PKL: A look at Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh's journey in Pro Kabaddi League

The Iranian all-rounder has been part of the title winning outfits in the last two seasons.

The Pro Kabaddi League has seen a number of all-rounders in its 11 editions of existence. While some have consistently scored points in offense and defense, others have been just bits-and-pieces players. Rarely do players come, though, who can fit in a team as a pure defender as well as a pure raider. Iranian Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh is one such exponent, a generational talent, who has redefined the definition of an all-rounder.

Shadloui made his PKL debut, for the Patna Pirates in the eighth edition of the league—the first one after the pandemic enforced hiatus. In these last four seasons, he has been a thorough game-changer, who likes to be in the limelight, thus earning the name of ‘Showstopper’. The 24-year-old has played for three teams in four seasons, changing fortunes wherever he goes. Such has been the impact that he has already played three finals, winning two of them.

Shadloui is primarily a defender, occupying the key left corner position. Ankle holds with a vice-like grip, blocks, chain tackles and more—he has everything in his armoury. More importantly, his aggression has inspired other defenders to have the same attitude, which has meant that he has formed a fulcrum of some of the most prolific defensive line-ups.

His raiding prowess has improved more recently, but the lad from Naghadeh is now more than adept at playing the role of a support raider. His quick feet and power have made him nearly unstoppable in Super Tackle situations. Not that he can’t raid when there are more men—he has shown the ability to make cheeky touches and also get crucial bonuses, with six or seven on the mat.

In total, Shadloui has scored 354 tackle points and 94 raid points in 92 matches. Let us now have a look at the break-up over the four seasons, reliving the journey of one who has become the face of modern kabaddi.

Season 11 (Haryana Steelers)

Shadloui was the most expensive overseas player at the auctions for the second successive year, with the Haryana Steelers securing his services at a price of Rs. 2.07 Cr. He was clearly worth every penny of that, turning out to be the missing piece in the Haryana outfit which lost the final in the previous edition.

Shadloui was the best defender of the season for the second successive edition, with 82 tackle points at a strike rate of 51%. He also scored a total of 57 raid points. The Steelers topped the charts and eventually went on to win the title, defeating the Patna Pirates 32-23 in the final, with Shadloui securing a High-5.

Also Read: Most expensive players of each PKL season auction history

Season 10 (Puneri Paltan)

The Iranian became the most expensive overseas player ever at the PKL auctions, after he was picked by the Puneri Paltan at a sum of Rs. 2.35 Cr. He was part of a squad, which played ultra-aggressively, displaying what modern kabaddi stands for. The left corner had a stunning season, with 99 tackle points (at a whopping strike rate of 59%), just one less than the best ever season tally of 100, by Nitesh Kumar in season 7.

He secured 11 high 5s, three more than Ankush at second. In a team with a whole warehouse of top raiders, Shadloui also managed to score 27 raid points. The Paltan topped the table, before defeating the Steelers 28-25 in the final.

Season 9 (Patna Pirates)

Shadloui was retained by the Patna Pirates for the nineth edition, after a successful debut season. He was the second-best defender, with 84 tackle points at a strike rate of 56%. The Iranian didn’t put on too many raids though, scoring just five raid points. The three-time champions on their part had a dismal season, finishing tenth on the table with just eight wins in twenty-two matches.

Also Read: PKL: A look at Pardeep Narwal’s journey in Pro Kabaddi League

Season 8 (Patna Pirates)

Mohammadreza Shadloui was picked up at the PKL 8 auctions at a price of Rs. 31 lakhs by the Patna Pirates. He set the mat on fire straightaway. This was the first of his three times till now where he has finished as the best defender, first of three editions where his team finished as the table topper and first of three finals. He scored a total of 89 tackle points, at a strike rate of 56%.

His tally of ten high 5s placed him on top of that chart too. The potential of Shadloui the raider, wasn’t explored properly till the final, where he scored three of his five raid points in that edition. The Iranian worked hard to keep his team alive in the match, but they heartbreakingly ended up losing 36-37 to the Dabang Delhi.

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