The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) continues to provide a platform for young Indian kabaddi players to showcase their skills and compete alongside some of the sport’s biggest names. As teams prepare for Season 13 in 2026, emerging raiders and defenders are expected to play an important role in shaping the competition. While established stars attract much of the attention, young players could become the surprise performers who change the outcome of crucial matches.
The previous season offered several encouraging signs for the future of Indian kabaddi. Young raiders demonstrated their attacking ability, while developing defenders showed that they could handle the pressure of professional competition. Ayan Lohchab, Deepak Sankar and Aditya Shinde are among the names worth following, based on their recent performances and potential.
Team recruitment has also created fresh opportunities for emerging talent. Telugu Titans have signed young players including Aryan Dhawale, Himanshu Lather, Laren Kumar and Prince Kumar. Tamil Thalaivas have added Suthil Darshan and Lakshay Suhag to their young-player group. These signings give fans more names to watch as the next season takes shape.
Although the final impact of these players will depend on squad selection, match opportunities and fitness, PKL 2026 could become an important season for the next generation of kabaddi stars.
Why Young Players Could Make a Difference in PKL 2026
Kabaddi is a game of speed, strength, tactical awareness and teamwork. A young player entering the professional league must adapt quickly to experienced opponents, different defensive formations and the pressure of close matches. Those who manage this transition can become valuable assets for their franchises.
For teams, developing younger players is not only about finding future stars. It is also about building squad depth. A reliable young raider can give a team more attacking options, while a disciplined defender can help maintain stability when senior players need rest.
The New Young Player (NYP) system is particularly important in this process. It allows franchises to identify promising domestic talent and invest in players who may develop into regular first-team performers. The success of these recruits will depend on coaching, fitness, match experience and the opportunities they receive throughout the season. Fans can also explore our PKL 2026 best all-rounder prediction to understand which qualities could help players contribute in both raiding and defending during the upcoming season.
With the next edition approaching, the following players and prospects deserve attention.
1. Ayan Lohchab: A Raider With Breakthrough Potential
Ayan Lohchab is one of the most exciting young raiders to watch after his impressive performance in PKL Season 12. According to the Pro Kabaddi League’s report on the 2026 Senior Nationals, he scored 316 raid points in Season 12, finishing among the league’s leading raiders.
That performance makes him a particularly interesting prospect for the upcoming season. His scoring record suggests that he can take responsibility in attack rather than simply appear as a supporting option. For a young player, consistently collecting points against experienced defensive units is an important achievement.
The challenge now will be maintaining that standard. Opponents are likely to study his movements, preferred raiding techniques and scoring patterns more carefully. He will need to continue improving his decision-making, escape skills and ability to score under pressure.
PKL 2026 prediction: Lohchab could remain one of the key young attacking players to follow. If he maintains his form and receives consistent support from his teammates, he could again compete among the league’s leading raiders.
2. Deepak Sankar: A Defensive Prospect to Watch
While raiders often receive the loudest applause, strong defence is equally important in deciding matches. Deepak Sankar is a name worth following after his performances for Bengaluru Bulls in Season 12.
He recorded 64 tackle points and was recognised as the New Young Player of the Season, according to the Pro Kabaddi League’s coverage of the 2026 Senior Nationals. That achievement highlights his potential to develop into a dependable defensive player.
A successful defender needs more than physical strength. Timing, coordination, positioning and communication are essential, particularly when facing raiders who use quick changes of direction and unexpected movements. Young defenders must also learn when to attempt an aggressive tackle and when to maintain their position.
Deepak’s next challenge will be to build on his previous campaign and remain consistent against teams that have studied his style. Improving coordination with fellow defenders could help him become even more influential.
PKL 2026 prediction: Deepak Sankar could be one of the young defensive players capable of making a significant contribution, especially if he continues to receive regular playing time.
3. Aditya Shinde: A Maharashtra Raider With Scoring Ability
Aditya Shinde is another promising name for kabaddi fans, particularly those following emerging talent from Maharashtra. The Pro Kabaddi League reported that he collected 159 raid points for Puneri Paltan in Season 12, including five super raids.
His scoring numbers suggest that he can contribute regularly while also producing big moments when a match demands a quick change in momentum. Super raids are particularly valuable because they can transform a close contest and put pressure on the opposition.
However, the next step for Shinde will be turning attacking potential into consistent performances across an entire season. Maintaining fitness, reading defensive formations and selecting the right moment to attack will be important factors.
Playing alongside experienced teammates can also help him improve his understanding of match situations. Learning when to take risks and when to secure a safe point can make a major difference in a tight contest.
PKL 2026 prediction: Shinde could become an important attacking option if he continues to develop his consistency and tactical awareness.
4. Aryan Dhawale: A New Opportunity With Telugu Titans
Aryan Dhawale is among the young players recruited by Telugu Titans ahead of Season 13. He has been identified as a right raider, giving the franchise another option to develop in attack.
For a young player joining a professional setup, the first objective is often to adapt to the speed and physical demands of the league. Training alongside experienced raiders can provide valuable lessons in footwork, bonus-point attempts, defensive reading and match management.
Telugu Titans have also recruited Laren Kumar, another right raider. Competition between young attackers could encourage both players to improve, while giving the coaching staff more choices when planning the team’s raiding combinations.
Dhawale’s actual role will depend on his performances during preparation, the final squad composition and the team’s tactical requirements. His signing alone does not guarantee regular match appearances, but it creates a pathway to professional development.
PKL 2026 prediction: Dhawale is a prospect to monitor, especially if Telugu Titans give their younger raiders opportunities during the season.
5. Himanshu Lather: A Defensive Addition for Telugu Titans
Telugu Titans have also recruited Himanshu Lather, identified as a right-corner defender. The right-corner position can be important when dealing with raiders who attack from different angles or attempt to escape after collecting a point.
For a developing defender, mastering tackle timing and coordination is essential. An early or poorly timed tackle can allow an opponent to escape, while a well-planned move can stop a raid and shift momentum towards the defending team.
Himanshu will need to demonstrate consistency in training and prove that he can adapt to the physical intensity of professional kabaddi. Working closely with cover defenders can help him improve the team’s defensive structure and reduce gaps that experienced raiders might exploit.
Young defenders sometimes need time to become comfortable with the pace of PKL matches. Patience from the coaching staff and regular tactical guidance could therefore be important to his development.
PKL 2026 prediction: Lather could emerge as a useful defensive option for Telugu Titans if he adapts quickly and earns opportunities on the mat.
6. Prince Kumar: Another Defensive Prospect
Prince Kumar is another young defender signed by Telugu Titans, reportedly playing in the left-corner position. His recruitment gives the team additional depth in a part of the defence that demands precise timing and strong coordination.
Left-corner defenders frequently face challenging situations when raiders try to exploit the edges of the defensive formation. They must identify the right moment to commit to a tackle while avoiding unnecessary risks that could give away easy points.
For Prince, the key opportunity will be learning from experienced professionals and adapting to the tactical demands of the league. His development may not immediately translate into headline performances, but defensive consistency can be just as valuable as spectacular raids.
PKL 2026 prediction: Prince Kumar is a player to watch as a developing defensive prospect, with his first season offering an opportunity to demonstrate his readiness for top-level competition.
7. Suthil Darshan: A Young Raider for Tamil Thalaivas
Tamil Thalaivas have signed Suthil Darshan as a New Young Player ahead of Season 13. The young raider gives the franchise another potential option as it continues to build its squad for the upcoming campaign.
A young raider’s biggest challenge is often learning to manage risk. Attempting too many aggressive raids can lead to unsuccessful returns, but playing too cautiously can reduce a team’s attacking pressure. Finding the right balance requires patience, match awareness and confidence.
For Darshan, working within the team’s attacking system will be an important part of his development. He will need to understand how to complement senior players, identify weaknesses in opposition defences and contribute when the team needs points.
PKL 2026 prediction: Darshan could become a useful squad option if he impresses during preparation and receives opportunities to demonstrate his skills.
8. Lakshay Suhag: A Defensive Prospect for Tamil Thalaivas
Lakshay Suhag has also been recruited by Tamil Thalaivas, with reports identifying him as a left-cover defender. His role differs from that of a corner defender, as cover players must coordinate closely with teammates and respond quickly to a raider’s movements.
Cover defenders need strong anticipation, body control and the ability to support a tackle without leaving gaps in the defensive formation. Their contribution can sometimes go unnoticed, but disciplined cover play can help a team prevent bonus points from turning into successful multi-point raids.
Joining a professional franchise offers Lakshay an opportunity to develop these skills under structured coaching. His progress will depend on how quickly he adapts to the team’s system and whether he can translate training performances into match-day contributions.
PKL 2026 prediction: Suhag is an emerging defender worth monitoring as Tamil Thalaivas continue to develop their younger squad members.
Young Kabaddi Players to Watch in PKL 2026: Comparison Table
The following table summarises the players’ positions, recent achievements or recruitment status, and the areas that could determine their impact.
| Player | Position | Key reason to watch |
| Ayan Lohchab | Raider | Strong scoring record in Season 12 |
| Deepak Sankar | Defender | 64 tackle points and NYP recognition |
| Aditya Shinde | Raider | 159 raid points in Season 12 |
| Aryan Dhawale | Right raider | New young signing for Telugu Titans |
| Himanshu Lather | Right corner | Defensive depth for Telugu Titans |
| Prince Kumar | Left corner | Additional defensive prospect |
| Suthil Darshan | Raider | Young-player signing for Tamil Thalaivas |
| Lakshay Suhag | Left cover | Defensive prospect for Tamil Thalaivas |
Note: Player roles and achievements are based on available reporting. The predictions are editorial assessments, not official league rankings or guarantees of playing time.
What Could Decide the Best Emerging Player of PKL 2026?
Individual talent is only one part of success in a professional kabaddi league. The most successful young players are usually those who combine technical ability with consistency, discipline and an understanding of team strategy.
Several factors could determine which emerging players make the biggest impression in Season 13.
- Consistency: Producing useful performances across several matches is more valuable than having one outstanding game.
- Fitness and recovery: Maintaining physical condition throughout a demanding schedule can help players remain available for selection.
- Tactical awareness: Understanding an opponent’s raiding patterns and defensive formations can create important scoring opportunities.
- Team chemistry: Young players who communicate well with experienced teammates may adapt more quickly to professional competition.
The coaching staff will also play a major role. Some prospects may receive regular opportunities early in the season, while others might spend time learning from senior players before entering the starting seven.
Which Teams Could Benefit Most From Young Talent?
Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas are particularly interesting teams to follow because their reported young-player recruitment has created additional options for the upcoming season. Telugu Titans have added players across raiding and defensive positions, while Tamil Thalaivas have recruited both a raider and a cover defender.
These signings could help the teams improve their squad depth and prepare for different match situations. However, the final outcome will depend on how the new recruits perform alongside established players and how effectively the coaching staff integrates them into the team’s strategy.
Other franchises could also discover breakout performers through their recruitment and development programmes. The auction, final squad announcements and pre-season preparations will provide a clearer picture of which young players have the strongest opportunities.
Final Prediction: Who Is the Young Star to Watch?
Ayan Lohchab stands out as a leading candidate among the young players discussed in this article because of his impressive scoring record in Season 12. Deepak Sankar is another strong prospect, particularly for fans interested in defensive performances, while Aditya Shinde offers an intriguing attacking option.
Among the newer recruits, Aryan Dhawale, Himanshu Lather, Prince Kumar, Suthil Darshan and Lakshay Suhag will be worth monitoring as their teams prepare for the season.
Ultimately, the most exciting emerging player may not necessarily be the one with the biggest reputation before the tournament begins. It could be a young athlete who takes advantage of an unexpected opportunity, delivers under pressure and becomes a regular contributor.
PKL 2026 has the potential to introduce another group of players to a wider audience. For kabaddi fans, following these developing talents could be just as exciting as watching established stars compete for the championship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who are the top emerging players to watch in PKL 2026?
Ayan Lohchab, Deepak Sankar and Aditya Shinde are among the leading young prospects based on their Season 12 performances. Aryan Dhawale, Himanshu Lather and other new recruits are also worth following.
2. Which young raider could perform well in PKL 2026?
Ayan Lohchab is a strong candidate after scoring 316 raid points in Season 12. Aditya Shinde is another player to watch following his 159-point campaign.
3. Who is a promising young defender for PKL 2026?
Deepak Sankar is a notable prospect after recording 64 tackle points in Season 12 and receiving New Young Player of the Season recognition.
4. Which teams have signed young players for PKL Season 13?
Telugu Titans have reportedly signed Aryan Dhawale, Himanshu Lather, Laren Kumar and Prince Kumar. Tamil Thalaivas have recruited Suthil Darshan and Lakshay Suhag.
5. Can young players become match-winners in PKL 2026?
Yes. Young players can influence matches through successful raids, important tackles and consistent performances. Their impact will depend on fitness, tactical understanding, team support and opportunities to play.
