PKL 12: Top 10 defenders with most High 5s in Pro Kabaddi 2025

Scoring a High 5 is a rare and memorable feat for a defender.

The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) gave the fans plenty of memorable moments. There were plenty of highlights during an exciting campaign, which saw sensational individual performances by the players in both offense and defense. 

Defence is a major aspect of the sport, and any team that dreams of winning the title must have a solid defensive lineup.

In Kabaddi, for defenders, stopping raiders from scoring points is not a big thing. While a High 5, securing five or more tackle points, is the biggest achievement.

Looking back at the season, several defenders impressed and accumulated multiple High 5s for their respective teams. Saluting their efforts, here’s a look at the top 10 defenders with the most High 5s in the PKL 12.

Gurdeep – 3

Gurdeep of Puneri Paltan played his sixth PKL season and showed his experience on several instances. Across the campaign, he secured three High 5s and scored 42 tackle points in 18 matches.

Sunil Kumar – 4

Sunil Kumar, the most successful captain of the Pro Kabaddi League, helped U Mumba secure the playoff spot and managed four High 5s in season 12. He scored 54 points in 19 matches for the team.

Fazel Atrachali – 4

Most Valuable Player of PKL 12, Fazel Atrachali, won his third PKL title and helped Dabang Delhi secure its second crown with masterful performances across the term. He scored four High 5s and proved why signing him in the auction was a smart decision on Delhi’s part.

Deepak Sankar – 5

Bengaluru Bulls‘ Deepak Sankar emerged as one of the best defenders in season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League. He secured five High 5s by the end. Thanks to his efforts, he won the New Young Player of the Season award.

Sumit Sangwan – 5

Sumit Sangwan made five High 5s and contributed well to UP Yoddhas from a defensive point of view. However, his performances alone were not enough to guarantee a playoff spot for the team, which finished in ninth place.

Nitesh Kumar – 5

Tamil Thalaivas‘ Nitesh Kumar was in great form throughout Season 12 and recorded five High 5s. He also scored 66 total points in 18 matches for the side.

Navdeep – 6

Navdeep was one of the key figures in helping Patna Pirates reach the playoffs. He managed six High 5s across the season and also received the award for Defender of the Season in PKL 12.

Gaurav Khatri – 6

Gaurav Khatri had huge expectations on his shoulders, and he did not disappoint the fans. He secured six High 5s in a stellar season for the Puneri Paltan, but unfortunately, he could not guide the team to the trophy.

Ashish Malik – 6

Bengal Warriorz bought Ashish Malik in the PKL 12 auction. It turned out to be a sensible investment by the outfit as the former Dabang Delhi defender recorded six High 5s in 15 matches.

Jaideep Dahiya – 7

Jaideep Dahiya showed why he is one of the best defenders in the Pro Kabaddi League by scoring seven High 5s, the highest tally of any player in Season 12. His performances for the Haryana Steelers enabled them to reach the playoffs.

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