PKL 11: Top Cover Duos to Shine in Pro Kabaddi Season 11

The Pro Kabaddi League season 11 is rumoured to start in July and this time top cover duos from different teams are bound to shine. These silent guardians form the bedrock of a team's defense, anticipating raiders' moves and executing crucial tackles to prevent points. Pro Kabaddi Season 10 witnessed some exceptional cover duos who played a pivotal role in their teams' success.

Mohit Nandal and Jaideep Dahiya

The Haryana Steelers had a strong cover defense since Pro Kabaddi Season 8, thanks to the exceptional duo of Mohit Nandal and Jaideep Dahiya. Their on-field chemistry showcased their strong bond, both on and off the mat. Recognizing their leadership qualities, Head Coach Manpreet Singh even named them co-captains for the milestone 10th season, a decision that paid off handsomely.

Mohit and Jaideep have consistently ranked among the league's best cover defenders. Season 10 was no different, with the Haryana duo featuring in the top two spots for most tackle points scored by cover defenders. Their defensive masterclasses were game changer in several matches, with Mohit contributing a staggering 70 tackle points and Jaideep registering a close 68. This combined force of 138 tackle points was a major reason behind the Haryana Steelers' historic run to their first-ever PKL final.

Sunil and Reza Mirbagheri

For the past two seasons, the Jaipur Pink Panthers' defensive backbone has been the indomitable Sunil Kumar. A true leader on the mat, Sunil's consistency has been a cornerstone of the two-time champions' success. Season 10 saw him rack up an impressive 55 tackle points, but his influence goes beyond mere statistics. Sunil's strategic guidance make him an invaluable asset.

This season, Sunil found a perfect complement in his cover partner, the Iranian powerhouse Reza Mirbagheri. Reza thrived under Sunil's leadership, enjoying a breakout season. After registering 36 tackle points in Season 9, he nearly doubled his tally in PKL 10 with a phenomenal 60 points. Together, this cover duo formed a formidable defensive unit, contributing a combined total of 115 tackle points for the Pink Panthers.

Abinesh Nadarajan and Sanket Sawant

The story of Puneri Paltan's maiden PKL title wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the contributions of their cover defenders, Abinesh Nadarajan and Sanket Sawant. Abinesh, who wasn't initially the first-choice right cover, emerged as a crucial player in Season 10. Playing regularly boosted his confidence, and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands, scored a significant 57 tackle points to the Paltan's cause.

Sanket Sawant ably supported his fellow cover defender, adding 32 tackle points to the mix. Their combined effort of 89 tackle points proved to be essential for Puneri Paltan's journey to the championship title. Abinesh and Sanket silently anchored the defense, ensuring that raiders' efforts translated into crucial points.

The cover defenders of Pro Kabaddi Season 10 deserve recognition for their exceptional contributions. Mohit and Jaideep's wall-like defense, Sunil and Reza's experience-aggression blend, and Abinesh and Sanket's title-winning partnership are just a few examples of how these defenders can significantly impact a team's performance.