The Pro Kabaddi League is gaining more and more traction with every passing year. The franchise is now in its seventh season, which is scheduled to start on July 20th, and getting bigger and better every year. While it is the raiders who get the majority of the plaudits, without the skill of the defenders to back them, they wouldn’t really be very effective. Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary Manchester United manager had famously once said “Attack wins you games, defence wins you championships.”
Here’s taking a look at the top 5 defenders expected to steal the show in the upcoming season 7 of the VIVO Pro Kabaddi League-
1) Nitesh Kumar-
The young UP Yoddhas defender wrote himself into the PKL history books last year, becoming the first defender to score a century of tackle points in just a single season. He averaged an unbelievable 4 tackle points per match, players finding themselves helpless in his vice-like ankle hold. This, coupled with his brilliant game sense and impeccable timing, makes him the star defender to look out for this year too.
2)Fazel Atrachali-
The Iranian giant is one of the most successful defenders in the history of PKL, having registered a massive 235 tackle points. Powerful as well as tough, it is impossible for raiders to overcome him once he blocks their paths. Having won the title as well as the Best Defender trophy with Patna Pirates in Season 4, this year he will be plying his trade with the U Mumba team, with whom he already picked up the Pro Kabaddi trophy in Season 2.
3)Parvesh Bhainswal-
Having lost out very narrowly on the Best Defender title last campaign, he will have his sights on going one better this time. He was a vital cog in the Gujarat Fortunegiants’ machine and their run to last years’ finals. Blessed with a deadly short block, he picked up 86 tackle points from an impressive 82 tackles in Season 6, and will no doubt once again be key to Gujarat’s success in the Pro Kabaddi League.
4)Sandeep Dhull-
He has been a rock at the heart of the Jaipur Pink Panthers’ team for a number of years now, consistent and reliable. Dhull is a master of delivering under pressure, and has often dug out his team from seemingly lost causes. He won 67 tackle points last year, including 5 Super Tackles, in the previous edition. Supported by Amit Hooda, the Left Corner of the team will be their strong suit in Season 7.
5)Vishal Bharadwaj-
He burst onto the Pro Kabaddi scene with great aplomb in Season 6, taking on attacking raiders fearlessly, with his perfectly timed ankle hold and thigh hold. Still just 20 years old, the young defender grabbed plaudits all around, leading the Telegu Titans’ defense with his speed and impeccable game sense. He will be looking to become the youngest recipient of the Best Defender trophy in Season 7.
