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Raid and rule KCL’s five raiders ready to steal the show
From explosive bids to home heroes, kabaddi’s sharpest raiders take centre mat.
MUMBAI: If kabaddi is theatre, raiders are its lead actors and the Kabaddi Champions League is lining up a cast built for drama. As the inaugural KCL season tips off on 25 January 2026, attention is firmly on the men who turn a single touch into momentum, noise and points. Fast feet, quicker thinking and nerves of steel will decide games, and this season’s raiding roster promises plenty of edge-of-the-seat moments.
Topping the watchlist is Devank Dalal, the auction headline-maker who commanded the highest bid and now carries the weight of expectation. Dalal raids with purpose and pace, forcing defences to retreat even before the whistle settles. Every foray feels like a statement, and KCL will be his stage to justify the spotlight.
Home support could prove a powerful ally for Ayan Lochab, who begins the season in Sonipat with a crowd ready to roar him on. Known for fearless footwork and split-second acceleration, Lochab thrives on bold calls. When confidence meets backing from the stands, kabaddi tends to crackle.
Then there is Surender Gill, a raider who makes timing look effortless. Gill’s strength lies in calm execution under pressure, picking his moment and striking when it matters most. His raids may not always be loud, but they often tilt matches in decisive ways.
Ashu Malik arrives with momentum built on steady growth and a reputation for breaking tackles that look watertight. High-energy and unafraid to take risks, Malik has become a crowd favourite, especially when points are needed late in the contest.
Rounding off the list is Rohit Gulia, whose experience brings balance to chaos. Gulia reads defensive shapes with a veteran’s eye, finding gaps others miss and delivering points with minimum fuss when games tighten.
Together, these five capture what the KCL aims to showcase, speed, skill and spectacle. From lightning raids to chess-like manoeuvres on the mat, they are set to define the league’s early identity. If the opening season is about announcing intent, these raiders look ready to do it one point at a time.
