Pro Kabaddi League 2021: From schedules, squads and live streaming details | Everything you need to know
The new season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is all set to commence from December 22 in Bangalore. A total of 12 teams will be fighting for the prestigious title in the five-week-long battle of the Pro Kabaddi League 2021 title.
The new season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is all set to commence from December 22 in Bangalore. A total of 12 teams will be fighting for the prestigious title in the five-week-long battle of the Pro Kabaddi League 2021 title.
Defending champions Bengal Warriors will have a tough fight to defend their title. Only Patna Pirates have been able to defend the Pro Kabaddi League title, not once but twice in season 4 and 5. Patna Pirates is the only team to win the hat-trick of Pro Kabaddi League titles.
The PKL Season 8 was earlier scheduled in 2020, but due to Covid 19 outbreak in the country, it got cancelled.
The contest for the winner of PKL season 8 begins on December 22, with the match between U Mumba and Bengaluru Bulls in Bangalore.
Here’s the complete list of teams with their squads.
Sahil Parakh, an emerging batter from Maharashtra, made his Indian Premier League debut for Delhi Capitals during their 2026 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.
The 18-year-old was handed his maiden cap as the franchise made changes to its playing XI, looking to test fresh talent in a crucial stage of the tournament.
Opens innings alongside KL Rahul
Parakh was included as an opening batter and partnered experienced wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul at the top. The move reflected Delhi Capitals’ intent to experiment with their batting combination and give exposure to young players in high-pressure games.
Short stay at the crease
The debut outing did not last long for the youngster, as he was dismissed early in the innings. Despite the brief appearance, the opportunity marked an important milestone in his career.
Promising name from domestic circuit
Parakh is a left-handed batter who has impressed in age-group and domestic cricket, earning attention for his performances at the state level. His selection in the Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2026 underlines the franchise’s focus on nurturing young talent for the future.
Praful Hinge is an emerging Indian fast bowler who grabbed attention after a remarkable debut in the Indian Premier League. Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the young pacer made headlines by taking three wickets in a single over, a rare and impactful feat in T20 cricket.
His performance came against Rajasthan Royals, where he turned the game with a decisive spell, announcing his arrival on the big stage.
Domestic cricket background
Hinge hails from Nagpur and has been associated with the Vidarbha cricket team in domestic cricket. Like many cricketers rising through India’s competitive system, his progress at the domestic level paved the way for his IPL opportunity.
While detailed statistics from his domestic career remain limited in public reports, his selection in the IPL reflects recognition of his potential and performances.
Bowling style and strengths
Praful Hinge is a right-arm fast bowler known for:
Maintaining a disciplined line and length
Ability to generate movement off the pitch
Effectiveness in short, impactful spells
His debut spell highlighted composure under pressure, especially in a high-intensity league like the IPL.
Breakthrough IPL moment
Making an immediate impact in the IPL is never easy, but Hinge’s three-wicket over on debut stands out as a defining moment. Performances like these often play a key role in shaping a young cricketer’s early career and gaining attention from teams and selectors.
A promising start
Praful Hinge’s debut has positioned him as a young fast bowler to watch. While it is still early in his career, such impactful performances suggest potential for further opportunities in domestic and franchise cricket.
Rising cricket prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is reportedly on the verge of earning his first senior India call-up following an impressive run in IPL 2026. The 15-year-old batter has been shortlisted for the upcoming India tour of Ireland, according to multiple reports.
The young Rajasthan Royals player has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about talents this season, delivering impactful performances that have caught the attention of selectors.
Strong performances boost selection chances
Sooryavanshi’s explosive batting in IPL 2026 has played a key role in pushing his case for national selection. Representing Rajasthan Royals, the teenager has consistently taken on top bowlers with confidence, showcasing both aggressive stroke play and maturity beyond his age.
Reports suggest he is among several young players being monitored for India’s Ireland tour, with selectors looking to test emerging talent in a relatively shorter series.
Could become youngest India debutant
If selected and given an opportunity, Sooryavanshi could script history by becoming one of the youngest players to represent India at the international level. At just 15, he would surpass long-standing age records set by former greats like Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16.
The potential milestone has added further excitement around the youngster, whose rapid rise through domestic and franchise cricket has been closely followed by fans and experts alike.
Future tours also on radar
Apart from the Ireland series, reports indicate that Sooryavanshi could also be considered for other upcoming assignments later in 2026, including a possible tour of Zimbabwe. His consistent performances and fearless approach have made him a strong contender for continued inclusion in India’s plans.
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