Indian raider Arjun Deshwal was acquired by Tamil Thalaivas for Rs 1.405 crore during the Pro Kabaddi League Auction 2025 in Mumbai on Saturday.
Renowned for his relentless raiding and exceptional accuracy, Arjun has earned the moniker ‘Raid-machine’. The 25-year-old from Basea, Uttar Pradesh, was named MVP in Season 9, leading Jaipur Pink Panthers to its second PKL title.
With 1,174 raid points from 114 matches, Deshwal has firmly established himself as one of the league’s iconic raiders. Despite scoring 230 points at an impressive average of 9.86, the Panthers made the surprising decision to release him ahead of the auction, raising many eyebrows.
Deshwal now joins another star raider, India captain Pawan Sehrawat, in the Thalaivas’ attacking line-up, with Pawan being brought in for under Rs 60 lakh during the auction.