This article provides a detailed profile of Saurabh Nandal, a right corner defender representing Dabang Delhi K.C. in the Pro Kabaddi League. It covers his PKL journey, season-wise statistics, and overall defensive role.
Saurabh Nandal – Personal & Player Profile
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Saurabh Nandal |
| Date of Birth | 17 December 1999 |
| Birthplace | Rohtak, Haryana, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 175 cm |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Playing Position | Right Corner Defender |
| PKL Debut | Season 7 |
| Coach | Ramesh Narwal |
| Previous Team | Bengaluru Bulls (Season 7–11) |
| Current Team | Dabang Delhi K.C. |
| Bike Collection | Royal Enfield Bullet |
Saurabh Nandal Background, Playing Style, and Personality
Early Life and Family Background
Saurabh Nandal was born into an agricultural family in Rohtak, Haryana. Growing up, he balanced education with farm responsibilities, which helped build his physical strength, stamina, and discipline. These qualities later became key elements of his defensive game.
He began playing kabaddi at the village level with local players, where he developed natural tackling instincts and mat awareness. His commitment to the sport also inspired his younger brother to take up kabaddi, making it a shared family pursuit.
Education and Domestic Kabaddi Journey
Saurabh pursued his higher education at Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, a recognised centre for kabaddi development. During his university years, he refined his defensive technique and improved his tactical understanding of the game.
His domestic breakthrough came at the 2019 All India Inter-University Kabaddi Championship, where his performances for MDU Rohtak brought him attention at the national level. Consistent displays across university and state competitions eventually paved the way for his Pro Kabaddi League debut.
Playing Style and Defensive Strengths
Saurabh Nandal is known as a precision-based right corner defender. Instead of aggressive overcommitting, he focuses on timing, balance, and reading raiders early.
His defensive strengths include:
- Sharp ankle holds
- Well-timed corner dashes
- Quick decision-making in do-or-die situations
- Strong coordination during chain tackles
This controlled approach allows him to remain effective during high-pressure phases and maintain defensive stability.
Leadership Value and Big-Match Temperament
Having served as captain and vice-captain of Bengaluru Bulls, Saurabh brings leadership maturity to the mat. He is calm under pressure and helps organise defensive formations, particularly in close contests and knockout matches.
Even without the armband, his on-mat communication and experience continue to influence team structure and decision-making.
Saurabh Nandal PKL Career: Season 7 to Season 12
PKL Season 7 (2019) – Bengaluru Bulls | Debut Season
Saurabh Nandal made his Pro Kabaddi League debut in Season 7 with Bengaluru Bulls and immediately showed defensive maturity beyond his years.
Season 7 highlights:
- Matches played: 23
- Total points: 57
- Raid strike rate: 100%
- Tackle strike rate: 49%
PKL Season 8 (2021) – Bengaluru Bulls | Establishing Consistency
In Season 8, Nandal transitioned from a promising debutant to a dependable right corner defender.
Season 8 highlights:
- Matches played: 24
- Total points: 69
- Raid strike rate: 0%
- Tackle strike rate: 62%
This season marked one of his most efficient defensive campaigns, with strong ankle holds and chain tackle coordination.
PKL Season 9 (2022) – Bengaluru Bulls | Peak Defensive Output
Season 9 represented one of the strongest phases of Saurabh Nandal’s PKL career.
Season 9 highlights:
- Matches played: 24
- Total points: 73
- Raid strike rate: 50%
- Tackle strike rate: 51%
PKL Season 10 (2023–24) – Bengaluru Bulls | Captaincy Phase
Season 10 saw Nandal take on leadership responsibilities as captain of Bengaluru Bulls.
Season 10 highlights:
- Matches played: 21
- Total points: 49
- Raid strike rate: 0%
- Tackle strike rate: 53%
PKL Season 11 (2024) – Bengaluru Bulls | Vice-Captain Role
In Season 11, Nandal continued as part of the leadership group, serving as vice-captain.
Season 11 highlights:
- Matches played: 20
- Total points: 37
- Raid strike rate: 40%
- Tackle strike rate: 40%
PKL Season 12 (2025) – Dabang Delhi K.C. | New Chapter
Season 12 marked Saurabh Nandal’s move to Dabang Delhi K.C., bringing experience and stability to a strong defensive unit. His role focused on defensive balance, clean execution, and mentoring younger defenders.
Season 12 highlights:
- Matches played: 19
- Total points: 52
- Raid strike rate: 0%
- Tackle strike rate: 58%
Saurabh Nandal – PKL Season Overview
| PKL Season | Team | Matches Played | Total Points | Raid Strike Rate | Tackle Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 7 (2019) | Bengaluru Bulls | 23 | 57 | 100% | 49% |
| Season 8 (2021) | Bengaluru Bulls | 24 | 69 | 0% | 62% |
| Season 9 (2022) | Bengaluru Bulls | 24 | 73 | 50% | 51% |
| Season 10 (2023–24) | Bengaluru Bulls | 21 | 49 | 0% | 53% |
| Season 11 (2024) | Bengaluru Bulls | 20 | 37 | 40% | 40% |
| Season 12 (2025) | Dabang Delhi K.C. | 19 | 52 | 0% | 58% |
Saurabh Nandal PKL Season-wise Performance Stats (Season 7–12)
Season 12 – Dabang Delhi K.C.
Overall
Attacking
Defensive
Season 11 – Bengaluru Bulls
Overall
Attacking
Defensive
Season 10 – Bengaluru Bulls
Overall
Attacking
Defensive
Season 9 – Bengaluru Bulls
Overall
Attacking
Defensive
Season 8 – Bengaluru Bulls
Overall
Attacking
Defensive
Season 7 – Bengaluru Bulls
Overall
Attacking
Defensive
Saurabh Nandal FAQs
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