PKL 11: Top five best debutant defenders of Pro Kabaddi 2024
These young defenders impressed everyone with their performance in their debut season.
Haryana Steelers triumphed in the Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) with sheer domination throughout. Unlikely in the PKL’s history, this was a season dominated by the defence, and the raiders had to work extremely hard to sneak in points. Especially, teams like Tamil Thalaivas, Haryana Steelers, and U Mumba had a lethal defence wall, which even the biggest raiders found hard to defeat.
Mohammadreza Shadloui, Ankit Jaglan, Nitesh Kumar, and Nitin Rawal were some of the biggest defenders who stood out this season. However, amidst these big names, a few players debuted this season and showed impressive skills to become influential names in the PKL. Here are the top 5 defenders who created a fine impression this year.
Also Read: PKL 11: Top five best debutant raiders of Pro Kabaddi 2024
5. Gaurav Chillar
Dabang Delhi were one of the most consistent teams this year. They had a massive unbeaten streak of 15 matches which Patna Pirates eventually broke in the Semi-Final. Delhi’s strong defence was one of the reasons along with dominant Ashu Malik, which helped them into the semis.
Gaurav Chhillar did not initially start in the starting 7, however, he became a key member as the season ended. Chillar scored 19 tackle points in 15 matches with a success tackle rate of 33%.
4. Sandeep Deswal
Sandeep Deswal was another pillar of Dabang Delhi‘s defence who played a crucial role in many combination tackles and many of the dash-outs as well. Deswal played spectacularly on the left cover and scored 27 tackle points in 20 matches with a tackle success rate of 34%.
3. Rohit Poonia
Gujarat Giants had a disastrous season. Although their raiders let them down enormously, Giants’ defence came to the rescue on several occasions. Rohit Poonia was one of those defenders who held their defence together and made a name for himself in the debut season itself. Poonia scored 24 tackle points in 15 matches with a success tackle rate of 40%.
Also Read: PKL 11: Top 10 defenders with most High 5s in Pro Kabaddi 2024
2. Sagar Sethpal
Telugu Titans had one of the most successful seasons in their PKL history. Although they missed the playoffs narrowly, they would be happy with what they achieved this season. Interestingly, one of their crucial defenders was a debutant, Sagar Sethpal, brother of Rahul Sethpal who lifted the trophy this year for the Steelers. Sagar did a fabulous job this year as a debutant and scored 41 tackle points in 22 matches with a success tackle rate of 35%.
1. Himanshu Jaglan
Another Gujarat Giants’ defender who was rock solid for them this season. Himanshu Jaglan became a vital right corner for the Giants and was phenomenal. He helped in many tackles of Jitendra Yadav who was Gujarat’s best defender this season. Jaglan scored 44 tackle points in 18 matches with a stellar success tackle rate of 54%.
These defenders surely set a tone for their PKL career this season. However, it will be crucial to keep an eye on them as the next season will be the real test for them. The raiders would read their moves and it will be interesting to see how they will respond and take the responsibilities of their franchise. Who do you think was the best debutant defender according to you? Let us know in the comment section.
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