Pro Kabaddi League has seen the rise of stars like Pardeep Narwal, Rahul Chaudhari, Surender Nada and Mohit Chhillar and also took the popularity of established stars like Manjeet Chhillar, Anup Kumar, Ajay Thakur to another level. While there were many stars who impressed with their quality and consistency there were some players who enjoyed one good season but failed to back it up with consistency. We look at 4 players who faded after brilliant starts to their Pro Kabaddi Campaign.
Ravi Dalal: Ravi Dalal introduced himself to the Kabaddi audience with a stellar PKL 1 scoring 111 raid points in 16 matches leading Patna Pirates raiding outscoring even the great Rakesh Kumar. The 27-year old was expected to continue his form in PKL 2 but struggled with form and fitness managing just 44 raid points in 11 matches. He missed PKL 3 due to a knee injury, he was back in PKL 4 with Bengal Warriors but failed to make an impact managing just 13 raid points. The once fleet footed, and fearless raider was badly affected due to injuries and managed just 5 raid points for Dabang Delhi in PKL 5. The lanky raiders fall from grace was confirmed when we remained unsold in PKL 6 auctions.
Sachin Shingade: Sachin Shingade started his PKL career with Telugu Titans and was solid without being spectacular in PKL 1 scoring 20 tackle points in 10 matches, the next 2 seasons he was a squad player for Titans and Puneri Paltan respectively managing just 6 matches in 2 seasons. He was picked up by team from the Capital city, Dabang Delhi K.C it was there where the Maharashtra native really proved his class, the 30-year old scored 44 tackle points, the most by a Delhi player and 4th overall. The left cover was the only defender who dominated Pardeep Narwal in PKL 4 leading Delhi to an upset over the defending champions. His performances against Patna Pirates in PKL 4 led him to being signed by the Pirates in PKL 5 and the stocky defender was expected to build on his performances in PKL 4 but instead Shingade’s form dipped and he was frequently the weak link for Champions Patna in PKL 5 and for Haryana Steelers in PKL 6. Sadly, for Sachin, PKL 4 proved to be an exception rather than the rule.
Rohit Kumar Chaudhari: Before Pardeep Narwal emerged on the scene, Rohit Chaudhari was making waves with Dabang Delhi with his dubkis in PKL 2. The right raider provided consistent support to Kashiling Adake who was the best raider in PKL 2. Rohit’s exploits in PKL 2 saw him earmarked for future stardom. The Uttar Pradesh native struggled with form and fitness in PKL 3 managing just 16 raid points in 7 matches. His downward spiral continued and in the next 3 seasons since PKL 2, the curly haired raider has just managed 32 raid points in 24 matches although majority of those were from the substitutes bench. His poor form means there is a serious possibility of him going unsold in the Auctions of PKL 7.
Prashant Chavan: Prashant Chavan emerged as one of the stars of inaugural PKL scoring 32 tackle points which was the 7th most tackle points that season. The right corner was a dependable presence for the Jaipur Pink Panthers playing a big role in their only triumph in PKL so far. The Maharashtra native starred in the final scoring 6 tackle points, the most by anyone in the final. While his exploits should have been a start for a consistent PKL career, Chavan inexplicably tailed off badly in the subsequent seasons. The stocky defender managed just 24 tackle points in the next 3 seasons and sadly looked like a mistake waiting to happen consistently gifting points to the opposition. His poor performances led him to be unsold in PKL 6.
