UP Yoddha picks Prashanth for ₹79 lakh

Prashanth Kumar Rai grabbed the spotlight on the second day of the ProKabaddi League (PKL) auction, picked up by UP Yoddha for ₹79 lakh against a base price of ₹12 lakh (for a Category B player). The 34-year-old became the seventh costliest star as the two-day auction concluded on Thursday.

Yoddha made the highest bid for any player on the day, more than the ₹76 lakh bid by Telugu Titans for Iranian defender Abozar Mohajermighani.

“This is an unforgettable day in my life. What more can a player ask for, except for this opportunity to play in a professional league. I need to give my best performance this season,” said Prashanth. Many players went unsold among the 422 in the auction pool, the biggest being Rakesh Kumar, the most expensive player in season one.

A big-match player for India in Asian Games and World Cups, Rakesh had represented Patna Pirates, U Mumba and Telugu Titans.

Right through the five seasons, Rakesh was an influential figure, taking charge on the mat and mentoring younger teammates.

The 12 teams completed their quota of players, 181 in all, spending ₹45.93 crore over two days.

Top five Category B domestic players (in ₹ lakh): 1. Prashanth Kumar Rai (79), 2. Ranjit Chandran (61.25); 3. Vikash Khandola (47), 4. Dharmaraj Cheralathan (46), 5. Vishal Mane (45).