his debut and made his mark with 56 tackle points. Saurabh also proved his mettle with his leadership skills when the team needed him to take charge in Season 10. With 246 tackle points in 92 matches, he has established himself as one of the assets for Bengaluru Bulls in PKL.

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