Defenders Who Clinched the Best Defender Award and PKL Title in Same PKL Season

In the fast-paced world of Kabaddi, defenders act as the unyielding wall, standing between the raiders and crucial points. Their grit, agility, and strategic tackles are vital for a team's success. While many defenders showcase exceptional talent, a select few have achieved the ultimate double: winning the coveted "Orange Band" for being the best defender and lifting the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) trophy in the same season.

Fazel Atrachali

The name Fazel Atrachali needs no introduction in the Kabaddi world. This Iranian veteran, playing for the Patna Pirates in PKL season 4, took the league by storm. Atrachali, known for his immaculate defensive skills, finished the season with a staggering 52 tackle points in just 16 matches. This included an impressive 4 "high 5s" (five tackle points in a single raid) and 7 "super tackles".

Atrachali's exceptional performance not only earned him the "Best Defender" award but also played a pivotal role in securing the Patna Pirates' second consecutive PKL title. He holds the record for the most tackle points in PKL history, accumulating a remarkable 486 points in his 169 matches. In PKL season 7, he once again won the best defender award of the season, where he scored 82 tackle points donning U Mumba's jersey.

Ankush

Ankush, a young defender who emerged in PKL season 9, quickly turned heads with his unwavering determination. Representing the Jaipur Pink Panthers, he displayed exceptional talent and hunger, earning him the respect of both fans and rivals. In his very first season, Ankush etched his name in history by bagging the most tackle points (89) and contributing significantly to the Pink Panthers' ultimate victory in PKL 2022. His consistent performance continued in the following season, where he secured 70 tackle points. In just 46 matches played so far, Ankush has already accumulated an impressive 159 tackle points.

Mohammadreza Shadlou

The Iranian Kabaddi sensation, Mohammadreza Shadlou, has quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Known for his confidence and exceptional defensive skills, Shadlou was roped in by the Puneri Paltan for a whopping INR 2.35 crore ahead of PKL season 10. He lived up to the expectations, securing the most tackle points (99) in the season.

This outstanding performance not only earned him the "Best Defender" award but also played a crucial role in helping the Puneri Paltan lift their first-ever PKL trophy. With a total of 272 tackle points in his short career of 68 matches across three seasons, Shadl0u currently sits at the 16th position in the list of defenders with the most tackles in PKL history.

These three exceptional defenders serve as an inspiration for aspiring Kabaddi players, showcasing the immense value that a strong defence can bring to a team's success. The unwavering spirit and exceptional skills of defenders are important in securing victory.