The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has become one of India’s most exciting franchise-based sporting competitions, and player auctions continue to attract considerable attention from kabaddi fans. As teams prepare their squads for the 2026 season, one major question stands out: who could become the most expensive player in PKL 2026?
The competition for elite raiders, dependable defenders and versatile all-rounders could create another major bidding battle. Established stars bring experience and proven performances, while younger players offer the promise of long-term success. If multiple franchises compete for the same player, the final price could rise significantly.
The previous auction has already established a strong financial benchmark. According to the official Pro Kabaddi League auction summary, the Season 12 auction in 2025 recorded total spending of ₹37.90 crore, with 121 players acquired. Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh emerged as the headline signing at ₹2.23 crore, narrowly ahead of Devank Dalal’s reported ₹2.205 crore deal. These figures provide an important reference point for predicting the next auction’s biggest signing.
However, the identity of the most expensive player in 2026 will depend on player availability, retention decisions, franchise budgets and the needs of individual teams. Here is a closer look at the leading candidates and the factors that could determine the next record-breaking deal.
PKL 2026 Auction: Why Could Player Prices Increase?
Player prices in the Pro Kabaddi League depend on more than reputation. Teams evaluate recent performances, fitness, consistency, tactical suitability and the ability to deliver results under pressure. A player who can change the outcome of a match may attract more interest than someone with impressive statistics but an inconsistent record. Franchises must also consider defensive strength when building a balanced squad, so exploring our guide to the PKL Best Defensive Combination Prediction can help readers understand how defensive partnerships may influence team strategy and auction decisions.
The 2025 auction demonstrated how quickly prices can rise when several teams compete for elite talent. Shadloui’s ₹2.23 crore signing and Devank Dalal’s multi-crore deal showed that franchises are willing to invest heavily in players who can influence their campaigns.
The growing importance of team balance could also shape the 2026 auction. Some franchises may prioritise a reliable lead raider, while others may look for an all-rounder who contributes in both attack and defence. Teams with a major gap in their starting seven could be prepared to spend a large portion of their available budget on one standout player.
Another important factor is player retention. If leading stars remain with their existing franchises, they may not enter the open auction pool. Consequently, the most expensive player prediction must account for the players actually available to be signed rather than assuming that every major name will be auctioned.
Top Contenders for the Most Expensive Player in PKL 2026
1. Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh: The Strongest Record-Based Candidate
Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh should remain among the leading candidates in any prediction based on recent auction history. The Iranian all-rounder was purchased by Gujarat Giants for ₹2.23 crore in the 2025 auction, making him the most expensive player of that auction.
Shadloui’s value comes from his ability to contribute defensively while offering additional tactical options to his team. His experience in high-pressure matches and reputation as a versatile performer make him an attractive player for franchises seeking more than a specialist defender.
An all-rounder of his quality can help a team improve its defensive structure, create pressure on opposition raiders and contribute to crucial moments. This versatility can make a player particularly valuable because the franchise is investing in several dimensions of performance rather than just one role.
If Shadloui becomes available in the 2026 auction, he could again attract bids above ₹2 crore. However, repeating or surpassing his previous price would depend on the number of interested franchises and their remaining budgets.
Prediction: Shadloui is one of the strongest candidates to challenge the ₹2.23 crore benchmark, provided he enters the auction pool.
2. Pawan Sehrawat: A Potential Record-Breaking Raider
Pawan Sehrawat has previously demonstrated the extraordinary demand that a proven raider can generate at a PKL auction. In 2023, Telugu Titans secured him for ₹2.60 crore, establishing a major auction benchmark at the time.
His attacking ability, speed and capacity to collect multiple raid points make him a potential game-changing signing. Teams searching for a lead raider may consider him an attractive option because a successful attacking unit can place sustained pressure on opposition defences.
A franchise without a reliable first-choice raider might be particularly interested in securing his services. The presence of other attacking players could also allow a team to build a more balanced raiding unit around an experienced star.
Nevertheless, a high auction price is not guaranteed. Fitness, recent form, availability and the team’s salary budget would all influence his value. If he is retained or otherwise unavailable, he cannot compete for the highest open-auction bid.
Prediction: Pawan Sehrawat could challenge the record if multiple teams compete for him, but his 2026 auction availability must be confirmed.
3. Devank Dalal: A Young Raider With Big-Money Potential
Devank Dalal established himself as one of the most talked-about players during the 2025 auction. Bengal Warriorz secured him for a reported ₹2.205 crore after his strong performances as a raider.
His previous auction price shows how much franchises value attacking players who can take responsibility during important moments. A productive lead raider can influence the tempo of a match, help a team recover from difficult situations and provide a dependable source of points.
Devank’s age profile and potential for further development could also make him attractive to teams planning beyond a single season. However, franchises will need to consider whether his recent performances justify another premium investment.
His potential price would depend on his availability and how teams assess his consistency, fitness and role within their tactical plans.
Prediction: Devank could return to the centre of the bidding battle if he becomes available and demonstrates continued high-level performance.
4. Ashu Malik: A Reliable Attacking Option
Ashu Malik is another important name to consider when discussing the next major PKL auction signing. Dabang Delhi K.C. secured him for ₹1.90 crore through the Final Bid Match mechanism during the 2025 auction.
His value lies in his ability to take responsibility in attack and contribute to a team’s scoring plans. A reliable raider can be particularly important for franchises that struggle to maintain pressure throughout a match.
Teams also evaluate how well a player fits into a larger attacking system. A raider who works effectively with supporting players, understands match situations and avoids unnecessary risks can offer considerable value over a long campaign.
If Ashu becomes available in the 2026 auction, his previous price could provide a starting reference for expectations. Still, his actual value would depend on competition between franchises and their priorities.
Prediction: Ashu Malik could attract a high bid, although exceeding ₹2 crore would depend on market demand.
5. Arjun Deshwal: Experience and Consistent Attacking Threat
Arjun Deshwal remains a notable candidate because of his experience and reputation as a dangerous raider. He attracted a reported ₹1.405 crore bid from Tamil Thalaivas in the 2025 auction.
An experienced raider can offer more than individual points. Match awareness, decision-making under pressure and the ability to recognise defensive weaknesses can help a franchise improve its overall attacking performance.
For teams rebuilding their squads, Arjun could be a valuable option if he becomes available. His presence may help younger attackers develop while providing the coaching staff with a recognised offensive leader.
However, franchises will need to balance his potential contribution against other available raiders and their remaining budgets. A bidding war could push his price upward, but a record-breaking amount would require strong competition.
Prediction: Arjun could be among the leading Indian raiders in the auction, depending on his availability and recent form.
PKL 2026 Most Expensive Player Prediction: Comparison Table
The following table compares potential contenders using their previous auction prices as reference points. These figures are historical auction results, not confirmed 2026 bids.
| Player | Previous auction reference | Main strength | Record potential |
| Mohammadreza Shadloui | ₹2.23 crore (2025) | All-round contribution | Very high |
| Pawan Sehrawat | ₹2.60 crore (2023) | Attacking ability | Very high |
| Devank Dalal | ₹2.205 crore (2025) | Raiding potential | Very high |
| Ashu Malik | ₹1.90 crore (2025) | Attacking consistency | High |
| Arjun Deshwal | ₹1.405 crore (2025) | Experience and raiding | High |
Note: The previous auction price for Pawan Sehrawat is from 2023, while the other listed prices refer to the 2025 auction. These are not directly comparable market valuations because the players were sold in different auction cycles.
Could a Young Kabaddi Player Break the Auction Record?
Established stars are not the only players capable of attracting major bids. Emerging players could also become surprise contenders if they demonstrate exceptional performances and show that they can handle the demands of professional kabaddi.
Franchises increasingly need to think about the future as well as immediate results. Investing in a promising young raider or defender can provide several seasons of potential value. This becomes particularly attractive when a player combines athletic ability with tactical awareness and consistent performances.
Young raiders who can score under pressure may receive special attention from teams that lack a dependable attacking leader. Similarly, a young defender with strong tackling skills and the ability to work effectively within a defensive unit could become an unexpected auction favourite.
However, predicting a record-breaking young player is more difficult than evaluating an established star. Limited experience, performance consistency and adaptation to the professional level introduce additional uncertainty.
Three factors could help a young player attract an unusually high bid:
- Recent performance: Strong scoring or defensive contributions can increase a player’s appeal.
- Long-term potential: Franchises may invest more in players who could remain valuable for several seasons.
- Competition between teams: Multiple franchises pursuing the same emerging talent can push the final bid higher.
An unexpected young-player signing could therefore become one of the biggest stories of the 2026 auction, even if the eventual winner is an established star.
How Team Strategy Could Decide the Highest Bid
Auction spending is closely connected to squad planning. A franchise with a strong defence but a weak raiding unit may prioritise an attacking star. Another team could focus on an all-rounder who improves its defensive options while supporting the raiders.
The available purse is equally important. A franchise that has already committed significant money to retained players may have less flexibility than a team entering the auction with fewer major commitments. Even if both teams rate a player highly, only one may be able to sustain an aggressive bidding battle.
The Final Bid Match mechanism can also affect the situation when applicable. The rule allows franchises to retain eligible released players by matching a competing bid under the relevant auction conditions. That can influence the amount of money available for other targets.
Ultimately, the highest bid may not necessarily produce the strongest team. The 2025 auction offers a useful reminder: Shadloui and Devank attracted the two biggest headline prices, but individual spending alone does not guarantee championship success. Teams must still build a balanced squad with dependable raiders, disciplined defenders and suitable support players.
Could PKL 2026 Break the ₹2.60 Crore Benchmark?
The ₹2.60 crore price paid for Pawan Sehrawat in 2023 provides an important historical reference for any discussion about a potential auction record. The ₹2.23 crore price paid for Shadloui in 2025 demonstrates that bids above ₹2 crore remain possible for elite players.
Whether the next auction surpasses ₹2.60 crore will depend on several conditions. The presence of multiple high-budget franchises, the availability of marquee players and the urgency of teams seeking a lead raider could all contribute to a record-breaking bid.
There is also a difference between a player receiving the highest bid and a franchise making the best investment. A team that spends heavily on one star must ensure that enough budget remains to build a competitive supporting lineup.
For fans, the most interesting possibility is a bidding contest between franchises that have different tactical needs but share the same target. Such a situation could push the price beyond previous expectations.
At this stage, a new record remains a prediction rather than a confirmed outcome. The official auction list, player availability and final bids will determine whether PKL 2026 creates another milestone.
Final Prediction: Who Could Become the Most Expensive PKL 2026 Player?
Based on previous auction prices and playing roles, Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh is a strong candidate to challenge the next auction’s top price if he becomes available. His all-round ability and previous ₹2.23 crore valuation give him a compelling historical case.
Pawan Sehrawat is another major contender because his previous ₹2.60 crore signing demonstrates his record-setting auction potential. Devank Dalal also deserves attention after attracting a price above ₹2 crore in 2025.
However, no single player can be declared the likely winner with certainty before the available player pool and auction conditions are confirmed. An emerging star could also change the picture if several franchises decide that investing in young talent is their best long-term strategy.
For now, the most reasonable prediction is that an established raider or versatile all-rounder could lead the bidding battle. Whether the final price crosses ₹2.60 crore will depend on the competition between franchises and the value they place on securing their preferred player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who could be the most expensive player in PKL 2026?
Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, Pawan Sehrawat and Devank Dalal are possible contenders based on their previous auction valuations. The final result will depend on who is available and which teams compete for them.
2. What was the highest price in the PKL 2025 auction?
Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh was the most expensive player of the 2025 auction, joining Gujarat Giants for ₹2.23 crore, according to the official Pro Kabaddi League auction summary.
3. Could Pawan Sehrawat break the PKL auction record again?
It is possible if he becomes available and attracts strong competition. He previously received a ₹2.60 crore bid from Telugu Titans in 2023. That historical price does not guarantee a similar bid in 2026.
4. Could a young player become the most expensive signing?
Yes. A young player with exceptional performances, long-term potential and interest from multiple franchises could attract a substantial bid. However, predicting an individual young player to break the record remains speculative.
5. What determines a player’s auction price in PKL?
Recent performance, fitness, experience, tactical suitability, player availability, team purse and competition between franchises all influence auction prices.
