As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 auction on August 15th and 16th, 2024, draws near, anticipation is skyrocketing, particularly for players from the Yuva Kabaddi Series (YKS). This dynamic talent pool has become a key source for PKL teams eager to discover new and exciting prospects. With 75 YKS players among the 348 Indian players registered, several standouts are expected to draw major interest. Here’s a rundown of the top five YKS players who are likely to make headlines—and big money—in the PKL 11 auction:
1. Krishan Dhull (Category A)
Krishan Dhull is a name that commands attention. As the only YKS player to land in the prestigious Category A, Krishan Dhull’s reputation precedes him. His defensive prowess was on full display during the YKS Summer Edition 2022, where he scored 117 tackle points with an impressive 51% tackle success rate. This performance made him the second-best defender of the edition and a crucial player in Murthal Magnets' triumph. In PKL Season 10, Dhull continued to shine with Dabang Delhi, accumulating 78 tackle points and finishing as the second-best defender of the league. His exceptional defensive skills and consistent performance make him a top target for franchises looking to bolster their defence.
2. Visvanth Vijay Kumar (Category B)
Versatility is the name of the game for Visvanth Vijay Kumar, who finds himself in Category B for the auction. This designation reflects his dual-role capabilities, which were prominently displayed in the YKS Summer Edition 2023. Playing as a defender for Palani Tuskers, he secured 27 tackle points with a 47% strike rate. Visvanth’s all-round talent was further showcased in PKL Season 10 with U Mumba, where he notched 38 raid points and 12 tackle points. His ability to impact both raiding and defending makes him a valuable asset and a strong contender for a significant bid.
3. Mohit Khaler (Category B)
Mohit Khaler is a defensive stalwart who deserves attention. Listed in Category B, Khaler’s defensive skills were on full display in the YKS Summer Edition 2022 with Kaziranga Rhinos and later with Haryana Steelers in PKL Season 10. With 47 tackle points in 22 matches, his reliability in defence was evident. His YKS numbers—32 tackle points with a 41% strike rate—further bolster his profile. Mohit Khaler’s solid defensive contributions and potential for high performance make him a strong candidate for a notable bid in the auction.
4. Jai Bhagwan (Category C)
If you’re looking for an explosive raider, Jai Bhagwan is a name to watch. Placed in Category C, his powerful raiding skills have consistently impressed. His outstanding performance in the YKS Summer and Winter Editions of 2022 with the Aravalli Arrows, where he scored a staggering 284 raid points at a 75% strike rate, set the stage for his success. Further solidifying his reputation, Jai Bhagwan excelled at the 70th Senior Nationals in Ahmednagar for his state team Rajasthan. His impact in PKL Season 10 with U Mumba highlighted his potential. Despite being in Category C, his dynamic raiding ability and recent form make him a hot prospect for teams aiming to enhance their attacking prowess.
5. Sathish Kannan (Category C)
Sathish Kannan is a name that’s hard to overlook. Also in Category C, his performance for the Champions Vels University in the Velammal YKS Tamil Nadu Clubs was sensational. He was the second-best raider with 141 raid points and a remarkable 72% strike rate which also got him the most effective raider tag in the edition and to top it off his team won the title with the help of his performance, demonstrating his scoring power and consistency. Although his opportunities were limited with Tamil Thalaivas in PKL Season 10, Kanan’s recent form and impressive YKS statistics make him a compelling option for teams seeking to strengthen their raiding line-up.
As the PKL Season 11 auction looms, the Yuva Kabaddi Series continues to prove its value as a pipeline for emerging talent. With these standout YKS players categorised and ready to make their mark, the upcoming season is set to be electrifying, showcasing the fresh and exciting talent that could redefine the Pro Kabaddi League.
