The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) Season 2 is not just about thrilling matches and packed stadiums; it is also about the players who bring the game alive. This season, UPKL has grown bigger and stronger with 12 competitive teams, each packed with young talent, rising stars, and a few experienced names ready to make a big impact.
One of the biggest highlights of UPKL Season 2 is the strong focus on grassroots kabaddi players. Many of these athletes come from local tournaments and state-level competitions, and UPKL gives them a professional platform to showcase their skills. From high-priced auction buys to smart retentions, every team has carefully built its squad with a clear strategy.
In this article, you will find the complete UPKL Season 2 team-wise squads and players list, along with insights into team strengths and key players to watch.
UPKL Season 2: A League Built on Young Talent
UPKL Season 2 features a mix of returning teams from Season 1 and new franchises joining the league for the first time. Each squad includes around 12–14 players, focusing on fast raiders, solid defenders, and flexible all-rounders.
With kabaddi growing rapidly in India, UPKL has become an important stepping stone for players aiming to reach bigger leagues in the future.
1. Lucknow Lions – Defending Champions
The Lucknow Lions enter Season 2 as defending champions and one of the strongest teams in the tournament. The management has shown faith in continuity by retaining key players from last season.
Led by star raider Arjun Deshwal, the Lions have a balanced squad capable of handling pressure situations.
Lucknow Lions Squad:
Arjun Deshwal (Retained), Vivek Chaudhary (Retained), Arpit Saroha (Retained), Mohd Amaan (Retained), Akash Nain, Nishant Raghuvanshi, Rahul Nain, Ujjwal Panwar, Vibhor Datt, Kunal, Arya Deshwal, Kartik Baliyan, Harish Kumar Singh.
Team Strength: Strong raiding unit and championship experience
Key Player to Watch: Arjun Deshwal
2. Awadh Ramdoots
Awadh Ramdoots have focused on creating a well-balanced squad with depth in both raiding and defence. Their auction strategy reflects long-term planning rather than just star power.
Awadh Ramdoots Squad:
Abhimanyu Raghuvanshi, Ravi Bhati, Aryadeep Deshwal, Krishan Nagar, Pawan Bhati, Saurabh Singh, Ashish Bhati, Vinod Thakur, Divyanshu Gujjar, Naman Chaudhary, Sourabh, Sandeep Varun, Vishal Yadav.
Team Strength: Squad depth and versatility
Key Player to Watch: Abhimanyu Raghuvanshi
3. Brij Stars
The Brij Stars have built a squad dominated by young players and strong defensive options. Their focus is clearly on teamwork and consistency rather than individual stardom.
Brij Stars Squad:
Lucky Dhankar, Vishal Chaudhary, Robin Chaudhary, Himanshu Chaudhary, Mukul Chaudhary, Yash Kumar, Arjun Singh, Ankit Chaudhary, Somveer, Nikhil Chaudhary, Shivam Sharma, Nikhil Tevathiya.
Team Strength: Defensive coordination
Key Player to Watch: Lucky Dhankar
4. JD Noida Ninjas
JD Noida Ninjas made headlines at the auction by signing Ashu Singh, one of the most expensive players this season. Playing at their home venue also gives them a psychological advantage.
JD Noida Ninjas Squad:
Ashu Singh, Rachit Yadav, Manjeet (Retained), Ajay Kumar Yadav, Navneet, Alok Kumar, Krishan Mavi, Ayush Kumar, Anand Yadav, Rajdeep Kumar, Sachin Kumar, Shaurya Pratap Singh, Abhishek Yadav.
Team Strength: All-round squad with home support
Key Player to Watch: Ashu Singh
5. Kashi Kings
Kashi Kings continue to rely on discipline and teamwork. While they may not have the biggest auction names, they are known for putting up strong fights against top teams.
Kashi Kings Squad:
Sahul Kumar, Arjun Sirohi, Prashant Kumar, Vikul Lamba, Harendra Kumar, Dhananjay Kumar, Shrikant Tewathia, Vikrant Tomar, Sumit Tomar, Sonu, Vipul Chaudhary, Deepak Kumar.
Team Strength: Consistent team performance
Key Player to Watch: Sahul Kumar
6. Sangam Challengers
Sangam Challengers have retained their experienced core, which gives them stability and leadership on the mat.
Sangam Challengers Squad:
Shivam Singh Tomar (Retained), Pankaj (Retained), Manish Kumar, Goutam Singh Tomar, Nishant Baliyan, Mayank Malik, Tushar, Suraj Nain, Aditya Panwar, Rajiv Chaudhary, Harshit, Anubhav Tomar.
Team Strength: Experience and calm under pressure
Key Player to Watch: Shivam Singh Tomar
7. Yamuna Yoddhas
Yamuna Yoddhas bring youthful energy and speed into the league. Their retained players form the backbone of the squad.
Yamuna Yoddhas Squad:
Ritik Sharma (Retained), Abhishek Singh (Retained), Lalit Sharma, Abhishek Panwar, Ajay Rathi, Ujjwal Nagar, Vinit Nain, Nitin Solanki, Aman Solanki, Lakshya Chaudhary, Ronak Rana, Himanshu Choudhary.
Team Strength: Speed and agility
Key Player to Watch: Ritik Sharma
8. Ganga Kings of Mirzapur
Ganga Kings grabbed attention by signing Nitin Panwar, one of the top buys of the auction. The team looks powerful on paper.
Ganga Kings Squad:
Nitin Panwar, Ashish Nagar, Shivam, Ajay Malik, Amit Nagar, Gaurav Giri, Gaurav Bansal, Aditya Kumar, Raj Sahani, Yadav Udit, Anant Rana, Himanshu Malik, Sameer Hussain.
Team Strength: Strong raiding options
Key Player to Watch: Nitin Panwar
New Teams Joining UPKL Season 2
9. Aligarh Tigers
Aligarh Tigers made the biggest splash at the auction by signing Vinay Tevathia, the highest-paid player of the season.
Aligarh Tigers Squad:
Vinay Tevathia, Kunal Bhati, Akshya Rathi, Prince Sharma, Aniruddh, Manish Kumar, Anuj, Rajat Panwar, Anas Khan, Vashu, Uday Patel, Praveen Chaudhary, Mayank Singh, Vipin Kumar.
Key Player to Watch: Vinay Tevathia
10. Purvanchal Panthers
Purvanchal Panthers have gone for a steady and balanced squad with multiple all-round options.
Purvanchal Panthers Squad:
Lalit Chaudhary, Suraj Tomar, Bhanu Pratap Tomar, Nigam Chaudhary, Shakti Chaudhary, Shivam Teotia, Hritik Rathi, Vinay Khatiyan, Sachin Kumar, Vijay Gaun, Aakash Saharawat, Rohit Tomar.
11. Gazab Ghaziabad
The newest franchise enters UPKL with a competitive and confident squad.
Gazab Ghaziabad Squad:
Anil Kumar, Harsh Dhaka, Ronak Singh, Uday Dabas, Abhishek Pandey, Arpit Chahal, Aman Pawar, Aman Rana, Shaurya Singh, Hariom, Vipul Chaudhary, Gopal Sharma.
12. Kanpur Warriors
Kanpur Warriors have built a strong squad combining power and consistency.
Kanpur Warriors Squad:
Shubham Kumar, Azad Singh, Vivek Kumar, Ayush, Himanshu Deshwal, Vinay Baliyan, Vikram Pratap, Abhishek Kumar, Ankit Yadav, Hunny Kumar, Raghav Salaklan, Anuj Kumar Yadav, Dev Chaudhary.
The UPKL Season 2 all team squads clearly show how serious franchises are about building competitive teams. With a perfect mix of young talent, smart retentions, and big auction buys, this season promises intense competition.
As the tournament progresses, many of these players are expected to emerge as future stars of Indian kabaddi. For fans, UPKL Season 2 is not just about watching matches—it’s about discovering the next generation of kabaddi heroes.
