Legendary Pardeep Narwal retires after going unsold in Pro Kabaddi League auction

India Today

2 days ago

In an emotional revelation during a live interview, kabaddi legend Pardeep Narwal confirmed his retirement from professional play after going unsold in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 auction.The 28-year-old, a three-time PKL champion and widely regarded as one of the greatest raiders in the league's history, was overlooked by all franchises during the two-day auction. Despite expectations that he would be picked on Day 2, especially by former teams like UP Yoddhas, Patna Pirates, or Bengaluru Bulls, no bids were made.advertisementSpeaking on an Instagram Live session, Narwal said he wasn't initially upset but had expected at least one team to show interest. 'Honestly, I didn't feel much at that moment. I was like, 'Okay, maybe someone will definitely bid,'' he said.
Narwal acknowledged that recent seasons had not lived up to his own high standards. 'When I played for Patna earlier, I used to score 200–300 points. Now even 111 or 122 doesn't feel enough. I want to score 15–16 points per match, not just 3–4,' he reflected.The man known as the 'Dubki King' admitted that opposition defenders have now adapted to his signature move, and age has played a role in slowing him down. 'Defenders prepare specially for me. Everyone watches videos, and yes, skills decline a little with time,' he said.advertisementWhile he still managed over 100 points last season for Bengaluru Bulls, Narwal has decided to step away from the playing mat — not with regret, but with gratitude. 'Kabaddi has given me everything. My family told me, 'You've got your name, your achievements — just be happy,'' he shared.Narwal also confirmed that his focus now shifts to coaching. 'I'll stay connected to kabaddi. I'm interested in coaching — I already train kids in my village,' he said, firmly stating that fans should accept this as his retirement as a player.Debuting in PKL Season 2 with Bengaluru Bulls, Narwal became a household name with Patna Pirates, where he led the team to three consecutive titles and became the league's first player to surpass 1,000 raid points. His aggressive raiding style, combined with his iconic dubki move, redefined kabaddi for a generation of fans.With 1,801 raid points across 190 matches, Pardeep Narwal leaves behind a legacy few can match — not just in numbers, but in impact.While the curtain has fallen on his playing career, the next chapter for Pardeep Narwal — perhaps as a coach or mentor — is just beginning.