PKL 9: Top five players to watch out for in gameweek 8

Each of these players will hope that they can continue with their impressive performance in the ongoing season.

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 9 is heading towards its business end and the race for the playoffs is heating up. All teams have played at least 15 games up until now and apart from Telugu Titans, all other teams still have a chance to qualify for the playoffs. Haryana Steelers and Gujarat Giants have a very minimal chance of going through to the next round, but they aren't yet out of the race. As the tournament heads into another week, let's take a look at the 5 players to watch out for. 

Sumit

If Surinder and Pardeep have done well for the Yoddhas in the raiding department; Sumit has handled their defence well. He has 40 tackle points in 16 games and in a season where their designated captain ahead of the season Nitesh Kumar has struggled, Sumit has stepped up. The team would hope that he can continue to make it difficult for the opposition raiders in the upcoming week.

Sagar

Sagar had the 2nd most tackle points last season. This season he struggled to found his groove but now he has come to his own as he currently holds the 4th position in the list of top defenders. If the Tamil Thalaivas are still in the running for the playoffs spot, it's because of him.

Ashu Malik

Dabang Delhi K.C have got themselves back in contention to qualify for the playoffs as they have won their last two games. At one point in the tournament it seemed that Delhi could not buy a win but their faith changed when they defeated the Titans. But even in what has turned out to be a chaotic season for the defending champions they have found a new hero in Ashu Malik. He has crossed 100 raid points this season and is proving to be a great support raider to Naveen Kumar. The franchise would hope that he can continue his same form as the team looks to solidify their position in top 6.

Vishal Bharadwaj

There is not much left for the Titans this season as they have become the first team to be officially out of the league, but yet there is so much more to play for. They can still spoil the party for other teams. Despite another horrible season, Vishal Bharadwaj has been the stand-out performer for them in defence. He has scored 40 tackle points from 17 games and he would look to end the tournament on a high and help his side win a couple of more games in the upcoming week.

Surender Gill

UP Yoddhas look set to qualify for yet another playoffs as they are currently 4th on that points table. Pardeep Narwal took a while to get going, but Surinder Gill whenever he has played, he has done well. He has featured in only 13 of the 16 games the Yoddhas have played till now but he already has 132 raid points. The Yoddhas would hope that he remains injury free and can contribute in a big way in the upcoming week.