PKL 11: Top five defenders who will be retained by their team

These stars performed brilliantly for their team in the previous edition.

Pro Kabaddi League 10 saw the return of the caravan format, which allowed fans to witness Kabaddi action around the nation, and was just one of the season’s many highlights. PKL 11 is set to witness the league return to its traditional July – September window and with the Kabaddi World Cup set to happen early next year, this season of PKL will be a closely watched one.

In a Kabaddi match, the defense always wins even when the raiders amaze you with their incredible raiding skills. Over the decade of the league, successful teams have built their teams around defenders with the likes of Fazel Atrachalli, Dharmaraj Cheralathan, and Joginder Narwal are captains who played key roles in winning the title. PKL 11 will be no different with teams looking to retain their star defenders.

Let’s look at the top 5 defenders who will be retained.

Mohammadreza Chiyaneh – Puneri Paltan

Mohammadreza Chiyaneh is not only breaking records but also creating a new Everest that would take a Himalayan endeavor to surpass. The Iranian has made a name for himself as one of the greatest defenders in PKL history in just three seasons. He took home the Defender of the Season award in his debut campaign, and won it again in season 10, making it two in three seasons. Last season saw him continue from where he left off as the 30-year-old offered Pune the most versatile defense. Because of his position in the left corner, every Raider who stepped onto the mat was vulnerable. The defending champions will look to retain Shadloui.

Yogesh Dahiya – Dabang Delhi KC

No one knows the importance of a quality right-corner defender than Joginder Narwal, who used to stand in the left corner and forged many partnerships over the years. With Narwal at the helm of affairs of Dabang Delhi, he would love to retain the young and exciting Yogesh Dahiya. The 20-year-old met the then coach Rambhir Singh Khokhar’s expectations by placing third on the list of players with the most tackle points in his PKL debut season last year. Having been named the young player of season, Delhi would like to go with him in season 11 as well.

Ankush – Jaipur Pink Panthers

Ankush, who made his PKL debut in season nine, was the top defender and they retained him for season ten. He had an air of authority about him last season that very few players in this league did. The young Panther had shown off his outstanding skills by performing at the corner. Many of the right raiders were forced to struggle for points because of his position in the left corner. Eight High-5s were among his 70 tackle points at the end of the season. With Jaipur’s tendency to retain the core, Ankush could well wear the Pink Jersey in PKL 11 as well.

Krishan Dhull – Patna Pirates

Krishan Dhull of the Patna Pirates finished with 78 Tackle points in season 10. It might be far behind in the fight for the orange band but he was the Patna Pirates’ star player and has been their right-corner specialist. Since he is conscious of the demands he makes of himself, he wants to perform well. He played a key role in Patna Pirates guaranteeing a record eighth playoff position. The Pirates would like to center their team on him for PKL 11 because he appears to be a big-match performer.

Mohit Nandal – Haryana Steelers

The Haryana Steelers were blessed with a formidable defensive quartet, and Mohit Nandal played a key role in keeping it together. He ranked sixth in the list of players with the most tackle points with 70, but his influence was greater than the stats would imply because he frequently struck as the team and demoralized the opposing Raiders. Mohit and Jaideep have been one of the most potent defensive combinations this season. The season 10 finalists would want to retain Mohit as they aim to go one better this season.

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