In the fast-paced world of kabaddi, raiders come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own unique skills. But few stand out quite like Surender Gill.
With his tall frame of 6 ft 3 in, surprising speed, and long reach, he is a rare mix of power and agility.
His build is not just a physical advantage, it is a weapon. It allows him to stretch past defenders, touch them from a distance, and score with ease.
Over the years, he has grown into a consistent performer and one of the mainstays of the UP Yoddhas in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL).
Since his debut, he has stayed loyal to the franchise, steadily climbing the ranks and becoming one of the most effective raiders in the league.
Early Life and Family
Surender Gill was born on October 10, 1998, in Rohtak, Haryana. The region is famous for its kabaddi culture and has produced some of the country’s finest players. Surender grew up in a small village near Rohtak in a close-knit family.
His father worked in agriculture, while his mother took care of the household. He also has a younger brother who shared his interest in kabaddi during school days.
From an early age, Surender was drawn to the game. He spent his childhood on dusty village fields, playing endless hours of kabaddi with friends.
His height and speed gave him a natural edge, making him stand out from others his age. At 13, he earned a spot on his school kabaddi team. Those early matches built his foundation and gave him the confidence to dream bigger.
After finishing high school, he decided to pursue kabaddi more seriously. He began playing in district tournaments across Haryana and showed steady progress.
His family always stood behind him, encouraging him to focus on the sport while managing his studies. At just 17, he won a junior state title, a turning point that opened doors for him to join the Haryana senior squad.
Domestic Career Highlights
Surender’s domestic journey is marked by steady growth and consistent performances.
District and Junior Level Success: His rise started in district tournaments around Rohtak. In 2016, he made the Haryana junior team and left his mark at the Junior Nationals with 45 raid points in just six matches.
Senior State Team Debut: By 2017, he was part of the senior Haryana team. At the Senior Nationals, he contributed 28 raid points in five matches, helping his state finish fourth.
Consistent State Performer: In 2018, he was crucial in Haryana’s bronze medal win at the Senior Nationals, where he scored 52 raid points. The following year, he added a silver medal at the Federation Cup with 30 raid points in four matches.
These steady showings against top opposition got him noticed. Scouts from the Pro Kabaddi League saw his potential as a dependable raider. Soon after, his PKL journey began.
The UP Yoddhas Mainstay: PKL Journey
Surender Gill has been loyal to UP Yoddhas since his debut in Season 7 (2019). With each season, he has grown in confidence and responsibility.
Season 7 (2019) – The Debut: He played 18 matches, scoring 80 points (71 raid and 9 tackle). It was a promising start in a demanding league.
Season 8 (2021) – The Breakthrough: Surender played 23 matches and delivered 198 points, including 189 raid points. He emerged as one of the team’s lead raiders.
Season 9 (2022) – Key Raider Status: Despite only 14 matches, he earned 140 raid points and 5 tackle points, showing consistency.
Season 10 (2023–24) – Overcoming Challenges: Limited to 10 matches due to injury and team rotations, he still managed 87 raid points, with 4 Super 10s and 6 Super Raids.
Season 11 (2024)—Continued Contribution: Retained by Yoddhas, he played 11 matches and scored 43 raid points.
Season 12 (2025) – Key Opening Raider: Once again retained, he is expected to lead the charge as an opening raider, proving the faith his team has in him.
Across his first four seasons (7 to 10), Surender played 76 matches and scored 530 points, maintaining a raid success rate of over 50%. He has become a reliable name in the Yoddhas squad, often playing alongside stars like Pardeep Narwal while also taking responsibility when the team needed him most.
Surender Gill’s PKL Career Stats Summary (up to the end of PKL Season 10):
| Category | Value |
| Total No. of Matches | 76 |
| Total Raids Attempted | 1028 |
| Successful Raids % | 51.55% |
| No. of Super Raids | 19 |
| Super 10s | 21 |
| Total Raid Points | 530 |
| Average Raid Points/Match | 6.97 |
| Total Tackle Points | 27 |
Indian Kabaddi Team Journey
While Surender Gill has proved his mettle in the PKL and domestic circuits, he has yet to make his debut in a major senior international final for the Indian national kabaddi team. However, he has been on the selectors’ radar.
In 2022, he attended the Senior India selection trials, where his long reach and quick feints impressed the coaches.
He also gained valuable experience by playing for the India-A side at the 2023 Asian Kabaddi Championships in Bhopal.
His continued success in the PKL keeps him very much in contention for future national call-ups. Fans are eager to see this tall raider don the blue jersey and represent India on the world stage.
Achievements: A Raider’s Milestones
Surender Gill’s career is marked by notable achievements that highlight his consistent performance:
Junior National Bronze (Raid) (2017): Scored 45 points in 6 matches.
Senior Nationals Bronze (Raid) (2018): Contributed 52 raid points for Haryana.
Federation Cup Silver (2019): Tallied 30 points in 4 matches.
PKL Season 8 Top-5 Raider (2021): Amassed 198 points, including 9 tackle points, placing him among the league’s elite raiders.
6 Super Raids & 4 Super 10s (Season 10) (2023-24): Led UP Yoddhas in key matches despite limited playtime.
National Camp Selection (2022): Attended Senior India trials, showing his potential for international representation.
Connecting with Fans:
Surender Gill maintains a focused and professional presence on social media. He primarily uses Instagram (@surender_gill) to share snippets of his kabaddi journey, including training routines and occasional personal moments.
By keeping his content straightforward and authentic, he builds genuine engagement with his fans without relying on flashy endorsements. His social media activity helps supporters stay connected with his progress and see the dedication he puts into his game.
Conclusion:
Surender Gill’s journey from the dusty village fields of Rohtak to becoming a standout raider in the Pro Kabaddi League is a testament to his steady progress and unwavering commitment. His tall frame, combined with his quick feints and long reach, makes him a highly effective and valuable asset for UP Yoddhas.
Having been retained by the Yoddhas each season since his debut, Surender now has his sights set on earning a spot on the senior national team. With his simple yet effective moves and a clear sense of confidence on the mat, Surender Gill continues to strengthen his kabaddi journey, aiming for even greater heights in the seasons to come. He is definitely one to watch as PKL Season 12 kicks off on August 29, 2025.
“Rohit is a seasoned sports journalist with over 5 years of experience specializing in Indian sports. He has built a reputation for his deep-dive analysis of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) and domestic Indian Cricket. From tracking player auctions to breaking down match-winning strategies, Rohit provides fans with expert insights grounded in years of on-ground reporting and statistical analysis.