PKL 2024: Top 5 defenders to challenge for Orange Armband in PKL 11

On 18 October 2024, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 11 is scheduled to kick off. In the PKL, the Orange Armband is awarded to the player who scores the most points in defence. In the PKL 11, many defenders will challenge for the Orange Armband, but, the Top 5 players who standout in this race are -

1. Mohammadreza Shadlou

Mohammadreza Shadlou, the defensive maverick, will be playing for Haryana Steelers in PKL 11. Steelers acquired his services for 2.07 crore rupees in the PKL 11 player auction. Playing for Puneri Paltan in PKL 10 Shadlou scored a staggering 99 tackle points, the second-highest tackle points in a single edition. His incredible performance also helped Paltan to clinch their first-ever PKL title.

Shadlou debuted in PKL season 8, with Patna Pirates and amassed 89 tackle points, and won the Orange Armband. In PKL 9 he scored 84 tackle points. He won another Orange Armband in PKL 10 for scoring 99 tackle points. Additionally, Shadlou holds the record for most super tackles (8) in a single PKL match. The left-corner defender is one of the contenders to win the Orange Armband in PKL 11.

2. Fazel Atrachali

Fazel Atrachali debuted in PKL season 2 with U Mumba. Now, he is the no.1 defender in PKL as he has the most number of tackle points, that is 486. His breakout season came in PKL 4, where he accumulated 52 tackle points in 16 matches and won the Orange Armband and the PKL title with Patna Pirates. The left-corner defender once again won the Orange Armband in PKL season 7 while playing for U Mumba. He scored 82 tackle points in 24 matches. Additionally, he has experience leading the various PKL franchises, which may have helped him learn his opponents better when they were his teammates.

3. Krishan Dhull

Playing for Patna Pirates in PKL 10, Krishan Dhull was the second-highest tackle points scorer in the season. He scored 78 tackle points, including 6 High 5s and 5 Super Tackles. He debuted in PKL season 8 with Dabang Delhi and won that season. However, his role was limited at that time as he only initiated 64 tackles and scored just 27 points in 21 games. He had a decent season in PKL 9 scoring 34 tackle points. The right-corner defender will play for Telugu Titans in PKL 11 and has the opportunity to win his first Orange Armband.

4. Ankush Rathee

In his debut PKL season, Ankush Rathee became the backbone of the Jaipur Pink Panthers’ defence. He scored a phenomenal 89 tackle points in PKL season 9, which was his debut season. For his astounding performance, Ankush won the Orange Armband. Additionally, he played a pivotal in Jaipur clinching their second PKL title. PKL 10 also turns out to be a fantastic season for Ankush as he scored 70 tackle points. The left-corner defender’s back-to-back splendid performance made him the mainstay defender for the Panthers, who be challenging for the Orange Armband in PKL 11.

5. Sagar Rathee/ Yogesh Dahiya

Two of the most talented defenders, Sagar Rathee and Yogesh Dahiya, will be the frontline contenders for Orange Armband in PKL 11. Yogesh Dahiya had a remarkable debut season playing for Dabang Delhi KC in PKL 10 where he amassed 77 tackle points, including 5 High 5s and 6 Super Tackles. In PKL 11, the right-corner defender will aim to win his first Orange Armband.

Meanwhile, Sagar Rathee is an experienced defender. He has played for only Tamil Thalaivas since his debut in PKL season 7, where he scored 22 tackle points. PKL season 8 was his breakout season as he accumulated 82 tackle points, including 8 High 5s and 8 Super Tackles. Although, he didn’t win the Orange Armband but had been in the race. The right-corner defender will aim to win his first Orange Armband in PKL 11.

These are just a few names, however, there are several other defenders like Jaideep Dahiya, Rahul Sethpal, Gaurav Khatri, Sunil Malik, Reza Mirbagheri, and Shubham Shinde who can give tough competition for the Orange Armband. As these defenders gear up to challenge for the Orange Armband, the PKL 11 will surely be a thrilling tournament to watch.