Ayan Lochab tops KCL Season 2 auction at Rs 17.4 lakh to Jhajjar Jaguars

Ayan Lochab was the most expensive player at the Kabaddi Champions League (KCL) Season 2 auction. Jhajjar Jaguars signed him for Rs 17.4 lakh as the franchises built their squads for the new season.

Bharat Hooda was the second-highest buy, joining Karnal Kings for Rs 16.6 lakh. Kurukshetra Knights signed Naveen Goyat for Rs 15.2 lakh. Those three were well clear of the rest of the field. No other player in the top 10 went for more than Rs 11 lakh.

Lochab calls top billing a proud moment

The auction details came from a press release. In it, Lochab said that topping the auction meant a lot to him.

“Being the highest-paid player at the KCL Season 2 auction is a proud moment for me. I am grateful to the Jhajjar Jaguars for showing faith in my abilities. I look forward to giving my best on the mat and helping the team achieve its goals.”

Hooda said he was “excited to be part of Karnal Kings” and added that “the confidence shown by the franchise motivates me to work harder and contribute to the team’s success.”

Goyat spoke about what the league means to players. “The Kabaddi Champions League provides an important platform for players to showcase their talent and compete at a high level,” he said. “I am delighted to join Kurukshetra Knights and look forward to contributing to the team’s campaign.”

Faridabad Fighters and Sonipat Stars spread their money

Jhajjar, Karnal and Kurukshetra each spent big on one marquee name. Faridabad Fighters and Sonipat Stars did something different and took three players each from the top 10.

Faridabad’s three were Rakesh Singroha for Rs 11 lakh, Sunil Malik for Rs 10 lakh and Yogesh Dahiya for Rs 9.2 lakh. Together that came to Rs 30.2 lakh, a combined outlay for experience. Malik has captained India at the Asian Games, and he said he wants to pass some of that on.

“The growth of franchise-based kabaddi is creating new opportunities for players across the country. I am pleased to be part of Faridabad Fighters and hope to use my experience to contribute to the team’s success and inspire young players.”

Singroha said he was “grateful for the trust the franchise has placed in me”. Dahiya said his focus would be on “delivering consistent performances”.

Sonipat Stars signed Sumit Sangwan for Rs 10.2 lakh, Mohit Goyat for Rs 8.4 lakh and Jaideep Dahiya for Rs 8.2 lakh. Jaideep Dahiya’s fee was the lowest in the top 10. Sangwan described the move as “an exciting opportunity”. Mohit Goyat said he wanted to build “a strong combination with my teammates and giving the fans plenty to cheer about.”

The other top-10 buy was Neeraj Narwal, who went to Rohtak Royals for Rs 8.6 lakh. “I am delighted to join Rohtak Royals and look forward to the challenge ahead,” Narwal said.

The top 10 buys

1. Ayan Lochab: Jhajjar Jaguars, Rs 17.4 lakh
2. Bharat Hooda: Karnal Kings, Rs 16.6 lakh
3. Naveen Goyat: Kurukshetra Knights, Rs 15.2 lakh
4. Rakesh Singroha: Faridabad Fighters, Rs 11 lakh
5. Sumit Sangwan: Sonipat Stars, Rs 10.2 lakh
6. Sunil Malik: Faridabad Fighters, Rs 10 lakh
7. Yogesh Dahiya: Faridabad Fighters, Rs 9.2 lakh
8. Neeraj Narwal: Rohtak Royals, Rs 8.6 lakh
9. Mohit Goyat: Sonipat Stars, Rs 8.4 lakh
10. Jaideep Dahiya: Sonipat Stars, Rs 8.2 lakh

A bigger league with a Rs 5 crore purse

The auction had a total player purse of Rs 5 crore, and more than 300 players were expected to go under the hammer. According to the release, the top 10 buys showed that franchises wanted quality raiders and defenders across different playing positions. It did not give the position of each player.

The league’s central trials drew strong interest. The Sonipat trials recorded 6,400 registrations, and 650 players took part in the Rohtak trials. Season 2 also adds two new franchises, which means more squad places for players at franchise level.

The release did not give fixture dates. With the squads now largely set, the franchises turn their attention to preparing for the second season.