PKL SEASON 8: TOP 5 DEFENDERS
As the 8th season of the Pro Kabaddi League recently kicked off in Bengaluru, let’s have a look at the top 5 defenders of the season so far.
(*as of 15th January 2022 )
5. MohammadReza Shadluoi Chiyaneh
Bought by Patna Pirates for around 31 lakhs in the auction, Chiyaneh has been the find of the season for the team so far. The Iranian all-rounder has so far managed to score 27 tackle points, with an impressive strike rate of 72%. Chinayeh’s performance is a testament to Patna’s great run this season, currently placed at 2nd position in the league.
4. Shaul Kumar
The defender has been making valuable contributions, playing at the right corner for Jaipur Pink Panthers. In his maiden season of the Pro Kabaddi league, Shaul has managed to score 28 tackle points, with a tackle strike rate of around 50%. In a season mainly spearheaded by the raiders like Arjun Deshwal and Deepak Niwas Hooda, Shaul has been a valuable addition to the Panthers' defensive unit.
3. Jaideep Kuldeep
Playing alongside Surinder Nada at the left cover position, Jaideep has been one of the key defenders for Haryana Steelers this season. With 29 tackle points to his tally, Jaideep has been quite instrumental in the defensive department. The Steelers would expect the Jaideep-Surinder partnership to deliver for them in the upcoming games of the league.
2. Sagar
Retained by the Tamil Thalaivas for 8 lakhs, Sagar has been quite instrumental at the right corner for the team in the defensive department, along with Surjeet Singh. The defender has managed to score 31 tackle points in his 9 outings so far for the Thalaivas. For Thalaivas to stay in contention for the playoffs, Sagar's run of form would be quite essential for the team.
1. Surjeet Singh
Playing for Tamil Thalaivas in this edition of the Pro Kabaddi League, Surjeet has continued his impressive run of form this season. The defender has managed to score 35 tackle points in the 9 matches so far, with an overall tackle success rate of around 49%. Finishing with the maximum points for Thalaivas in the previous edition (63), Surjeet has been an experienced campaigner with around 322 tackle points in his PKL career so far.
