PKL 11: Top five retained defenders before auction

A lot of young defenders have been retained by various franchises for PKL 11.

In Cricket they say, batsman win you games bowlers win you championships. Similarly in Kabaddi, the raiders win you games but defenders win you Championships. While raiders, can get points in the heap, the defenders could get rid of the raider which not only denies points for the opposition but also creates a void in the morale.

Pro Kabaddi League fans have seen over the years how teams with a strong raider but a weak defense have failed miserably. Ajay Thakur-Tamil Thalaivas and Pawan Sehrawat-Telugu Titans are classic examples. On the other hand, Bengal Warriors won the title despite missing Maninder Singh due to an injury thanks to their defense. Knowing this some of the teams have retained their key defenders and let’s take a look at the top five defenders who have stayed with their old teams ahead of PKL 11.

5. Rinku

U Mumba had high expectations of doing well in Season 10 as they had a strong defensive quartet. Rinku was a primary contributor but could end up playing just nine games scoring 28 points. The team management have kept the faith in him and retained him as an elite player. Having let go of Surinder Singh and Mahender Singh, Rinku’s role becomes pivotal for U Mumba.

4. Rahul Sethpal

The most effective way of hunting is in pairs and no one knows it better than Manpreet Singh, the coach of Haryana Steelers. Having retained the left cover, they have decided to continue the services of their right corner Rahul Sethpal. The 23-year-old had a rollicking season 10 as he inflicted 15 super tackles, while the second best was nine. Manpreet ensured to keep this one-man army within the Steelers setup.

3. Jaideep Dahiya

66 tackle points in season eight, 54 tackle points in season nine, and 68 tackle points in season 10. If someone since his debut has a stats like these to his name, then he is name will be in the list of retentions with second thoughts.

That’s what Haryana Steelers have done as they retained the left cover as their first pick in young players category. Having lost in the finals, Jaideep would want to get it right for the Haryana this season.

2. Gaurav Khatri

Gaurav Khatri, Puneri Paltan, and right corner is a triangular love story that is set to continue for season 11 of Pro Kabaddi League. The defender was a lynchpin of the Paltan’ successful title winning campaign in 2023-24. He had a whopping 61% tackle strike-rate which made it mat look like minefield for raiders. He will look to repeat it this season as well.

1. Ankush

Ankush, who joined the PKL in season nine exuded a confidence that very few players in this league could match. The Pink Panther had showcased his exceptional skills at the left corner which helped them to title with 89 points. He was retained for season 10 and it was another year where he troubled the right raiders. Coach Sanjeev Baliyan has rightfully retained his services for season 11.

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