Pardeep Narwal Announces Shock Retirement After Going Unsold in Pro Kabaddi Season 12 Auction

In a surprising turn of events, Pardeep Narwal, fondly known as the “Dubki King,” has announced his retirement from professional kabaddi. This decision comes shortly after he went unsold in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction, leaving fans and the kabaddi community in disbelief. For many, this marks the end of an unforgettable chapter in Indian kabaddi history.

A Glorious Career Comes to an Unexpected Halt

Pardeep Narwal’s journey in the PKL has been nothing short of legendary. Debuting in 2015, he quickly rose to prominence with his exceptional raiding skills, particularly his signature move, the “dubki.” Over his career, he amassed a record-breaking 1,801 raid points in 190 matches, making him the highest scorer in PKL history. His tenure with the Patna Pirates was especially noteworthy, leading the team to three consecutive championships from Seasons 3 to 5.

Despite his illustrious career, the PKL 2025 auction saw Narwal go unsold, a development that shocked fans and analysts alike. Speculations arose regarding team strategies focusing on younger talent, his age, and potential fitness concerns. Nevertheless, the absence of bids for a player of Narwal’s caliber was unforeseen. It also made many fans wonder whether performance is the only metric in team selection or if other politics are at play.

The Emotional Retirement Announcement

On June 2, 2025, just a day after the auction, Narwal took to Instagram Live to announce his retirement. In an emotional revelation, he 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.

Narwal also expressed his surprise at going unsold, stating, “Honestly, I didn’t feel much at that moment. I was like, ‘Okay, maybe someone will definitely bid.’” He went on to add that he waited till the last round, hoping for at least one team to show interest. Unfortunately, that moment never came.

Despite the disappointment, he emphasized his desire to focus on coaching and nurturing future talent in kabaddi. For him, it’s not the end of being involved in the sport, but rather a shift in how he wishes to contribute.

A Mix of Shock and Gratitude

The news of Narwal’s retirement sent shockwaves through the kabaddi community. Fans across social media platforms expressed their disbelief and sorrow over the news. Many compared Narwal to cricketing legends like Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni, crediting him with popularizing kabaddi in India. One fan remarked, “He made Kabaddi famous,” while another stated, “He’ll always be our hero.”

Kabaddi fans in smaller towns, where Narwal is especially admired, were particularly heartbroken. “We saw our own lives in him,” said one fan from Haryana. “He came from the soil, from the same struggles as us. His retirement feels personal.”

Some fans even posted emotional videos, crying and calling the decision unfair. On Instagram, a reel featuring influencer Sunil Taneja talking about Narwal’s retirement went viral, gathering lakhs of views and thousands of comments. This emotional reaction shows how deep an impact Narwal had beyond the court.

Legacy of the ‘Dubki King’

Pardeep Narwal’s impact on kabaddi extends beyond his impressive statistics. Known for his agility and strategic gameplay, he revolutionized the role of a raider in the sport. His signature move, the “dubki,” became a symbol of his dominance on the mat. Narwal’s contributions played a significant role in elevating the popularity of kabaddi in India, inspiring countless young athletes to take up the sport.

His records speak volumes about his prowess:

• First player to cross 1,800 raid points in PKL history.
• Holds the record for most raid points in a single match (34).
• Led Patna Pirates to three consecutive PKL titles.
• Most Super 10s in PKL history.

Narwal was not just a star; he was the face of modern kabaddi. Whether it was his humble smile or his fierce determination, he had an aura that inspired millions. His popularity also helped PKL grow as a televised sport in India.

A New Chapter: Coaching and Mentorship

While Narwal’s playing days have come to an end, his journey in kabaddi is far from over. He has expressed a keen interest in coaching and developing young talent. By sharing his experience and knowledge, Narwal aims to contribute to the growth of kabaddi at the grassroots level. His transition from player to mentor holds promise for the future of the sport in India.

He also hinted at starting his own kabaddi academy. “I want to train youngsters who may not get chances easily. Talent is there in every village, they just need support,” he said in his live session.

A Cultural Icon in Indian Sports

Pardeep Narwal’s journey is also a reflection of the changing face of Indian sports. Coming from a small town in Haryana, he made it big on the national stage without any Bollywood glamour or elite connections. In many homes, especially in rural India, Narwal was a household name. Children practiced his dubki in dusty fields, and elders watched his matches with pride.

Narwal proved that you don’t need to come from a metro city to become a legend. His story will remain an inspiration for those who dream big despite limited means. It is this emotional connection that makes his retirement feel like a personal loss to many.

Pardeep Narwal’s retirement marks a significant moment in the history of the Pro Kabaddi League. His unparalleled achievements and influence have shaped the league into what it is today. As fans bid farewell to the “Dubki King,” they celebrate the legacy of a player who redefined kabaddi and brought it into the limelight. While the mat may no longer witness his iconic raids, Narwal’s spirit and contributions will continue to resonate within the kabaddi community.

India will miss watching him live, but his story, struggles, and success will be told for years in every kabaddi ground. Pardeep may have left the court, but his journey is far from over.