As the date for the Mega IPL 2025 Auction draws closer, anticipation is soaring high. Big names players and an improved budget for franchises, this upcoming auction has all the ingredients to surprise one and all. There will definitely be players who are likely to go unsold, while some players are expected to start a bidding war. One such player who is expected to garner significant interest when his name pops out of the auction hat is Shreyas Iyer. Being an experienced player with an Indian nationality is a sought-after combination. Iyer showed last season that he is a captaincy material after guiding the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a title in IPL 2024.
Mega 2025 IPL Auction
With so much caliber as a player and as captain, teams will leave no stone unturned in signing him. Here are three teams who could shell out big money for his services.
1. Kolkata Knight Riders
Let’s be honest, Kolkata Knight Riders may have made a mistake in allowing Shreyas Iyer to go to the auction. His calm and composed nature was a significant factor in KKR’s surprising title win in IPL 2024. Moreover, KKR don’t have any RTM card left, meaning, they will have the same power as any other team when bidding for Iyer. But all this could be a part of a bigger strategy by KKR administration. Had they retained Iyer, it might have cost them around 16-18 crores, and KKR might sign him for less, if not for the same amount during the Mega IPL 2025 Auction.
Probability of KKR signing back Shreyas Iyer – 70-80%.
With Shikhar Dhawan announcing retirement from all forms of the game, Punjab Kings need a player who can lead them for the next five to six seasons. Iyer is still young and is a top-quality player who can mould his game depending on the situation. PBKS could also do with a big-name player in their squad. There haven’t been many marquee Indian players in their team in the last few seasons. Shreyas Iyer fits the bill. He is someone who can take PBKS to newer heights.
Probability of PBKS signing Shreyas Iyer – 40-50%.
PBKS’ Reasons:
Vacant captaincy spot
In need of a big-name Indian player
3. Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow Super Giants also have good and solid reasons to go all in for Shreyas Iyer in Mega 2025 IPL Auction. The biggest reason is the departure of KL Rahul, who in all probability, is not coming back to the franchise even with the RTM card. Shreyas Iyer is in the same mold as KL Rahul and proved last season that he has the temperament to lead the team to a title.
Rajasthan Royals came so close to winning the Indian Premier League title in recent years with strong performances. RR would look to cross the line this time around. The first step begins at the Mega IPL 2025 Auction where they bolster their squad by filling crucial gaps. Here are the possible IPL Auction Rajasthan Royals’ strategy and targets for the upcoming 2025 IPL edition.
1. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler expressed the desire to play for RR again after being released. The love affair might continue as think tank might go after the wicket-keeper opening batsman again at the auction. After all, the Englishman brings immense value to the Rajasthan IPL team.
Like Jos Buttler, Yuzvendra Chahal seems to have found a home at Rajasthan Royals. We might see him return to don Pink Jersey since the franchise doesn’t have a frontline spin bowling option and can bid hard for him.
Photo by R.SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images
Yuzvendra Chahal IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Best Figures
Bowling Average
5-fer
160
205
5/40
22.44
1
3. Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc is an out-and-out fast bowler and a dream bowler for any T20 side. RR would look to acquire a premier and proven overseas bowler. Is there anybody better than Starc among those in the auction pool?
Mohammad Shami would be on the radar of most teams, RR being one of those franchises. The Indian fast bowler may be returning from injury but is a proven wicket-taker and bowling spearhead. This addition would be a game-changer and invaluable for the RR setup.
Adam Zampa is one of the best white-ball spin bowlers going around. If not Yuzi Chahal, Rajasthan Royals can try to get the services of the Australian spin bowler for IPL 2025.
Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images
Adam Zampa IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Best Bowling
Bowling Average
5-Wicket Hauls
20
29
6/19
19.24
1
If RR is able to acquire a couple of these or maybe more, RR fans will be jumping with joy. It would mean so much for the squad balance. Hope RR is able to build the dream team for the upcoming season.
RR has spent 79 crores out of 120 crore IPL salary cap this edition to retain six players. They are now left with 41 crores in auction purse for mega auction buys.
Team
Retained Players
Purse Spent (INR)
Purse Available (INR)
CSK
5
65
55
DC
4
47
73
GT
5
51
69
KKR
6
69
51
LSG
5
51
69
MI
5
75
45
PBKS
2
9.5
110.5
RCB
3
37
83
RR
6
79
41
SRH
5
75
45
RR Retained Players ahead of Mega IPL 2025 Auction
RR has retained six players – Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma – spending a total of INR 79 crores from the auction purse.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was one of the standout teams in the last edition of the Indian Premier League. It was a shame they couldn’t go on to win the trophy but this could very well be the season. At the 2025 mega auction, SRH would want to fill the gaps after five retentions. Here’s a look at the possible IPL Auction Sunrisers Hyderabad strategy and five potential targets.
1. Shreyas Iyer
SRH is after an Indian middle-order batsman who can bat #3. The most reliable and sought-after player with these criteria is indeed Shreyas Iyer. He can also play anchor to complement the ultra-aggressive batting lineup featuring Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen.
Photo by DIBYANGSHU SARKAR/AFP via Getty Images
Shreyas Iyer IPL Stats
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
100s
116
3127
96
32.23
0
2. Marco Jansen
Letting go of Marco Jansen would be quite tough for the Hyderabad IPL Team. They would love to have the tall fast bowler back who has now made a reputation for himself as an explosive all-rounder.
Sunrisers Hyderabad are looking for a quality spin bowler with a knack for taking wickets. Wanindu Hasaranga is an ideal choice and gives extra cushion to the batting lower down the order.
Photo by SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP via Getty Images
Wanindu Hasaranga IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Best Figures
Bowling Average
5-fer
26
35
5/18
21.37
1
4. Mohammad Siraj
If not Marco Jansen, they would target someone like Mohammad Siraj who can bowl with the new ball. Pat Cummins would love to have Siraj who has been an all-format bowler for India. And, after all the think tank would have a soft corner for the local boy!
Photo by IDREES MOHAMMED/AFP via Getty Images
Mohammad Siraj IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Best Bowling
Bowling Average
5-Wicket Hauls
93
93
4/21
30.34
0
5. Venkatesh Iyer
Another aggressive #3 option is Venkatesh Iyer and alternative to Shreyas Iyer. Venky Iyer has had a fab season last year with champs KKR. He will be a hot choice for the one-down batting role for SRH.
Photo by PUNIT PARANJPE/AFP via Getty Images
Venkatesh Iyer IPL Stats
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
Centuries
51
1326
104
31.57
1
With these targets, Sunrisers Hyderabad will have a formidable and sorted batting order for IPL 2025. And, the bowling options will make the SRH squad look menacing and one of the best for the forthcoming season. Let’s see if SRH can snap these players on Auction day.
SRH has spent 75 crores out of the 120 crore IPL salary cap this edition for retaining five players. They are now left with a 45 crores auction purse to make additions at the mega auction.
Team
Retained Players
Purse Spent (INR)
Purse Available (INR)
CSK
5
65
55
DC
4
47
73
GT
5
51
69
KKR
6
69
51
LSG
5
51
69
MI
5
75
45
PBKS
2
9.5
110.5
RCB
3
37
83
RR
6
79
41
SRH
5
75
45
SRH Retained Players ahead of Mega IPL 2025 Auction
Sunrisers Hyderabad have retained their captain Pat Cummins for IPL 2025. The opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, middle order bat and keeper Heinrich Klaasen, and all-rounder Nitish Reddy are among others who have been retained.
“What is seen is sold” has become an old adage in this world driven by money. Big teams want to leverage the widespread appeal of teams and athletes who are at the peak of their power, like for example Virat Kohli, who is certainly the most marketable athlete in India at the moment. Neeraj Chopra is another success story that proves you don’t need to be a cricketer in India to carve out a name for yourself. If you have the talent, success will eventually chase you like a possessed spirit. Money will flow, and you will become a success story.
For Indian athletes, and this is true for most athletes around the world, a big part of their income is generated from sponsorship deals.
How Sponsorship work in Indian Sports?
Sponsorship can be categorized into many types. Teams get sponsorship in various forms from big companies, while individual athletes also earn sponsorship due to their widespread appeal. Here’s how sponsorships work in India:
Tournament Sponsorships: This kind of sponsorship occurs when a big company wins the right to be the title sponsor of the tournament. For example, Hero is the title sponsor of the Indian Super League, and thus the tournament is called the Hero ISL.
Team Sponsorships: You must have seen company names on the front of a team’s jersey. Those names of companies are the team sponsors.
Player Sponsorships: As the name suggests, this is when an individual athlete agrees to endorse a company for an agreed amount, like Virat Kohli doing the advertisement for MRF Tyres.
How Sponsorships Should Also Work in Indian Sports?
We have all heard tales of how Barcelona pursued Lionel Messi. There are rumors that the contract between Barcelona and Messi was signed on a napkin. From there on, Messi needn’t worry about the money. He just needed to concentrate on growing his already immense football skills. Messi was sponsored by Barcelona from an early age.
This is one of the million stories from all around the world. In almost all developed countries, if an athlete shows promise from an early age, they start getting interest from big companies such as Nike. In addition, countries such as the USA have a proper system where aspiring athletes get all sorts of backing from the government.
Young Indian athletes, on the other hand, to a great extent, have to depend on parents for financial support. With the rising cost of education, parents eventually face a stage where they have to prioritize education over sports.
For India to become a true giant in sports, there should be a system where the government, at the very least, should always support young, talented athletes.
Why Aspiring Athletes Need Sponsorship?
Athletes need caring right from their first step into the field. Their coaching starts at home with parents and the surroundings in which they are being groomed and nurtured. Inculcating right and healthy habits is the ultimate foundation parents can lay for their precious children. From the very early age, children show signs of their liking to things. Like, in Lionel Messi’s case, he was always into football. Everyone knew, even when Messi was just a little kid, that he was born to play football. This is, more often than not, the same for most kids. As they say, Coming events cast their shadows long before.
Rising cost of pursuing sports
As kids start developing and progressing in sports, the biggest hurdle is finding the money. Let’s be honest, there are no free lunches in any field. Pursuing sports and reaching a professional level requires a lot of investment. Even in India, which is a developing market and is presumed to be a nation with low costs, sports are still costly.
First, a kid should have access to basic training facilities, if not the top-notch ones, and for that to happen, they should be in at least a second-tier city. Remote villages do not even have quality coaches, let alone the facilities. With most of India’s population in the middle class, most parents do not have the luxury of affording the education, which is extremely high in India, and allowing their kids to pursue sports. That’s why sponsorships, for the special athlete, can be a game-changer for the parents and the athlete himself.
Kolkata Knight Riders secured the second title last season with one of the best-assembled squads. All eyes are on the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, slated to take place on 24 November 2024. From the reigning champions KKR’s point of view, half of the job is done with six retentions for IPL 2025 but still, there is a lot to do. The defending champs would look to gather resources and strike the winning balance once again. Here’s what IPL Auction Kolkata Knight Riders’ strategy and targets could be for the Kolkata IPL Team.
1. Venkatesh Iyer
Letting go of Venkatesh Iyer would be difficult for the franchise after the top-order batter had a bumper season to help KKR win the title. The Knights fighting hard for Venkatesh Iyer at the auction table is very much on the cards.
Phil Salt is another player KKR would have loved to keep but couldn’t with the limit on retentions. The England wicket-keeper batsman has been in red-hot form and Kolkata Knight Riders can go all-out to secure his services once again.
Phil Salt Stats in IPL
Matches
Runs
HS
Bat Avg
100s
Catches
Stumpings
21
653
89*
34.36
0
17
0
3. Mohammed Shami
Mohammad Shami is back in the auction pool and Kolkata may try to acquire the local boy this time. They are looking for someone who can spearhead a bowling attack and there is no better Indian pacer than a proven wicket-taker like Shami.
Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images
Mohammad Shami IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Best Figures
Bowling Average
5-fer
110
127
4/11
26.86
0
4. Angkrish Raghuvanshi
Angkrish Raghuvanshi took the cricket world by storm with his aggressive style of batting in the last edition of the Indian Premier League. The fearless middle-order batsman can head back to the Kolkata IPL franchise for sure.
This looks like an out-of-the-box and hefty pick since KKR doesn’t have as much to build the squad with. However, Ishan Kishan being an explosive batsman at the top of the batting order and reliable wicketkeeper fits the bill for Kolkata-based side.
KKR has spent 69 crores out of 120 crore IPL salary cap this edition for six player retentions. They are now left with 51 crores auction purse to make purchases at mega auction.
Team
Retained Players
Purse Spent (INR)
Purse Available (INR)
CSK
5
65
55
DC
4
47
73
GT
5
51
69
KKR
6
69
51
LSG
5
51
69
MI
5
75
45
PBKS
2
9.5
110.5
RCB
3
37
83
RR
6
79
41
SRH
5
75
45
KKR Players Retained ahead of IPL 2025 Auction
KKR has retained six players –Rinku Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Harshit Rana, and Ramandeep Singh – spending a total of INR 69 crores.
Player
Salary (INR)
Rinku Singh
13 Crore
Varun Chakaravarthy
12 Crore
Sunil Narine
12 Crore
Andre Russell
12 Crore
Harshit Rana
4 Crore
Ramandeep Singh
4 Crore
What do you make of our five targets for KKR at the 2025 IPL Mega Auction? Stay tuned for more updates.
In the buildup to the IPL Auction on 24 November 2024, we are looking at what could be IPL Auction Royal Challengers Bengaluru strategy and top targets to build IPL 2025 squad.
1. Will Jacks
Will Jacks was one of the standout performers for Bengaluru IPL Team in the last season. The aggressive top-order batsman, who is also a handy bowler, will be on the radar of RCB. Don’t be surprised if Royal Challengers Bengaluru repurchases him with an RTM.
Will Jacks IPL Stats
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
100s
Wickets
8
230
100*
32.85
1
2
2. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler to partner Virat Kohli at the top of the batting order! How does it sound, RCB fans? The England wicket-keeper batsman solves several key questions for the franchise. First, he gives stability at the top of the order. If not Virat Kohli, he can lead the side. Third, he is an apt replacement for the retired Dinesh Karthik behind the wickets.
Photo by Vishal Bhatnagar/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Since RCB let go of Yuzi Chahal, they have missed him dearly. They would want to make amends and get Yuzvendra Chahal back in red and gold in this Mega IPL 2025 Auction. He is RCB’s leading wicket-taker and one of the very few bowlers who is able to make an impact at M Chinnaswamy Stadium which is known as the graveyard for bowlers.
Yuzvendra Chahal IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Best Figures
Bowling Average
5-fer
160
205
5/40
22.44
1
4. KL Rahul
If reports are to be believed, RCB are going to bid and get back their local boy KLR. And, why not? The opening batsman who can keep wickets and also a leader, KL Rahul ticks all the boxes. After LSG’s fiasco and release, KL has expressed that he is looking for an environment where he feels free. And what would be better than homely Namma Bengaluru?
This may look like an out-of-the-box pick. In case RCB is unable to secure the services of either Jos Buttler or KL Rahul, they can go for someone like Jonny Bairstow. We have seen how ultra-aggressive the England wicket-keeper batsman can be and the home ground conditions will suit him quite well!
Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images
Jonny Bairstow IPL Stats
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
100s
Catches
Stumpings
50
1589
114
34.54
2
28
4
RCB IPL 2025 Auction Purse
RCB have spent 37 crores out of 120 crore IPL salary cap this edition. They are now left with 83 crores auction purse.
The IPL Mega Auction looms closer and fans are speculating all the possible targets of the Mumbai Indians (MI) for IPL 2025. Mumbai have retained their core players but still, there is a lot to do on auction day to plug key gaps and bolster their roster. Here’s IPL Auction Mumbai Indians strategy and top 5 targets.
1. Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler is the explosive wicketkeeper-opener everyone will be after on 23 November 2024. After the release of Ishan Kishan, Jos Buttler’s inclusion would address two critical needs for MI—a quality wicketkeeper and a dynamic opening batter. One of the best T20 players in the world and his proven track record in IPL makes him ideal for MI acquisition.
Photo by Vishal Bhatnagar/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Marcus Stoinis, a power-packed all-rounder, is a value proposition for most teams at the mega auction. The big Australian brings immense value as an enforcer in the middle order and offers an option of 2-3 overs with the ball.
Photo by ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images
Marcus Stoinis IPL Stats
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Bat Avg
100s
Wickets
Best Figures
Bowl Avg
5-fer
96
1866
124*
28.27
1
43
4/15
29.62
0
3. Wanindu Hasaranga
Wanindu Hasaranga remains one of the most sought-after players in T20 leagues worldwide. The Sri Lankan spinner will be on Mumbai Indians’ radar since they are looking for a quality spinner with a knack for taking wickets. Moreover, the ability to bat lower down the order makes Hasaranga a tempting prospect.
Yuzvendra Chahal started his IPL journey from Mumbai and we might see his return to the franchise in IPL 2025. One of India’s most successful spinners in T20 cricket, Chahal’s addition could give much-needed cushion to Jasprit Bumrah who is the go-to bowler.
Photo Manjunath Kiran/AFP/GettyImages
Yuzvendra Chahal IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Best Figures
Bowling Average
5-fer
160
205
5/40
22.44
1
5. Marco Jansen
Mumbai Indians could look to bring back red-hot Marco Jansen who is now an established all-rounder. The left-arm quick started his IPL journey with the franchise. Jansen could be the perfect fit for MI’s bowling unit. At Wankhede, where conditions often favor swing bowlers in the initial overs, Jansen’s addition will be quite valuable.
As the much-anticipated IPL auction approaches, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans can’t stop speculating on the team’s potential signings for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. CSK, the most successful IPL team, is known to back players and astute auction strategies. Let’s look at the possible IPL Auction Chennai Super Kings strategy and targets.
1. Devon Conway
Devon Conway is a proven player for a franchise. The New Zealander gives Chennai Super Kings a lot of stability at the top of the batting order. His incredible and consistent performances in IPL 2023 showcased what he brings to the table. With MS Dhoni’s retirement on the horizon, Conway’s dual role as an opener and wicketkeeper makes him an ideal candidate Chennai IPL Team. Moreover, they have an RTM card up their sleeve and can use it on Conway.
Photo by Arun SANKAR / AFP) (Photo by ARUN SANKAR/AFP via Getty Images
Devon Conway IPL Stats
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
100s
Catches
Stumpings
23
924
92*
48.63
0
8
0
2. Tushar Deshpande
Tushar Deshpande was one of the standout bowlers for CSK in the last couple of seasons. Since the franchise is known to back their players, CSK may go hard after him on the auction day. If not Devon Conway, Right to Match (RTM) card could potentially be used for Deshpande’s return.
There is a lot of buzz around Rishabh Pant’s possible move to Chennai Super Kings squad for IPL 2025. Sure, it is a possibility going by the franchise’s hefty spending on players in the last few seasons.
Rishabh Pant IPL Stats
Matches
Runs
Highest Score
Batting Average
Strike Rate
100s
Catches
Stumpings
111
3284
128*
35.31
148.93
1
75
23
4. Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada is a game-changer with the ball. CSK’s death bowling specialist in Matheesha Pathirana is already locked. Now they’ll be targeting a proven wicket-taker who can provide them with breakthroughs at the start of the innings and in middle overs.
Photo by R. SATISH BABU/AFP via Getty Images
Kagiso Rabada IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Best Figures
Bowl Avg
5-fer
80
117
4/21
21.96
0
5. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin is a former CSK player who might interest the think tank once again. If there is any franchise that can use Ashwin’s experience and tactical acumen the best, it is Chennai Super Kings. Don’t rule out the possibility of the return of the local boy!
Photo credit SESHADRI SUKUMAR/AFP/GettyImages
Ravichandran Ashwin IPL Stats
Matches
Wickets
Best Figures
Bowling Average
5-fers
212
180
4/34
29.82
0
The aforementioned five players — Kagiso Rabada, Tushar Deshpande, Devon Conway, Rishabh Pant, and Ravichandran Ashwin — bring immense value to the CSK setup and can be a part of Chennai Super Kings’ plan. Let’s see if any of these predictions come true on 23 November 2024.
Chennai Super Kings Auction Purse
CSK have spent 65 crores out of 120 crore IPL salary cap for this edition. They are now left with 55 crores to spend at the Mega Auction.
There is no lack of raw talent within Indian sports. Both cricket fields in small towns and football pitches in big metropolises, not to mention the wrestlers working hard in far-flung corners of villages, turn over every stone to hone their craft. However, despite India possessing a large talent pool and an unflinching dedication among athletes, many teams, academies, and leagues, especially in football and sports other than cricket, fail to scale up beyond a certain point. The primary reason is the absence of centralized management solutions, which hinders effective communication, player development, and, ultimately, growth of the sports ecosystem.
The Core Issue: Lack of Centralized Indian Sports Management System
Unlike cricket in India, which has adopted cutting-edge technology for operations and communication, sports management in other disciplines/sports largely relies on manual processes and fragmented systems. This approach often leads to inefficiencies that hamper progress, leaving aspiring athletes at the mercy of luck in finding the right opportunities within organizations. For a country aiming to become a global giant in sports, there has to be a perfect combination of synergy between athletes and organizations. Below are some key areas where the absence of centralized management creates bottlenecks.
1. Lack of Communication between teams, athletes and organizations
One of the most persistent challenges faced by teams and athletes is the inability to ensure effective communication among players, coaches, managers, and other stakeholders. Imagine a scenario where a match schedule is changed at the last minute, or a team wants to conduct trials for aspiring footballers but struggles to reach talented kids in a specific city due to a lack of organized communication. Without a centralized platform, coordinating efforts to scout talent, plan tournaments, or share critical updates becomes a chaotic task.
Another example is teams relying on group chats or word of mouth that usually don’t reach most members, leading to missed matches, confusion, or underprepared teams. This leads to confusion, missed matches, or underprepared teams. Similarly, urgent updates such as venue changes, last-minute cancellations, or training session modifications frequently fail to reach all players on time. The inability to bridge communication gaps between athletes and teams not only disrupts planning but also negatively impacts the morale of players and coaches.
2. Arbitrary decision due to Lack of Attendance and Performance Tracking
Currently, tracking player attendance and progress is a manual or informal process for most teams. Coaches often rely on memory or diary notes to monitor who is consistently attending training sessions, who is showing improvement, or which player is executing tasks as coached. This lack of proper documentation can result in unintentional biases during team selection, as decisions are based on subjective judgment rather than concrete data.
Furthermore, the absence of systematic progress tracking hinders player development. Without detailed records of performance metrics, coaches are unable to pinpoint areas where individual players need improvement. This leads to slowdown in skill development and a lack of accountability for both players and coaches.
3. Inefficient Equipment Management
Sports equipment forms the backbone of any team or academy. In India, particularly at lower-level leagues that serve as the foundation of the grassroots sports system, players are often tasked with bringing equipment to the field. In contrast, European sports systems typically assign equipment management—such as balls, bats, rackets, nets, and other essentials—to dedicated professionals.
India lacks a structured system for equipment management. Teams frequently encounter issues such as missing or damaged equipment due to the absence of inventory monitoring. In some cases, equipment remains unused simply because it has been misplaced or forgotten.
Without a proper management system, timely replacement of worn-out gear becomes challenging. This not only diminishes the quality of practice sessions but also adds unnecessary expenses to the team’s budget, as equipment is often replaced reactively rather than proactively.
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4. Absence of a Central Communication Hub
In a well-functioning sports ecosystem, seamless communication should exist between players, coaches, managers, administrators, and even parents (in the case of youth academies). Unfortunately, the Indian sports system lacks a centralized platform where all stakeholders can connect, share updates, and collaborate. This lack of communication hampers team growth, athlete development, and, ultimately, revenue generation, causing teams to struggle in scaling up.
Currently, information is often shared through disparate channels such as WhatsApp groups, email threads, or physical notices. This fragmented approach leads to confusion, delays in responses, and a higher likelihood of miscommunication. A centralized hub could streamline these interactions, fostering a more cohesive and efficient environment.
5. Poor Payment Management
Managing payments is another significant challenge for sports teams and academies. Whether it’s collecting player fees, paying coaches, or handling tournament registrations, the process is often inefficient and riddled with errors. Teams in the Indian sports system frequently rely on cash payments or manual bank transfers, which are not only time-consuming but also prone to mistakes.
Additionally, many teams depend on payments from organizations, but there is no standardized or regulated payment system in place.
There have been instances reported in the media where organizations fail to pay athletes on time, leading to desperate and stressful situations for the players. Such delays and irregularities not only affect the livelihoods of athletes but also undermine their trust in the system.
Furthermore, the lack of transparency in financial transactions often results in disputes or mistrust among stakeholders. A streamlined, digital payment system could address these issues, saving time and ensuring greater accountability and transparency across the board.
The Consequences of Inefficient Management
The ripple effects of these issues are far-reaching. Teams fails to scale up and often experience:
Stunted Growth: Without efficient systems, teams struggle to scale their operations or participate in larger leagues and tournaments.
Overlooking Sports: Players and parents are likely to lose confidence in poorly managed teams, leading them to opt instead for studies.
Burnout for Coaches and Managers: When coaches and managers have to juggle administrative tasks on top of their primary responsibilities, it leads to frustration and mental fatigue.
Financial Losses: Inefficiencies in equipment management and payments lead to unnecessary expenses, draining limited resources.
The Solution: A Centralized and Modern Approach
Addressing these challenges requires a centralized, tech-enabled solution that caters to the unique needs of Indian sports teams and academies. A comprehensive platform could integrate all aspects of team management, offering features such as:
Real-Time Communication: A centralized app can send instant updates to players and parents, ensuring everyone stays informed about schedules, changes, or urgent announcements.
Attendance and Performance Tracking: Coaches can log attendance and track player progress using metrics and analytics, enabling data-driven decisions for team selection and training programs.
Inventory Management: Teams can maintain a digital inventory of equipment, track usage, and set alerts for timely replacements.
Integrated Payment System: A secure, transparent payment gateway can simplify fee collection, salary payments, and other transactions, fostering trust and efficiency.
Community Hub: A single platform for players, coaches, administrators, and parents to interact, share feedback, and collaborate on team activities.
Why Now Is the Time to Act
The Indian sports ecosystem is indeed at a tipping point. The introduction of professional leagues, coupled with increased participation in grassroots sports, underlines the importance of necessitated structured management systems. The single missing link that may balance the entire Indian sports system and push teams and academies to unprecedented heights might actually be the adoption of a centralized management solution.
Conclusion
There is so much talent flowing through Indian sports teams and academies. However, the archaic way of managing is unable to let that breathe. No centralized solutions mean unnecessary roadblocks at every step-from player development to financial sustainability.
Pro Kabaddi League isn’t just a league but an emotion for Kabaddi fans around the globe. 2014 was the year when Pro Kabaddi League witnessed its first season, and since then, the tournament has grown in stature with leaps and bounds. A game associated with Indian roots has made a big impact on the global stage, and PKL has to be given credit for evolving and taking the game to different corners of the world.
The growth of Pro Kabaddi has been immense ever since its inception. However, it is the players who have made this league ever-so-popular. In this post, we have compiled a list of 10 such players who have helped evolve Pro Kabaddi League since its inception. So, without any further ado, let’s dive deep into this list.
1. Pardeep Narwal (Raider)
The ‘P’ in Pro Kabaddi League is almost equivalent to Pardeep Narwal. The ‘Record Breaker’ stands atop Mount Rushmore with most raiding points in the history of the league. Pardeep made his debut in the second season of the league, i.e., in 2015, and since then he has been a regular figure and the face of Pro Kabaddi League. Pardeep is currently leading Bengaluru Bulls and we hope that he remains fit enough to play many more seasons ahead.
Matches
Total Raids
Raid Points
Super 10s
178
2983
1732
86
2. Pawan Sehrawat (Raider)
Pawan Kumar Sehrawat can be termed the new poster boy of Pro Kabaddi League. The ‘Hi-Flyer’ Pawan Kumar Sehrawat is a fan favorite. The raider has impressed one and all with his outrageous skills, and his PKL numbers are insane too. Pawan kicked off his PKL career in 2016 with the Bengaluru Bulls as a prodigy of coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat. Pawan was the architect of Bulls’ title glory in season 6 and hasn’t looked behind since. Currently, Pawan is leading the Telugu Titans and remains an integral part of Pro Kabaddi league.
Matches
Total Raids
Raid Points
Super 10s
135
2028
1281
68
3. Anup Kumar (Raider)
Anup Kumar was one of the most successful skippers of the Indian National Kabaddi Team. Many touted him as the ‘God of Kabaddi,’ the title did suit him as he won 6 gold medals for his country in International tournaments. Anup was the captain of U Mumba when they lifted the coveted PKL trophy in the second season of the league. His raiding was immensely popular among the fans, who called him the ‘King of Bonus.’ Anup made a name in PKL and was last seen in the 2023 edition as Puneri Paltan’s coach, wherein he took a young team to the finals against the eventual champions Jaipur Pink Panthers.
If someone talks about the best raiders of Pro Kabaddi League, one can’t miss the name of ‘Showman’ Rahul Chaudhari. The man from Uttar Pradesh was the first poster boy of Pro Kabaddi League. He made his debut for the Telugu Titans in the inaugural season and made an instant mark. Rahul was the first ever to breach the barriers of the first player to 500, 700, and 800 raid points. An immensely talented raider, however, lost his charm once his heydays were gone and went unsold in the 2024 PKL auctions. This news didn’t go well with the Showstopper as he announced his retirement from the league soon after. He last featured in the league in the 2023 edition for Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Matches
Total Raids
Raid Points
Super 10s
154
2291
1045
42
5. Maninder Singh (Raider)
‘Mighty’ Maninder Singh is another raider on this list, with more than 1000 raid points to his name in PKL. Maninder is among the most decorated raiders in the league’s history, as he stands right behind Pardeep Narwal with the most raid points. Maninder made his PKL debut in the inaugural season, i.e., in 2014 for the Jaipur Pink Panthers, but missed the next two seasons due to injury. He led Bengal Warriorz to title glory in 2019 and still plays for the same team. Maninder’s PKL numbers are insane, as he has featured in only 8 seasons and is inching closer to the 1500 raid points mark.
Matches
Total Raids
Raid Points
Super 10s
152
2431
1481
74
6. Naveen Kumar (Raider)
All the above names mentioned in the list have proved their mettle and created their legacies already. But this man, Naveen Kumar, is the best young prodigy in the league and is marching towards being among the greats of the league. Naveen Kumar is the current skipper of Dabang Delhi and has already put his hands on the coveted PKL trophy in the 2021 edition. The youngster made his PKL debut in 2018 for Dabang Delhi and has already held many records. Naveen is the fastest to breach the 1000 raid points barrier. He also holds the record for most consecutive Super 10s (28 Super 10s) in the league. Naveen Express has been prolific so far, and with age by his side, he has many miles to go.
Being an Indian tournament, it was obvious that Pro Kabaddi League should have been dominated by Indians. However, that is not the case with Irani superstar defender Fazel Atrachali. Fazel is among the most decorated defenders in this league. He stands tall at the top of the pile, with the most tackle points for a defender in PKL history. Having made his PKL debut for U Mumba in the second season, i.e., 2015, ‘Sultan’ Fazel has represented multiple teams, including the Patna Pirates, Gujarat Giants, Puneri Paltan, and currently leading Bengal Warriorz. Take a look at his prolific PKL numbers.
Matches
Total Tackles
Tackle Points
High 5s
179
897
517
31
8. Arjun Deshwal (Raider)
Another raider who has been making all the right noise in recent times is Arjun Deshwal. The current skipper of Jaipur Pink Panthers is the second fastest to breach the 1000 raid points mark, second to Naveen Kumar. Arjun holds the tag of ‘Raiding Machine’ courtesy of his ability to raid consistently for a long time. Having kicked off his career in 2018 for UMumba, Arjun is surely a superstar in the making.
Matches
Total Raids
Raid Points
Super 10s
100
1688
1047
57
9. Manjeet Chhillar (Defender)
When you talk about defense in Pro Kabaddi League, you can not miss out on the veteran Manjeet Chhillar. He is surely among the top 10 greatest players of Pro Kabaddi League. Manjeet held the record for most tackle points in PKL history while he was active. However, after parting ways with the league shortly after winning the coveted trophy with Dabang Delhi in 2021, Chhillar’s enduring record was broken by Fazel. That being said, he remains among one of the greatest defenders of the league.
Matches
Total Tackles
Tackle Points
High 5s
135
746
391
25
10. Deepak Niwas Hooda (All-Rounder)
Deepak Niwas Hooda is the only all-rounder in the list of 10 greatest players of Pro Kabaddi League history. Deepak Niwas Hooda had a decorated career for both India and PKL. He started his PKL journey in the inaugural season in 2014 for the Patna Pirates as a 20-year-old youngster and managed to feature for 9 seasons in a row. He was last seen playing for Jaipur Pink Panthers in 2022, but since then, he hasn’t attracted any franchises in the auctions. We hope to see him back next season, as his presence in the league will be a treat for every PKL fan.
