Pro Kabaddi 2022: Top 5 defenders to watch out for in PKL 9
Pro Kabaddi 2022 will start on October 7 in Bengaluru. Gujarat Giants, Bengaluru Bulls, Bengal Warriors, Jaipur Pink Panthers, UP Yoddhas, Tamil Thalaivas, Patna Pirates, U Mumba, Haryana Steelers, Dabang Delhi KC, Puneri Paltan, and Telugu Titans will compete against each other to win the coveted title.
Like every season, each team has tried to form a rock-solid defense for the Pro Kabaddi League. The defensive unit plays an integral role in the team's success because even if the raiders get a lead for the team, they might squander it if the defense leaks points.
Fans have witnessed some of the top-quality tackles in Pro Kabaddi League history. The same trend should continue in PKL 2022, and we can take a look at five defenders who will be the ones to watch out for.
#1 Fazel Atrachali (Puneri Paltan)
ππππππππ£ ππ¦ππ₯ππ π―
Fazel Atrachali becomes the most expensive defender in the #vivoPKLPlayerAuction history π²
@PuneriPaltan going strong from the word go πͺ https://t.co/20h2hvYLjb
Puneri Paltan broke the bank to sign Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali at the Pro Kabaddi League 2022 Auction. Atrachali is the best overseas defender in PKL history with 368 tackle points to his name.
While the Iranian star is one of the best defenders, he did not impress much in the previous season. Fazel scored 51 tackle points in 22 matches, finishing 15th on the defenders' leaderboard.
Despite his disappointing showing in PKL 8, Pune's team management have invested a massive amount in his services. It will be interesting to see how he performs in Pro Kabaddi 2022.
#2 Nitesh Kumar (UP Yoddhas)
Kabaddi is something that runs in young Nitesh Kumarβs blood! Read on as the #FutureKabaddHeroes star opens up about his journey of becoming a record-breaking debutant in #VivoProKabaddi Season 6 here: bit.ly/NiteshFKH https://t.co/9k5i4zxr6g
Nitesh Kumar has quickly become one of the best right corner defenders in Pro Kabaddi history. He made his debut for UP Yoddhas through the Future Kabaddi Heroes Programme.
In just 91 matches, Nitesh has earned 279 points. He completed a century of tackle points in the sixth season, setting a new record for the most tackle points by a defender in one PKL season. Unsurprisingly, UP Yoddhas retained him for the ninth season.
#3 Mohammadreza Chiyaneh (Patna Pirates)
CONGRATULATIONS MOHAMMADREZA SHADLOUI CHIYANEH π
Debut season in Vivo Pro Kabaddi and being titled as the βBest Defender of the tournamentβπ
Truly you made a mark and we are proud of youπ
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#PatnaPirates #PiratesMeriJaan #Season8 #VivoProKabaddi #SuperhitPanga https://t.co/IrbBYG3cQG
Iranian left corner defender Mohammadreza Chiyaneh made his PKL debut last season and emerged as the best defender of the tournament. He topped the Most Tackle Points list with 89 tackle points from 24 matches.
Chiyaneh guided the Patna Pirates to their fourth PKL final with his solid tackles. He will be keen to help the team win the trophy in Pro Kabaddi 2022.
#4 Sagar Rathee (Tamil Thalaivas)
Sagar rathee is retained at Tamil Thalaivas for straight third season
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#sagarathee
#tamilthalaivas
#pklretainedplayer
#pklseason9
#kabaddi360 https://t.co/wTI4PxW5G1
After missing out on the Best Defender award narrowly in the eighth season, Tamil Thalaivas defender Sagar Rathee will look forward to performing with consistency for the Chennai-based franchise this season.
Rathee will have the backing of Pawan Sehrawat at Tamil Thalaivas in Pro Kabaddi 2022. The duo of Pawan and Sagar will give nightmares to the opposition players.
#5 Sunil Kumar (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
Today's Player - Sunil Kumar
Position - Right Corner (Defender)
Debue in - Pro kabaddi S4
Debue Team - Patna Pirates
Tackling Career -
Matches played - 115
Tackle Points - 253
Major Achivement -
South Asian Games 2019 Champion π
#Kabaddi @JaipurPanthers @ProKabaddi https://t.co/kkESnIUrUL
Former Gujarat Giants captain Sunil Kumar failed to get going in PKL 8. He scored only 38 tackle points in 23 matches and finished outside the Top 25 in the Most Tackle Points list.
Despite a forgettable season eight, Sunil earned a big contract from the Jaipur Pink Panthers at the Pro Kabaddi 2022 Auction. The right cover defender will aim to justify his price tag by bettering his performance.