PKL 11: Top five defenders to watch out for at auction

These are the most experienced defenders in the auction.

India and its love for franchise leagues continues as the Pro Kabaddi League will enter its 11th edition (PKL 11) this year. The league has grown by leaps and bounds and is one of the most-watched leagues in India. The stars have become a global phenomenon with few becoming Demigods. The fast-paced nature of the support makes it wonderful to watch.

While the Raiders go for the points, the defenders make the game more interesting. Ankle Hold, Thigh Hold, The Dash and the way all pounce on a raider in unison make the support enthralling. The Auction for season 11 will have some of the best defenders available to be pounced on by teams to form a formidable wall.

Here are the hot picks amongst defenders available in the auction

#5 Nitesh Kumar

With over 350 points over six seasons, Nitesh Kumar has been one of the strongest defensive forces in Pro Kabaddi. Having been picked up as the New Young Player in season five by UP Yoddhas, he displayed his full skill in the next season when he became the first defender to score 100 tackle points in a season, which got him the best defender award for the season.

Coming through the PKL’s Future Kabaddi Heroes Program, Nitesh has been with Yoddhas since inception but they have released him after a couple of below-par seasons. It has overjoyed other franchises who will look to snap the most successful right corner in the history of the league. Termed as a fast learner he can quickly adapt to a different environment by understanding the intricacies of a new franchise.

#4 Sunil Kumar

The biggest shocking release ahead of the season 11 auction is Sunil Kumar from Jaipur Pink Panthers. The inaugural champions struggled to make it to the playoffs for four seasons and they bought Sunil Kumar to build a steady defensive unit. It was under his captaincy that Jaipur won their second PKL title with his contribution 65 tackle points.

His leadership was brilliant again in season 10 as he led them to a top-three finish. But to the surprise of everyone they have let go of him. The experts suggest that Sanjeev Baliyan would be using a FBM card to match bid from any team to get back to the fold. His former team Gujarat Giants also lacks a quality right cover and if Pink Panthers decide otherwise he could, Giants would try to snap him up.

#3 Surjeet Singh

Surjeet Singh is the most successful Indian defender in the history of the league and has been one of the sought-after defenders. The Tamil Thalaivas splurged 75 lakh in season eight and built a team around him. It was not the first time that the Bengal Warriors did it with a 73 lakh bid in season five, and they were appointed as captains.

He was with the Bengaluru Bulls last season helping them with crucial wins. Teams will go after him in the auction expecting him to do the same. The right-cover defender is known for his hard-hitting dashes and will look to be invaluable to teams with his experience in handling youngsters at crunch situations. Teams looking for a skipper who wants to be represented by him at Toss Time.

#2 Krishan Dhull

Krishan Dhull impressed many with his defensive skills, especially his advanced tackles looked more on instinctive and he is better prepared to bring the raider down. The 22-year-old credited Patna Pirates’ coach Narender Redu for the improvement. After scoring just 61 tackle points in two seasons, Dhull improved drastically to score 78 in season 10.

He was a joy to watch as his skills to predict the movement of the Raiders from their eyes were a treat to the fans. So, the Pirates would be eager to get him back at the right corner to support Ankit Jaglan who had a wonderful debut season at the left corner. Teams like Bengal Warriors, Telugu Titans, and UP Yoddhas are in need of a right-corner defender and the youngster could be one of their choices.

#1 Fazel Atrachali

The Gujarat Giants’ release of Fazel Atrachali raised many eyebrows as his partnership with coach Ram Mehar Singh made the team one of the strongest in the league. The Iranian is arguably the most successful foreign player in league history. The defender is not only a force in the left corner but also a natural leader.

He was the skipper of the Gujarat franchise when they advanced to the finals in season five and led Puneri Paltans to the finals in season nine. He was also part of title-winning journeys with U Mumba in season two and with Patna Pirates for season four. He could very well be a target for all of his previous franchises. As no one would want to miss the league’s most successful captain and defender.

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