Monster blocks, insane ankle holds, mighty back holds and some dazzling dashes – this past week saw it all in Season 8 of Pro Kabaddi and the defensive tilt has firmly moved towards young fearless defenders making a mark on the league.
We’ve seen some incredibly strategic Kabaddi on display too but with defensive talent oozing out at this stage, here at Man’s Life, with a little data support from our friends at www.KabaddiAdda.com we bring you the Top 5 Defenders at Pro Kabaddi (week ending 23rd January).
5. SAGAR (Tamil Thalaivas): 3 Matches – 18 tackles – 11 tackle points
View this post on Instagram
From being wooden spooners since their entrance into Pro Kabaddi, this season the Tamil Thalaivas are crowned the Tamil TIE-laivas with SIX tied games from their first twelve! Their defence however has been iron-clad for most part with young Sagar cornering raiders on the right side along with Captain, Surjeet Singh. Another good week sees Sagar inside the top 5 defenders of the week with 11 tackle points from his 3 games.
4. MOHIT NANDAL (Haryana Steelers): 2 Matches – 8 tackle points
View this post on Instagram
Under Rakesh Kumar, the Haryana Steelers are seemingly growing in confidence and have a young, fearless cover pairing that is leading from the front in their first-ever season of Pro Kabaddi. The Jai-Mo combination of Jaideep and Mohit has been clinical and both men find themselves in the top 5 this week with Mohit picking up 8 scalps in 2 matches!
3. SAURABH NANDAL (Bengaluru Bulls): 3 Matches – 15 tackles – 13 tackles points
View this post on Instagram
The Bengaluru Bulls had a week to forget in Pro Kabaddi, losing 3 out of 3 matches and it was only Pawan Sehrawat in the raid department and Saurabh Nandal defensively that have given their fans anything to smile about. Saurabh was decisive even without the support and picked up a total of 13 tackle points in just 15 tackles attempted. The Bengaluru Bulls clearly have the individual brilliance but need the team to come through in support of Saurabh & Pawan to take them to another title.
2. JAIDEEP (Haryana Steelers): 2 Matches – 15 tackles – 9 tackle points
View this post on Instagram
A young man playing his first ever season, Jaideep has perhaps been the best all-round defender of Season 8 so far with some breathtaking tackles and impeccable timing from the Left Cover. It’s a highly sought-after position that many sides go across the country looking to fill and Jaideep, who is a product of the Kabaddi Adda K7 Tournament, has firmly stamped his authority on this tough spot. 9 tackle points in just the two games and the Orange sleeve for the most successful defender to go with it – what a week for Jaideep!
1. SUNIL (Patna Pirates): 1 Matches – 11 tackles – 9 tackle points
View this post on Instagram
We often talk of a High 5 being the high point for a Defender in Pro Kabaddi but how about a High 10 (if we can call it that). Patna has been hit by a few Covid19 cases but the in-form team of Season 8 had an in-form Sunil on the Right Corner as he pounded his way to a surreal 9 tackle points in a single game, easily the highest of the season so far. With Patna taking an extended break, we certainly hope they come storming back to being the best defensive unit of the league.
[Featured Image Credit: Haryana Steelers]
Suhail Chandhok
Vertical Head - Sports