How PKL Defenders Fared at the 70th Senior National Kabaddi Championship
The dust has settled on the 70th Senior National Kabaddi Championship held in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, from March 21st to 24th. While the Haryana Steelers emerged victorious, claiming the gold medal, the tournament also provided a platform for Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) stars to showcase their talent on the national stage.
This article dives into the performances of some of the most recognizable defenders from the PKL who left their mark at the Nationals.
Nitesh Kumar
Nitesh Kumar, the star corner defender for UP Yoddhas in the PKL, continued his impressive form at the Nationals. With a staggering 54 tackles throughout the tournament, showcasing his exceptional ability to pin down raiders. His aggressive defence also yielded 31 tackle points, a testament to his strategic positioning and awareness. With an average of 4.83 successful tackles per match, Nitesh was a constant thorn in the side of opposing raiders.
Surjeet Singh
Surjeet Singh, the experienced defender for Bengaluru Bulls in the PKL, displayed remarkable consistency at the Nationals. He notched 30 tackles, proving to be a formidable obstacle for raiders. Even more impressive was his tackle success rate of a staggering 80%. This means that out of every four tackles he attempted, three were successful in stopping the raider.
Other Notable Performances
Several other PKL defenders also impressed at the Nationals. Abinesh Nadarajan (Puneri Paltan) displayed strategic tackling with a success rate of over 53%, while Krishan Dull (Patna Pirates) used his strength to his advantage, registering 47 tackles. Defenders like Jaideep Dahiya (Haryana Steelers) and Sanket Dawant (Puneri Paltan) also provided a strong defensive presence for their respective teams.
Points Scored by PKL Defenders in 70th Senior National Kabaddi Championship
| Player | Total Tackles | Tackle Points | Successful Tackles per Match | Success Rate | Super Tackles | High 5s |
| Nitesh Kumar | 54 | 31 | 4.83 | 53.70% | 2 | 1 |
| Surjeet Singh | 30 | 25 | 4.8 | 80.00% | 1 | 2 |
| Gaurav Khatri | 40 | 18 | 3.6 | 45.00% | 0 | 0 |
| Lucky Sharma | 31 | 23 | 4.2 | 67.74% | 2 | 2 |
| Jaideep Dahiya | 34 | 21 | 2.85 | 58.82% | 1 | 1 |
| Krishan Dull | 47 | 20 | 2.71 | 40.43% | 1 | 2 |
| Abinesh Nadarajan | 32 | 19 | 4.25 | 53.13% | 2 | 1 |
| Sanket Dawant | 31 | 18 | 4.5 | 58.06% | 0 | 1 |
| Mohit Nandal | 38 | 12 | 1.57 | 28.95% | 1 | 1 |
| Vishal Bhardwaj | 38 | 13 | 2.6 | 34.21% | 0 | 0 |
| Ankush | 15 | 6 | 1.2 | 40.00% | 0 | 0 |
The performances of these PKL stars at the Nationals highlight the high level of talent present in the league. It demonstrates that the league is a breeding ground for exceptional defenders who can excel on the national and international stage. This, in turn, elevates the overall quality of kabaddi in India, making PKL matches even more exciting and competitive for fans.
The 70th Senior National Kabaddi Championship provided valuable insights into the strengths of PKL defenders. As these players return to their respective PKL teams, fans can expect to see them continue to hone their skills and lead their defences to victory.
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