India Asian Games 2026 Probable Playing 7: Who Will Start for India?

With the Asian Games 2026 approaching, the biggest question among kabaddi fans isn't just who will make India's squad—it's who will be in the starting seven. India enters the tournament as the defending champions after defeating Iran in a dramatic final at the Hangzhou Asian Games. However, the competition has become tougher, with Iran, Chinese Taipei, Japan, and South Korea continuing to improve. Based on current form, PKL performances, international experience, and team balance, here is ADT Sports' predicted Playing 7 for Team India.

India's Probable Playing 7

Main Raider -                           Devank Dalal
Second Raider -                      Ashu Malik / Arjun Deshwal
Third Raider / All-Rounder -   Pawan Sehrawat / Aslam Inamdar
Right Cover -                           Sunil Kumar Malik
Left Cover -                             Jaideep Dahiya
Right Corner -                         Rahul Sethpal

Left Corner -                           Deepak Sankar

Main Raider – Devank Dalal

The biggest change in India's attack could be the arrival of Devank Dalal as the team's primary raider. After a sensational PKL season where he crossed 300+ raid points, Devank established himself as one of the most dangerous raiders in world kabaddi. His outstanding performances also earned him a record ₹2.205 crore bid ahead of PKL Season 12, proving his immense value.

Why Devank?

• Outstanding raid success rate
• Dangerous Super Raid ability
• Can score points consistently
• Puts constant pressure on opposition defenses

India could build its entire attacking strategy around him.

Second Raider – Ashu Malik or Arjun Deshwal

While Devank attacks aggressively, India also needs someone who can play smart kabaddi. That's where Ashu Malik and Arjun Deshwal come in. Both players are technically brilliant and rarely make unnecessary mistakes.

Their biggest strengths include:

• Bonus-point expertise
• Excellent Do-or-Die raids
• Consistency under pressure
• Match management

Their role would be to keep the scoreboard moving while Devank recovers between raids.

Third Raider – Pawan Sehrawat or Aslam Inamdar

Having Pawan Sehrawat or Aslam Inamdar as the third raider is a luxury that very few countries can match.

Pawan Sehrawat

• Explosive power
• Match-winning raids
• Big-game experience
• Asian Games gold medalist

Aslam Inamdar

• Tactical raider
• Excellent game awareness
• Strong defensive contribution
• Team-first mentality

Depending on the opponent and match situation, either player could become India's X-factor.

Right Cover – Sunil Kumar Malik

Every successful kabaddi team needs a leader in defense. That player is Sunil Kumar Malik. As India's most experienced cover defender, Sunil would organize the defensive unit, control communication, and manage high-pressure moments. His calm leadership allows aggressive defenders around him to play with confidence.

Left Cover – Jaideep Dahiya

Jaideep Dahiya has become one of India's strongest left-cover defenders. His physical strength makes him extremely difficult to escape once he gets hold of a raider. Against powerful raiding teams like Iran, Jaideep's blocking ability could become one of India's biggest weapons.

Right Corner – Rahul Sethpal

Rahul Sethpal has developed into one of India's most reliable corner defenders. His ankle holds and back holds make him especially effective against left raiders. Against teams like Iran that rely heavily on left-side attacks, Rahul could play a decisive role.

Left Corner – Deepak Sankar

One of the biggest surprises in this predicted Playing 7 is Deepak Sankar. Unlike experienced defenders who rely on predictable timing, Deepak brings raw aggression and speed. His fearless tackling style can disrupt opposition raiders and give India an extra attacking edge in defense. If selected, he could become one of the breakout stars of the tournament. He showcased an exceptional performance during the 71st Senior National Kabaddi Championship in Vadodara, Gujarat.

Why This Playing 7 Looks Balanced

This combination gives India everything it needs:

Powerful Attack

Devank, Ashu, Arjun, Pawan, and Aslam provide multiple raiding options.

Experienced Defense

Sunil Kumar and Jaideep Dahiya add leadership and stability.

Young Energy

Deepak Sankar and Rahul Sethpal bring speed, aggression, and fresh ideas.

Tactical Flexibility

The team can easily switch between attacking and defensive strategies depending on the opposition.

Possible Starting Seven

1. Devank Dalal
2. Ashu Malik
3. Sunil Kumar Malik
4. Jaideep Dahiya
5. Rahul Sethpal
6. Deepak Sankar
7. Pawan Sehrawat (or Aslam Inamdar depending on strategy)

ADT Sports Analysis

This could be the most balanced Indian kabaddi team in recent years.

Instead of depending on one superstar, the squad combines:

• India's most explosive young raider.
• Two world-class support raiders.
• The best defensive captain in PKL history.
• Young defenders capable of changing matches.

If this combination stays fit, India will once again start as one of the favourites to win the gold medal. However, final selection will depend on player fitness, national coaching camp performances, and the selectors' tactical plans before the tournament.

Also Read
• Who Should Captain India's Kabaddi Team for the 2026 Asian Games?
• Pawan Sehrawat Captaincy Record: Matches, Wins & Titles
• Sunil Kumar Malik Captaincy Record in PKL & India
• Aslam Inamdar: Is He Ready to Lead India?

Final Thoughts

India has an incredible pool of talent heading into the 2026 Asian Games. The emergence of players like Devank Dalal, Rahul Sethpal, and Deepak Sankar, combined with experienced stars like Pawan Sehrawat, Sunil Kumar Malik, and Aslam Inamdar, gives the coaching staff plenty of options. Whether this exact Playing 7 takes the mat or not, one thing is certain India will travel to Japan with one of the strongest squads in world kabaddi.