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The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 is gearing up to kick off on Friday, October 18, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. The 11th edition of the league, which will be held across just three venues, Hyderabad, Noida, and Pune, promises to deliver thrilling action with both veteran stars and fresh talent set to make their mark.
Despite the star-studded lineup, there are a few notable absentees who will miss PKL 11. Several big names failed to secure bids during the auction, while others have decided to step away from the sport.
Here’s a look at three such players who will be absent from the upcoming season.
#3 Rahul Chaudhari
Rahul Chaudhari, once the poster boy of Pro Kabaddi, will not feature in PKL 11. Known as the "showman" for his charismatic raiding style, Rahul was one of the biggest attractions in the early years of the league. His performances for Telugu Titans made him a household name, and with 1045 raid points in 154 matches, he remains one of the most successful raiders in PKL history.
Despite his early success, Rahul’s form has dipped in recent seasons. After failing to replicate his past heroics, he managed to secure his first PKL title with Jaipur Pink Panthers in Season 9, though he played a limited role in that campaign.
In Season 10, he featured in just four matches for the Pink Panthers, and his declining influence on the mat saw him go unsold in the PKL 11 auction.
#2 Vishal Bhardwaj
Vishal Bhardwaj’s name missing from the PKL 11 roster is one of the more surprising developments. Known for his fearless defending at the left corner, Vishal has been a force in PKL, particularly during his time with the Telugu Titans. He amassed 324 tackle points at an impressive average of 2.75 tackles per game IN 118 matches, making him one of the most feared defenders in the league.
Vishal moved to Dabang Delhi KC in Season 10, where he continued to perform well, contributing 36 tackle points in 19 matches. Despite his solid performances, Vishal was left without a team at the PKL 11 auction, a surprising outcome given his impact on the defensive end.
Despite his experience and strong track record, Vishal will be watching this season from the sidelines.
#1 Girish Ernak
Veteran defender Girish Maruti Ernak has decided to step away from the PKL stage ahead of Season 11, bringing an end to a storied career. One of the most lethal left corners in PKL history, Girish earned a reputation for his aggression in defense.
His tally of 362 tackle points in 147 matches, at an average of 2.46 tackles per game, makes him the fourth-highest-scoring defender in PKL history.
Having been a part of the league since its inception, Girish’s contributions were crucial across several seasons, though he, like Vishal, never won a PKL title. Last season, he played for U Mumba but saw limited action, featuring in just four matches. His decision to retire before the PKL 11 auction marks the end of an era for the veteran defender.
