PKL 12: Top 10 defenders with most tackle points in Pro Kabaddi 2025

The season was full of defenders who kept the raiders silent.

Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) features the finest kabaddi players that India has to offer, and the 12th season of the competition had plenty of them. Moreover, players from overseas added more quality to a league which has no shortage of talented players. 

Defenders in kabaddi are a significant part of a team, and their contribution is essential to any winning side. In the most recent Pro Kabaddi League season gone by, several defenders took centre stage and played key roles for their respective outfits, helping them achieve their seasonal objectives. 

The 12th edition saw seasoned players and fresh faces alike impress the spectators. Looking back at the entertaining PKL campaign, here are the top 10 defenders with the most points: 

10. Yogesh (Bengaluru Bulls) – 51

Yogesh, in his first season with the Bengaluru Bulls, scored 51 tackle points in 19 matches. His solid performances were key in helping the Bulls reach the playoffs in a campaign of many positives. Leaving the Dabang Delhi after season 11 came as a surprise, but the defender kept the level of his performances high despite the new surroundings in season 12.

9. Saurabh Nandal (Dabang Delhi) – 52

Saurabh Nandal played an important role in providing support to the likes of Surjeet Singh and Fazel Atrachali in the title-winning season for Dabang Delhi. The defender scored 52 points in 19 matches.

8. Sunil Kumar (U Mumba) – 52

Sunil Kumar, the veteran defender, scored 52 tackle points for U Mumba in season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League. Despite him leading by example, the outfit could not go beyond the play-in stage of the playoffs, losing to Patna Pirates.

Also Read: PKL 12: Top 10 raiders with most points in Pro Kabaddi 2025

7. Fazel Atrachali (Dabang Delhi) – 52

Fazel Atrachali was the Most Valuable Player of season 12 of the PKL as he became a three-time winner of the competition. His leadership and 52 tackle points were key in enabling the outfit to secure its second title. 

6. Ankit (Telugu Titans) – 52

Telugu Titans were defensively very solid, and Ankit was a major reason for that. The defender scored 52 tackle points in 21 outings.

5. Gaurav Khatri (Puneri Paltan) – 62

Gaurav Khatri was impressive in the PKL 12 season for the Puneri Paltan. He was one of the key figures in helping the side reach the final after finishing on top of the league table on points.

4. Deepak Sankar (Bengaluru Bulls) – 64

Deepak Sankar’s brilliant performances across season 12 of the PKL saw him collect 64 tackle points. The New Young Player for the Bengaluru Bulls became the NYP of the season thanks to his consistency and bravery.

Also Read: PKL 12: List of all award winners of Pro Kabaddi 2025

3. Nitesh Kumar (Tamil Thalaivas) – 65

Nitesh Kumar of the Tamil Thalaivas scored 65 tackle points in 18 matches, becoming the third-highest points-scoring defender in the 12th PKL edition. He made five High 5s and three Super Tackles, but could not help the team qualify for the playoffs.

2. Jaideep (Haryana Steelers) – 68

Jaideep led the Haryana Steelers’ defence by example by scoring 68 tackle points. While the winners of season 11 could not even make it past the play-in stage of the playoffs following a fifth-place finish in the league stage, Jaideep’s performances gave the fans something to cheer about.

1. Navdeep (Patna Pirates) – 73

Navdeep, being a New Young Player, delivered plenty of mature performances for the Patna Pirates, helping them reach the playoffs. He scored 73 points, becoming the defender with the highest points tally in season 12, which included eight Super Tackles and six High 5s.

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