India's men's kabaddi probable starting seven named for Asian Games 2026

India's men's kabaddi team has a probable starting seven ahead of the Asian Games in Japan in 2026, and the country has named a 12-player squad that will aim to defend its gold medal.

All the teams have arrived in Japan and are preparing for the competition, and Sunil Kumar has issued strong statements ahead of a likely matchup with rivals Iran. Matches between India and Iran have often been close and mostly favoured India, but Iran upset India in the semi-final of the 2018 Asian Games and went on to win gold by defeating South Korea in the final.

The projected starting seven combines two specialist raiders, an all-rounder, and four defenders: raiders Arjun Deshwal and Devank Dalal, all-rounder Pawan Sehrawat, and defenders Sunil Kumar (right cover/captain), Jaideep Dahiya (left cover), Sumit Sangwan (left corner) and Rahul Sethpal (right corner).

Sumit Sangwan makes his India debut after several strong seasons in domestic tournaments and the Pro Kabaddi League and is the frontrunner for the left-corner spot. Rahul Sethpal, a Haryana Steelers player in the Pro Kabaddi League, earned his first India call-up and is slated for the right-corner role, with Gaurav Khatri listed as his backup.

Jaideep Dahiya is the only left cover in the squad and arrives after standout performances in the Pro Kabaddi League and the Senior Nationals that secured his selection. Sunil Kumar, named captain for the first time, will occupy right cover; he was part of India’s gold-medal team at the 2022 Asian Games and is described in the squad discussion as one of the world’s top cover defenders. Pawan Sehrawat, who led India to the 2022 Asian Games title, has been named deputy captain and is noted for his experience and all-round ability, including defensive contributions when required.

Arjun Deshwal brings experience as a leading raider in the Pro Kabaddi League and domestic competitions and was a member of India’s 2022 gold-winning side. Devank Dalal, another debutant, finished as the best raider in PKL Season 11 and was the second-best raider in PKL 12; his strength and reach are cited as attributes that could make him India’s primary raider.

The kabaddi competition at the Asian Games 2026 runs from September 21 to 26, and India will be among the teams preparing to begin matches in Japan on that schedule.