India's probable starting seven for Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026
India's men's kabaddi team has a probable starting seven in place for the Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship 2026 as the inaugural tournament approaches, scheduled to run from October 23 to 31. The national side has named a 14-member squad that excludes 12 players from India’s Asian Games 2026 gold-winning unit, with management resting several regulars.
The tournament schedule has been announced and all participating teams have named their squads ahead of the October opening. The selectors filled the India roster largely from performers in the Pro Kabaddi League and the Senior National Kabaddi Championship, and the federation has described the 14-player group as one that will aim to win the inaugural edition. Fans will expect the team to perform at a level comparable to the Asian Games side despite the omission of those 12 established players.
Nitesh Kumar is the likeliest occupant of the left-corner position and will make his international debut in the competition. Over the last two seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League he has been described as one of the country’s best defenders, earning the title Best Defender of the Season in PKL 11 and finishing third among the most tackle-point scorers.
Shubham Shinde, who missed out on selection for the Asian Games 2026, is most likely to take the right-corner role after finally earning a place in the national squad. Parvesh Bhainswal is pencilled in at left cover; he was part of India’s gold-winning team at the 2022 Asian Games but was not selected for the Asian Games 2026 and has another chance to showcase his abilities and reclaim his place in the team.
Surjeet Singh will captain the side from right cover; he was a member of India’s 2022 Asian Games gold-winning squad but was not included in the Asian Games 2026 selection and returns for this event. All-rounder Bharat Hooda will make his international debut; he represents Telugu Titans in the Pro Kabaddi League, raids from both sides and also contributes to tackles when raiders attempt to score bonus points on the left side.
Aditya Shinde is the frontrunner for the left-raider spot after emerging as one of the top raiders following PKL 12, when he helped Puneri Paltan reach the final, and also impressed in domestic tournaments; he will make his debut for the national team. Naveen Kumar, who missed the Asian Games squad, has returned to the national setup; the article describes him as a star raider who has struggled with poor form and sustained several injuries in recent years, and he may operate as the main raider in the centre of the attack.
The Commonwealth Kabaddi Championship opens on October 23 and runs through October 31; following Pakistan’s withdrawal, 13 countries will participate in the inaugural edition.