PKL 11: Corner Duos to Watch in Pro Kabaddi Season 11
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is known for its thrilling action and strategic play. While raiders grab the spotlight with their daring raids, a team's true defensive strength lies in its corner defenders. These players are the first line of defense, tasked with tackling raiders and preventing them from scoring points. Last season, several corner duos emerged as key contributors to their teams' success. As PKL Season 11 approaches, let's explore some of these top corner pairings who are likely to shine again this year.
Mohammadreza Chiyaneh & Gaurav Khatri
A significant factor in Puneri Paltan's championship run in Season 10 was their formidable corner duo of Mohammadreza Chiyaneh and Gaurav Khatri. Both defenders dominated the tackle leaderboard, with Chiyaneh leading the league with a staggering 99 tackle points. Khatri wasn't far behind, contributing 69 points. Together, they formed an impenetrable wall, racking up a combined total of 168 tackle points. They also showcased their defensive mastery with four Super Tackles (tackling a raider within 3 seconds of their entry) and 15 High 5s (five successful tackles by a single corner defender in a raid). Expect this well-coordinated duo to continue being a defensive nightmare for raiders in PKL Season 11.
Ankit & Krishan
The Patna Pirates' corner pairing of Ankit and Krishan deserves recognition. Krishan proved himself a defensive powerhouse, securing the second-highest spot on the tackle points leaderboard with 78 points. Ankit, known for his all-rounder skills, chipped in with a solid 66 tackle points. Their consistent performances were crucial in propelling the three-time champions, Patna Pirates, to the semi-finals. As a unit, they accumulated a total of 144 tackle points, showcasing their ability to work together seamlessly. They further bolstered their defensive prowess with 10 Super Tackles and 11 High 5s. Patna Pirates will likely continue to rely heavily on this dependable corner duo in their quest for another championship title.
Sahil Gulia & Sagar
Experience reigns supreme when it comes to Tamil Thalaivas' corner defenders, Sahil Gulia and Sagar. This seasoned duo has consistently provided a strong defensive foundation for the Thalaivas. Both players secured spots in the top 10 of the tackle points leaderboard for Season 10, with Sahil Gulia scoring 69 points and Sagar contributing 66 points. Their combined efforts resulted in a total of 135 tackle points throughout the season. They further displayed their defensive agility with 10 Super Tackles and 12 High 5s. Look for this experienced pair to continue shutting down raiders and maintaining their defensive dominance in PKL Season 11.
Ashish & Yogesh
While Ashu Malik did the bulk of the damage in the attack for Dabang Delhi K.C., it was the corner duo of Ashish and Yogesh who marshalled their defense. Pro Kabaddi Season 10's Emerging Player Yogesh managed 74 tackle points to finish third on the overall leaderboard for the campaign in what was his debut season. Ashish, meanwhile, scored 48 tackle points, meaning the Dabang corner notched up 122 tackle points collectively. They also combined for eight Super Tackles and nine High 5s in Season 10. Keep an eye on this young pairing as they continue to develop their defensive skills and potentially challenge the established duos in PKL Season 11.
Mohit & Rahul Sethpal
Part of the most fearsome defence in Pro Kabaddi Season 10, Haryana Steelers' Mohit and Rahul Sethpal created a strong corner partnership. Rahul Sethpal, in fact, was the highest scoring defender for the Steelers with 73 tackle points and finished fourth on the overall leaderboard for the season. His corner partner Mohit, on the other hand, managed 47 tackle points, meaning the duo notched up 120 tackle points over the course of the season. They also combined for 16 Super Tackles and nine High 5s, playing their part in the Steelers' runners-up finish in season 10. With their impressive performance last season, this duo is expected to be a strong defensive force for the Haryana Steelers once again in PKL Season 11.
These are just a few examples of the exceptional corner duos that shone in PKL Season 10 and are expected to continue excelling in Season 11. Their ability to anticipate raiders' moves, synchronize tackles, and execute strategic moves will be crucial for their respective teams' success. As the new season unfolds, it will be exciting to see these corner duos battle it out and potentially witness new pairings emerge as defensive powerhouses in the Pro Kabaddi League.
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