PKL: Updated total Super Tackle points of all PKL teams

Patna Pirates is dominating yet another PKL record list.

There is a popular quote “Raiders win matches while defenders win tournaments”. Defenders play a vital role in teams' success and their performance often goes unnoticed. Jaipur Pink Panthers were the best defensive side in PKL 9 and eventually won the title after finishing in the top in the league stages. In this article let us look at the teams which have put in the most super tackles overall in the PKL.

12. Gujarat Giants (72)

Gujarat Giants had a formidable defensive unit since their inception in season 5. Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bainswal formed a formidable cover duo and led Gujarat to two successive finals in seasons 5 and 6. The club hasn't found any dependable defender since their departure and was poor in Pro Kabaddi League 9 leaking points through advanced tackles.

11. Haryana Steelers (85)

Haryana Steelers had one of the best defensive duos of Mohit Chillar and Surender Nada in their maiden appearance in season 5. Surender Nada couldn't play a significant role as he suffered from injuries. Cover defender Jaideep Dahiya has been the standout performer in the previous two editions scoring 50-plus tackle points.

10. Tamil Thalaivas (90)

Tamil Thalaivas had one of the worst defensive records in the first three seasons (5,6, and 7). Sagar Rathee and Sahil Gulia changed their fortunes since their arrival in season 8. The corner duo played a significant role in PKL 9 scoring 50 plus tackle points thereby guiding Tamil Thalaivas to the maiden playoff spot. Also, the southern franchise put in 28 super tackles (third most) in season 9.

9. UP Yoddhas (111)

UP Yoddhas is one of the most consistent sides in PKL history having qualified for the playoff five successive times. The corner duo of Nitesh Kumar and Sumit played a vital role in defence (in the past three seasons). Nitesh Kumar is also the first defender to score 100 tackle points in a single season. 

8. Bengal Warriors (117)

Bengal Warriors has been a raider-heavy side and have performed reasonably well in the defence. They won their maiden PKL title in 2018. Apart from the title-winning season, the defence hasn't put up any remarkable performance (117 super tackles from 173 matches). Girish Ernak was the most successful defender in PKL 9.

7. Dabang Delhi KC (124)

Apart from Ravinder Pahal in the initial few seasons, none of the defenders has performed consistently. Left corner defender Joginder Sharma led the side to its maiden PKL title in season 8 and it was their raiding which stood firm. Experienced cover defender Manjeet Chillar nurtured the team and played a vital role. Dabang Delhi had one of the worst defensive records in PKL 9 losing five plus successive matches.

6. Bengaluru Bulls (135)

Season 7 champions Bengaluru Bulls have scored 270 tackle points through super tackle situations and hold onto the sixth spot. Manjeet Chillar and Dharamraj Cheralathan played a significant role at the start scoring tackle points constantly. Cover defender Mahender Singh has been performing reasonably well for the past few seasons.

5. Jaipur Pink Panthers (151)

Jaipur is the second most successful franchise in the PKL (having won two titles only behind Patna Pirates with three). Captain Sunil Kumar, Sahul, and Ankush Rathee together scored close to 180 tackles points guiding Jaipur to the title. Commentators often say “Raiders win you matches but defenders win you the title” has come out true for Jaipur in PKL 9.

4. U Mumba (155)

U Mumba has enjoyed good success in PKL having won the title in season 2. They reached the final in the inaugural season but lost to Jaipur. Surender Nada, Mohit Chillar, Fazel Athrachali, and Surinder Singh have played a huge role in defence across all the seasons. U Mumba has scored 300 plus points through super tackle situations.

3. Puneri Paltan (157)

Puneri Paltan came close to winning PKL 9 but missed out on the top spot by the barest of margins. The inclusion of Fazel Atrachali in defence has reaped the team good reward by reaching the final. All-rounder Nabibaksh played a vital role in the semifinals putting in crucial raids and helping the defence in tandem.

2. Telugu Titans (167)

Telugu Titans finished in the bottom half for three successive seasons (7, 8, and 9) and are going through a lean patch. The defence has been scoring points but on a whole has been leaking points at crucial junctures. Vishal Bharadwaj and Parvesh Bainswal finished in the top for Telugu Titans but couldn't perform consistently in season 9.

1. Patna Pirates (168)

Patna Pirates is the most successful team in PKL history winning the title thrice (runner-up in season 8). Pardeep Narwal has a huge share in Patna’s success scoring raid points single-handedly. Defence on the other hand has played its role silently helping the raiders to carry the momentum. Neeraj Kumar and Chiyaneh are the most successful defenders for the franchise.