The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) continues to attract attention from kabaddi fans who enjoy its combination of speed, strength, strategy and last-minute comebacks. As teams prepare for Season 13, raiders are expected to play a crucial role in deciding which franchises can compete for the championship. A reliable raider can change the momentum of a match within seconds, while a consistent attacking unit can help a team remain competitive throughout a demanding league campaign.
The PKL 2026 season offers several interesting names to watch, including established stars and emerging attacking talents. Players such as Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, Ashu Malik, Naveen Kumar and Ayan Lohchab could attract considerable attention because of their different raiding styles and previous performances. However, final squad selections, player fitness and team combinations will influence their opportunities.
This article examines ten raiders who could make a significant impact during PKL 2026. The ranking is a prediction based on previous league performances, playing style, experience and potential. It is not an official ranking, and the final order could change once the complete Season 13 squads and match performances are confirmed.
Why Raiders Will Be Important in PKL 2026
Raiding remains one of the most exciting aspects of professional kabaddi. Raiders must enter the opposition’s half, collect touch points, avoid tackles and return safely before the raid ends. They also need to understand defensive formations and recognise the right moment to attempt a bonus or multi-point raid.
Modern PKL teams increasingly depend on raiders who can contribute throughout a match rather than relying on occasional spectacular performances. Consistency becomes especially important when a team faces strong defensive combinations or loses its leading attacker to injury or poor form.
For Season 13, the biggest question is whether experienced stars can maintain their previous standards while younger players continue to develop. The following ten raiders represent a mixture of established performers and promising attacking options.
PKL 2026 Top 10 Raiders Prediction
1. Pawan Sehrawat – The High-Flying Attacking Threat
Pawan Sehrawat remains one of the most recognisable names in Indian kabaddi. Known for his explosive movement, quick acceleration and ability to collect points from difficult situations, he has repeatedly demonstrated why defenders must remain alert whenever he enters their half.
His attacking style combines speed with athletic ability. The running hand touch, sudden changes of direction and ability to exploit gaps between defenders can make him dangerous even when the opposition has prepared specifically to stop him. His experience in high-pressure matches is another advantage.
For PKL 2026, Pawan could be among the leading raiders if he receives sufficient playing time and maintains his fitness. His effectiveness will depend on how well his team manages his workload and provides attacking support. Although his peak performances can be spectacular, consistency and injury management will determine whether he can challenge for the top raiding position.
For a broader comparison of his attacking strengths, fans can read Pawan Sehrawat vs Arjun Deshwal: Who Could Be the Better Raider in PKL 2026? to understand how their playing styles, consistency, and match impact compare.
Prediction: A potential top-five raider if fitness and team support remain strong.
2. Arjun Deshwal – A Consistent Point Scorer
Arjun Deshwal has developed a reputation as a dependable attacking player who can produce points against different defensive systems. His balance, timing and ability to identify opportunities make him a serious contender whenever the conversation turns to the league’s leading raiders.
One of Arjun’s major strengths is his ability to adapt during a match. Rather than depending entirely on speed, he can use footwork, controlled movements and well-timed touches to create scoring opportunities. These qualities become valuable when defenders begin predicting a raider’s preferred techniques.
In the 2026 season, Arjun could again be a major attacking force if his team builds an effective system around him. His contribution will be particularly important in close matches, where a few successful raids can determine the result.
Prediction: One of the strongest candidates for a high raid-point total.
3. Ashu Malik – A Dangerous Multi-Point Raider
Ashu Malik has emerged as an important attacking name in the PKL conversation. His ability to collect points in quick succession makes him particularly dangerous when defenders are under pressure or when a match enters its decisive stages.
Ashu’s attacking approach can help a team recover from a difficult position. A successful raid against multiple defenders can change the scoreline and force the opposition to reconsider its defensive strategy. He can also benefit from situations in which the defence becomes too aggressive while trying to stop him.
His prospects for PKL 2026 will depend on his role within the final squad and whether he receives enough opportunities to lead the attack. If he maintains his confidence and improves his decision-making under pressure, Ashu could challenge for the league’s leading raider honours.
Prediction: A strong contender for a top-three finish if he maintains consistent form.
4. Naveen Kumar – The Reliable Speed Specialist
Naveen Kumar has built his reputation around speed, agility and the ability to score through well-timed raids. His quick movements can make it difficult for defenders to establish a secure grip, particularly when they react a fraction too late.
A fast raider can be especially effective against defensive units that rely on aggressive tackles. Naveen’s movement gives him the opportunity to touch a defender and retreat before the remaining players can close the space. His ability to keep the attack moving also helps reduce pressure on teammates.
For the upcoming campaign, Naveen’s fitness and match rhythm will be crucial. If he can maintain his pace across the season, he could become a major source of points for his side. His previous experience at the highest level should also help him manage difficult situations.
Prediction: A potential top-five performer with strong scoring upside.
5. Ayan Lohchab – A Young Raider to Watch
Ayan Lohchab is one of the most interesting attacking names to consider for PKL 2026. His performances for Patna Pirates in Season 12 made him an important player to watch, and his potential development could influence the league’s attacking competition.
Young raiders often bring energy, confidence and unpredictability. They may attempt techniques that experienced defenders have not encountered frequently, although maintaining that advantage requires discipline and regular improvement. Ayan’s opportunity will be to turn his attacking potential into sustained performance across an entire season.
His development could be particularly important if his team gives him a central role in the raiding unit. Strong support from teammates and the coaching staff could help him become more effective against experienced defensive combinations.
Prediction: One of the leading young-raider candidates, with the potential to challenge established stars.
6. Devank Dalal – An Attacker With Scoring Potential
Devank Dalal is another name worth monitoring as teams prepare for the new season. A raider’s value is not measured only by spectacular individual performances; the ability to maintain pressure, score in difficult situations and recover after unsuccessful raids is equally important.
Devank could become a valuable attacking option if he secures a regular role and develops a consistent rhythm. His performance will depend on how effectively he reads the opposition’s defensive shape and chooses between a safe touch and a higher-risk attempt.
For PKL 2026, the challenge will be translating his opportunities into reliable contributions. A strong opening run could increase his confidence and encourage the coaching staff to give him greater responsibility during important matches.
Prediction: A potential breakout performer if his role and playing time support regular scoring.
7. Pankaj Mohite – A Technical Raider With Upside
Pankaj Mohite has previously demonstrated his ability to contribute meaningfully to Puneri Paltan’s attacking unit. His raiding style makes him an interesting option for teams looking for a player who can combine technical execution with an attacking mindset.
Technical raiders can be particularly effective when the opposition defence is organised. Instead of forcing a risky movement, they look for small gaps, use footwork to create uncertainty and attempt touches when defenders lose their balance or position.
Pankaj’s prospects in the upcoming season will depend on his place in the final squad, his fitness and the number of raids he receives. If he is given a consistent role, he could deliver important points and strengthen his team’s attacking depth.
Prediction: A useful scoring option who could rise in the rankings with regular opportunities.
8. Mohit Goyat – A Dynamic Attacking Option
Mohit Goyat is known for his energetic approach and ability to contribute to a team’s attacking rhythm. His previous involvement with Puneri Paltan has given fans reasons to watch his development as a raider.
A player with Mohit’s style can help a team avoid becoming predictable. When one leading raider attracts most of the defensive attention, a second attacker can exploit the spaces that appear elsewhere. This makes the balance between a primary raider and supporting attackers an important part of team planning.
His performance in PKL 2026 will depend on how effectively he shares responsibility with other attacking players. If he can turn opportunities into regular points while limiting unsuccessful raids, Mohit could become an important contributor during the campaign.
Prediction: A strong supporting raider with the potential to produce match-changing performances.
9. Surender Gill – An Experienced Attacking Contender
Surender Gill has been an important raiding name associated with UP Yoddhas. His experience and attacking instincts make him a player worth considering when assessing potential performers for the next PKL season.
Experienced raiders can offer valuable stability because they understand how defensive formations change throughout a match. They are also better positioned to recognise when a team needs a safe raid rather than an ambitious attempt for multiple points.
For Surender, consistency and his role in the final team structure will be decisive. If he receives regular opportunities and develops a strong partnership with the other attackers, he could help his side remain competitive against the league’s strongest defences.
Prediction: A possible top-ten contender if he maintains his form and receives sufficient opportunities.
10. Pardeep Narwal – The Experienced Star
Pardeep Narwal remains one of the most celebrated raiders in PKL history. His reputation is built on his attacking instincts, ability to score multiple points and memorable performances across previous seasons.
His signature dubki technique helped make him a household name among kabaddi followers. Although opponents have become increasingly sophisticated in their defensive planning, Pardeep’s experience and understanding of the game remain important assets.
His position in the 2026 prediction depends on his final squad status, fitness and expected playing time. Past achievements alone cannot guarantee a leading position in a new campaign, especially when younger raiders are competing for the same opportunities. Nevertheless, if Pardeep finds his rhythm, he could produce important performances and remind fans of his attacking quality.
Prediction: An experienced player who could surprise the competition if he receives a suitable role.
PKL 2026 Top Raiders Comparison Table
The following table summarises the predicted strengths of the ten players. The ratings are qualitative assessments for this preview, not official statistics or projected raid-point totals.
| Rank | Raider | Main strength | Season 13 outlook |
| 1 | Pawan Sehrawat | Explosive movement | Potential top-five finisher |
| 2 | Arjun Deshwal | Consistent scoring | Leading contender |
| 3 | Ashu Malik | Multi-point raids | Potential top-three challenger |
| 4 | Naveen Kumar | Speed and agility | Strong scoring potential |
| 5 | Ayan Lohchab | Youth and attacking potential | Breakout candidate |
| 6 | Devank Dalal | Attacking development | Potential rising performer |
| 7 | Pankaj Mohite | Technical raiding | Valuable scoring option |
| 8 | Mohit Goyat | Dynamic supporting attack | Match-impact potential |
| 9 | Surender Gill | Experience and timing | Possible top-ten finisher |
| 10 | Pardeep Narwal | Experience and attacking skill | Potential comeback performer |
Four Factors That Could Decide the Top Raider Race
Several factors will determine which players finish the season with the highest raid-point totals. Individual talent matters, but the structure of a team’s attack can be just as important.
- Fitness and availability: A player who remains available throughout the campaign has more opportunities to build a high scoring total. Recovery and workload management will be essential.
- Team support: Strong supporting raiders can prevent defenders from focusing on a single player. Better attacking balance can create more scoring opportunities.
- Defensive matchups: Some raiders perform better against aggressive defences, while others excel against teams that maintain a compact formation. Adaptability will be crucial.
- Performance under pressure: Close matches and high-stakes encounters require good decisions. Raiders who balance risk with safe scoring opportunities can become more consistent.
Which Raider Could Finish as the PKL 2026 Top Scorer?
Predicting the leading raider before the season is difficult because scoring depends on more than individual ability. The number of matches played, the team’s tactical approach and the strength of the supporting attack can all influence the final statistics.
Arjun Deshwal, Pawan Sehrawat and Ashu Malik stand out as interesting contenders in this preview because of their attacking capabilities and potential to influence matches. Ayan Lohchab is another name to watch because young players can make significant progress when they receive greater responsibility.
Naveen Kumar could also enter the conversation if he maintains his fitness and scoring rhythm. Meanwhile, experienced players such as Pardeep Narwal could make the prediction more interesting if they find the right environment for a strong campaign.
Ultimately, the most likely top scorer will be the player who combines regular appearances, efficient raids and consistent decision-making. A spectacular performance in one match may attract attention, but sustained scoring across the season is what usually separates a leading raider from the rest.
How Young Raiders Could Change the Competition
The next generation of raiders could be one of the most interesting storylines of PKL 2026. Established stars bring experience and tactical awareness, but younger players often bring fresh movement patterns and a willingness to take calculated risks.
Players such as Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal could benefit from increased responsibility, depending on their teams’ final plans. Regular exposure to experienced defenders can also help young raiders improve their timing, balance and ability to escape tackles.
Competition for places is another important factor. When a team has several capable raiders, players must perform consistently to retain their roles. This internal competition can improve the quality of the attack and give coaches more options when a match becomes difficult.
However, potential should not be confused with guaranteed success. Young players may experience changes in form as opponents study their preferred techniques. Their ability to adapt during the season will determine whether they become regular scoring threats.
Conclusion
PKL 2026 could provide another exciting contest between established raiding stars and emerging attackers. Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar are among the prominent names to watch, while Ayan Lohchab and Devank Dalal could attract attention through further development.
Pankaj Mohite, Mohit Goyat, Surender Gill and Pardeep Narwal also bring qualities that could make them important contributors, depending on their final team roles and opportunities.
Although this predicted top-ten list offers a starting point for discussion, the real competition will be decided on the mat. Fitness, team combinations, tactical adjustments and consistency will determine who emerges as the leading raider of the season.
For fans, the most exciting possibility is that the final leaderboard may include both familiar superstars and players who are still building their reputations. That uncertainty is part of what makes the Pro Kabaddi League such a compelling competition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the predicted No. 1 raider for PKL 2026?
Pawan Sehrawat is ranked first in this prediction because of his explosive attacking style and previous achievements. However, Arjun Deshwal and Ashu Malik could also challenge for the top position.
2. Which players could become the top scorers in PKL 2026?
Pawan Sehrawat, Arjun Deshwal, Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar are among the leading candidates in this preview. Their final rankings will depend on fitness, team roles and performances during the season.
3. Is Ayan Lohchab a player to watch in PKL 2026?
Yes. Ayan Lohchab is an interesting young raider to follow after his performances for Patna Pirates in Season 12. His progress will depend on the opportunities and responsibilities he receives.
4. Can Pardeep Narwal return to his best form?
A strong campaign is possible, but it cannot be guaranteed. His fitness, final squad position and playing time will influence his chances of producing a successful season.
5. What makes a raider successful in the Pro Kabaddi League?
A successful raider combines speed, footwork, balance, tactical awareness and effective decision-making. Consistency, fitness and the ability to adapt to different defensive strategies are equally important.
