PKL: Top 10 defenders with most High 5s in Pro Kabaddi League history

Mohammadreza Shadloui is close to making the most high 5s record his own.

Pro Kabaddi League has made kabaddi a global phenomenon. While the Indian Premier League established India as the dominant force in the world of cricket, PKL helped establish the sport of kabaddi in the world stage. Not only has the PKL taken kabaddi to every nook and corner of the country but spurred other nations to take the sport more seriously.

With India trying to host the 2036 Olympics, kabaddi could become an Olympic sport as well. Given India’s dominance in the sport, one would expect the side to bring home the gold medal should kabaddi be introduced at the Summer Games.

Talking about domination, it is the defenders, who with their moves like dash and back-hold, could put forth a physical dominance against the opposition Raiders. India, thanks to the PKL, has produced some brilliant defenders who have left their legacy in the competition over the years. That said, let’s look at the top 10 defenders with most High 5s in the league.

#10 Surender Nada – 21

In kabaddi, the defenders hunt in pairs and one of the best corner duos during the initial years of the league was Surender Nada and Mohit Chhillar. Surender was exceptional in the left corner as he topped the tackle points (51 points) and High 5s (5 times) in the inaugural edition. He played a pivotal role in U Mumba making it to the finals in the first three seasons.

Having spent a season with Bengaluru Bulls, Surender was chosen as the priority pick by Haryana Steelers when they entered the league. He repeated the inaugural edition heroics topping tackle and High 5 charts. He finished his career with 21 High 5s after nine PKL seasons.

Also Read: PKL: Top 10 defenders with most tackle points in Pro Kabaddi League history

#9 Sunil Kumar – 23

If Surender Nada and Mohit Chhillar are for corners, then the pair of Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bhainswal are for cover position. U Mumbai reunited the pair in season 11 and they helped the team qualify to the playoffs after three seasons. Their impact started in seasons five and six for Gujarat Giants as they helped them make the finals. Sunil’s consistency even prompted the management to elevate him to consistency.

The right cover defender with his dashes would always threaten to keep the raiders on the bench. While he has become a successful defender with 23 High 5s, he is becoming one of the successful captains having leading Jaipur Pink Panthers to title.

#8 Ravinder Pahal – 23

During the inaugural edition, the league was focused more on the game than individuals. The organisers were surprised by the overwhelming response, and they started focusing on individual stars from the second season. One of the biggest stars that came out from it was Ravinder Pahal.

Nick named as The Hawk, for his sharp eyes and his precise ankle holds, the defender was the primary contributor for Dabang Delhi in the inaugural season, topping the defenders’ charts. He then moved to Puneri Paltan and Bengaluru Bulls respectively, before coming back to Delhi to have more brilliant seasons. The right corner amassed 23 High 5s out of which 17 were for the Delhi.

#7 Girish Maruti Ernak – 24

Girish Maruti Ernak was one of the few players to have played all seasons in the first decade of the league without major injuries. It speaks volume about his fitness and the contribution he had on his team, as he was one of the most sought-after defenders in the auction. He played for six teams across 10 seasons of the league scoring 362 tackle points and 24 High 5s.

He has been one of the most underrated defenders as he may not be the spotlight stealer with fancy moves but does the job for his team.

#6 Sumit Sangwan – 24

UP Yoddhas made their PKL debut in season five and have been able to make it to the playoffs in six of the seven seasons they have played. Sumit Sangwan has been a cornerstone of that success thanks to his contribution at the left corner. Ever since his debut in the last five seasons, he has missed only five games and has scored 50+ tackle points in every season.

He has featured in the top-10 for tackle points in four of those seasons and when he missed out, UP Yoddhas failed to make it to the playoffs. That’s the impact he has had with 24 High 5s and Yoddhas would want him to add more.

#5 Manjeet Chhillar – 25

In a list full of defenders, an all-rounder featuring in the top-5 is an achievement in itself and Manjeet Chhillar owns the achievement just like he used to dominate on the kabaddi mat. Known for his dashes and thigh holds, Manjeet had the versatility to play both as a cover and corner defender.

He won the best defender and most valuable player awards in the first two seasons and finished his PKL career with 25 High 5s. Had the league started earlier he would have added more.

Also Read: PKL: Top 10 best all-rounders in Pro Kabaddi League history

#4 Nitesh Kumar – 28

Season five of the Pro Kabaddi League saw four new teams being introduced. While the popularity of the league was one reason, this gave opportunity to many talented players and Nitesh Kumar was one such player who took the league by storm. He made his debut for UP Yoddhas in season five contributing 47 tackle points including four High 5s.

Season six saw him score a century of tackle points with eight super tackles and eight High 5s. Nitesh is the only player in PKL history to score 100 points in a season. The right corner has collected 28 High 5s in seven seasons with his seventh season coming with Bengal Warriorz.

#3 Fazel Atrachali – 32

While there might be a debate for who is the Greatest Indian in PKL, there will certainly be a unanimous pick for the best overseas player in PKL history and the undisputed name is Fazel Atrachali. The Iranian has become a household name in India having made telling contributions for every team he has played for. He lifted the PKL title in his debut season playing for U Mumba.

The Sultan moved to Patna Pirates in season four and topped the defenders’ charts playing a huge role in them defending the title. It is a joy to watch his back hold when the raiders are blinded for a second and fans would want to see him add more to his tally of 32.

Also Read: PKL: Five best overseas defenders of all-time

#2 Mohammadreza Shadloui – 32

If Fazel dominated the first decade of PKL, his successor in the Iranian side has taken the role of dominating defending in this decade. It seems he has doubled the effectiveness from his predecessor. To put things into perspective, Mohammadreza Shadloui already has the same amount of High 5s as Fazel having played less than half the number of matches. He has topped the defenders’ charts thrice in four seasons he has played, winning two championships and season’s MVP once.

Shadloui’s confidence with arrogance makes him a box office and teams have benefitted from his presence. In the years to come, he might bring down more raiders and the records created by the other defenders.

#1 Surjeet Singh – 34

Surjeet Singh tops the list with 34 High 5s. The cover defender has been one of India’s finest defenders of all-time with impeccable consistency. He has been a default captaincy candidate in every team he has featured in because of his game sense and the ability to control the game as a defender. The right cover not only contributes with his defensive skills but also manage the teams’ defense as a fort which makes life miserable for the opposition raiders.

Despite all his accolades, it is a shame that he hasn’t been able to lay his hands on the PKL trophy and he would like to have it in his kitty before he hangs up his boots.

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