Pro Kabaddi 2024: 3 Players who can break Fazel Atrachali's record of most tackle points
Fazel Atrachali owns the record for the most tackle points by a single defender in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) history. Initially, the Indian defenders dominated in PKL, but the Iranian has overtaken everyone on the all-time defenders' list now.
Ahead of PKL season 11, Fazel Atrachali has 486 tackle points to his name in 169 matches. He started his PKL journey with the U Mumba, and this year, he is all set to captain the Bengal Warriorz.
During his legendary PKL career, Atrachali has represented many franchises. He won the trophy with the U Mumba in the second season and then with the Patna Pirates in season 4. Thanks to his incredible performances in the left corner position, Fazel Atrachali is called the 'Sultan' of Pro Kabaddi League.
Fazel is just 14 tackle points away from becoming the first defender in PKL history to complete 500 tackle points. While Fazel is way ahead of other defenders on the all-time list, here's a list of three players who can surpass the Sultan on the all-time list one day.
#1 Surjeet Singh - Jaipur Pink Panthers
Right cover defender Surjeet Singh has made a name for himself with his beasty tackles. Surjeet was the Wall of the Bengal Warriorz defense at one point in his career. Shedding some light on his numbers in the Pro Kabaddi League, the cover defender has earned 404 tackle points in 148 matches.
He is the only Indian defender in PKL history to complete 400 tackle points. If the mighty defender maintains his form and strength in the upcoming seasons, he can become the number one defender of all time in the tournament.
#2 Nitesh Kumar - Bengal Warriorz
Another star Indian defender to feature on the list is Nitesh Kumar. After a lengthy stint with the UP Yoddhas, Nitesh has moved to the Bengal Warriorz now, where he will play alongside Fazel Atrachali.
Nitesh represented the Yoddhas in 129 matches, earning 350 tackle points for the franchise. His performance peaked in season six, where he became the first defender to score 100 tackle points in a single edition of PKL. If Nitesh has two more seasons like that in the near future, he can overtake Fazel on the all-time list.
#3 Mohammadreza Shadloui- Haryana Steelers
Hailing from the same country as Fazel Atrachali, Mohammadreza Shadloui has established himself as the best overseas player of PKL in the last few seasons. Playing in the left corner position, Shadloui has earned 272 tackle points in just 68 matches.
He played an integral role in Puneri Paltan's maiden championship win last season. Before that, Shadloui was the backbone of the Patna Pirates defense in the Pro Kabaddi League.
Thanks to his incredible tackling skills, the Iranian star emerged as the costliest overseas buy of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction. Last season's runner-up Haryana Steelers signed Shadloui for ₹2.08 crore. If Shadloui continues his hot form in the next three seasons, he can break Fazel's record of most tackle points in PKL history.