The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has produced countless moments of defenders often stealing the spotlight to earn their side crucial points. A standout metric for defenders is the “High 5” that is achieved when a player earns 5 or more tackle points in a match. These defensive giants have mastered the art of regularly setting the standard for defensive excellence.
7. Girish Maruti Ernak – 24 High 5s
- Matches Played: 147
- Nationality: India
- Total Tackle Points: 362
He began his career with the Patna Pirates in Season 1 of the PKL. He enjoyed his most successful spell with the Puneri Paltans. In season 5 of the PKL, he recorded 64 tackle points and five High 5s. He even went on to captain the Puneri Paltans the very next season.
6. Sumit Sangwan – 24 High 5s
- Matches Played: 112
- Nationality: India
- Total Tackle Points: 326
Sumit Sanwan is finally set to be appointed as the captain of the UP Yoddhas after 5 fantastic seasons with the franchise. In the 112 matches he has played for the UP Yoddhas, he has picked up 326 tackle points. His debut season is still his most prolific to date as he picked up seven High 5s in PKL Season 7.
5. Manjeet Chhillar – 25 High 5s
- Matches Played: 132
- Nationality: India
- Total Tackle Points: 391
He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest kabaddi players of all time and earned the nickname “One Man Army”. He captained the Bengaluru Bulls in the first-ever season of the Pro Kabaddi League. The very next season, Manjeet Chhillar went on to win the MVP award.
4. Nitesh Kumar – 28 High 5s
- Matches Played: 150
- Nationality: India
- Total Tackle Points: 409
Nitesh Kumar is the first and only player to score 100 tackle points in a single campaign while representing UP Yoddhas in Season 6. He won an outstanding eight High 5s that season. He is also the third-highest tackle point scorer in PKL history.
3. Fazel Atrachali – 32 High 5s
- Matches Played: 188
- Nationality: Iran
- Total Tackle Points: 545
The Iranian powerhouse ranks as the most successful defender in PKL history with 545 tackle points. He’s also a two-time PKL champion, securing titles with U Mumba in Season 2 and Patna Pirates in Season 4. That Season 4 campaign saw him pick the Best Defender award.
2. Mohammad Reza Shadloui – 32 High 5s
- Matches Played: 92
- Nationality: Iran
- Total Tackle Points: 354
Mohammadreza Shadloui has just been named as the captain of his new side, the Gujarat Giants, after playing a pivotal role in winning Haryana Steelers their maiden PKL title. He very well could go on to become the best defender in PKL history. He already ranks very high in the list, having played only half the matches as compared to the rest.
1. PO Surjeet Singh – 34 High 5s
- Matches Played: 171
- Nationality: India
- Total Tackle Points: 443
PO Surjeet Singh has had an impressive PKL career. He ranks as the second most successful defender in PKL history and has featured for several teams. However, the Indian kabaddi star has never been able to lay his hands on a PKL title so far. He enjoyed his most prolific season with the Bengal Warriorz in PKL Season 5, where he picked up 76 tackle points and nine High 5s.
Conclusion
These defenders possess the ability to repeatedly shut down raiders and turn the tide of matches. They’ve not only won individual accolades but have cemented themselves as some of the greatest defenders the Pro Kabaddi League has ever seen. These defenders, in fact, prove that the art of tackling is every bit as thrilling as the raid.
Written by: Thillai Ritvik
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