PKL: Top 10 moments of Mohammadreza Shadloui in Pro Kabaddi League

Mohammadreza Shadloui was adjudged the MVP of PKL 11.

Mohammadreza Shadloui has become a name that instantly strikes fear into raiders across the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). The Iranian defender, with his towering presence and unmatched intensity, has turned into a nightmare for raiders season after season.

Ever since stepping onto the PKL mat in Season 8, Shadloui has set the benchmark for what an all-round defender can achieve. At just 24 years of age, he has already taken his team to three finals, lifting the title on two occasions and leaving his mark on the league’s biggest stages.

What makes Mohammadreza Shadloui special is not just his consistency but also his ability to create game-changing moments in the blink of an eye. Kabaddi is a sport where momentum can swing dramatically within seconds, and Shadloui thrives in those high-pressure situations.

His powerful blocks, perfectly timed tackles, and sheer dominance over raiders have made him a fan favourite and one of the most feared defenders in PKL history.

Over the years, he has gifted us countless unforgettable moments — here are the top 10 that stand out.

Also Read: PKL 12: What will be Gujarat Giants’ starting 7 in Pro Kabaddi 2025?

10. Pouncing on Devank Dalal, Season 11

Season 11 was dominated by Devank Dalal, and it seemed they were running for another win through an all-out. He was targeting Shadloui, who was crouching in the left corner. Devank tried a diving hand touch and he slipped a moment.

It was all required for the Iranian to pounce on him with two hands, and Vinay Tewatia quickly rushed in to help Mohammadreza Shadloui. It was a literal example of his tag ‘The Showstopper’ as it not only broke the momentum but also helped Haryana beat Patna, which denied a top-two finish for the latter.

9. Super Tackle vs Vinay Tewatia, Season 10

Vinay knows a thing or two about Mohammadreza Shadloui, and most of what he learned came from competing against him. In season 10, Vinay wanted to do a cleanup with only Shadloui and Mohit Goyat on the opposite side. He attacked Mohit to unsettle him.

That extra bit of aggression gave the time for the man from Naqadeh to block the escape route. The 6-foot frame of Shadloui was too much for Vinay to escape as he succumbed to the Super Tackle.

8. Stopping Naveen Express, Season 9

The Iranian had a great start against Naveen Kumar in that game, and when the game was in balance in the first half, Shadloui produced a classic double thigh-hold which pinned down Naveen at the exact place of the tackle. The backflip celebration with the fist on the ground gave the swagger for the left-corner defender.

7. Blocking the Best, Season 10

Puneri Paltan had one of the strongest defences in PKL history and it was on full display. Guman Singh executed a near-perfect Dubki, but Shadloui was quick to react to block him.

Guman tried to push the Iranian, whose legs were inches away from touching the midline. But the strength of the 24-year-old combined with the efforts of other defenders brought the downfall of Guman.

6. Ankle Hold of Highest Quality, Season 9

Naveen Kumar was in the top of his game, raided against two quality defenders in Mohammadreza Shadloui and Neeraj. He was trying to push one of the defenders away to secure a point.

Mohammadreza Shadloui decided to crouch, inviting him deep inside the mat. When Naveen responded, the Showstopper was quick to hold on to his ankle. It was like a crocodile catching on to it, and there was no escape.

5. Getting the better of Fazel, Season 10

Chiyaneh, as Mohammadreza Shadloui is fondly called, has a greater impact because of his versatility. He ventured into the opposite territory in a do-or-die raid with Fazel Atrachalli waiting for him.

The Sultan went for a double thigh-hold, but Shadloui executed the lion jump perfectly to the amusement of Fazel himself, showing that his successor is on his way to unseat him.

4. Stamping of Class in Playoffs, Season 10

Puneri Paltan was dominating the semifinals against Patna Pirates in season 10 and the final nail on the coffin was hit by Mohammadreza Shadloui. Sandeep Kumar was trying his bit to make a comeback but a double Ankle Hold broke the momentum, and his classic back flip with fist on the mat celebration was a statement of domination.

3. Wrestler Shadloui tackles Ashu Malik, Season 9

It was Shadloui was Dabang Delhi that night as the Iranian had scored 13 of the 17 points the team scored in the first 28 minutes of the game. Ashu Malik was raiding, and the Iranian overran, which gave the room for Ashu to escape.

But the Wrestling blood from Iran came to the fore as he blocked the raider, converted into a back hold and rolled him to pin him down. It was a historic night as he racked up 16 Tackle points including eight Super Tackles

2. Ankle Hold Like An Anchor, Season 11

Nitin Dhankar and Bengal Warriorz were leading when he decided to execute a Kick against Shadloui. It was a touch of arrogance against the Iranian, who responded with a firm Ankle Hold. The raider tried hard to escape, but the defender, with his own Self-confidence, stood firm like an Anchor with his ankle in his hands.

1. The Showstopper, Season 9

Pardeep Narwal, the OG star of PKL, was tackled by Shadloui in a symbolic representation of the passing of the mantle. The Iranian went for a Thigh Hold, and the Dubki King escaped it, but got his ankle stuck with the hands of Shadloui.

He was pinned down, and the Iranian executed a Kip-Up, an acrobatic move best associated with former WWE star Shawn Michaels. Ironically, Michaels was called a Showstopper in WWE, and the Iranian has earned the tag in PKL.

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For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.