Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction: 3 defenders who might fetch the highest bids
The Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction will be held on Thursday and Friday, with several big names of the kabaddi universe set to go under the hammer. It is a common saying in kabaddi that raiders win you matches but defenders win you tournaments.
A team with a solid raiding unit may dominate a few games and wow the fans with their aggressive performances, but a team with a settled defense is likely to end up as the champions in a long tournament like the Pro Kabaddi League. Each of the 12 franchises aims to have a strong defensive lineup in the PKL, though it is challenging for the teams to assemble one at the auctions.
Only a few quality defenders for each position are available in the auction pool every season. The demand for talented defenders is always high. Here's a list of three defenders who can fetch the highest bids at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction.
3 defenders who might fetch the highest bids at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction
#1 Krishan Dhull
Krishan Dhull stunned the opposition raiders with his brilliant performances in the right corner position for the Patna Pirates last season. The young defender earned 73 tackle points from 24 matches, ending the tournament as the most successful Indian defender.
It is quite surprising to note that the Patna Pirates have let go of Dhull ahead of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction. Perhaps the three-time champions have planned to re-sign him by using the FBM card. However, it is pertinent to note that teams like Telugu Titans, Gujarat Giants, Bengal Warriors, and Jaipur Pink Panthers also need a right-corner defender.
Krishan is present in the Category 'A' players. All teams will have a loaded purse for this category, which is why Krishan could bag an expensive contract.
#2 Fazel Atrachali
Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali owns the record for the most tackle points by a player in Pro Kabaddi League history. He has executed more than 400 successful tackles in his career, and the Sultan of Pro Kabaddi is back in the auction pool once again.
Gujarat Giants have released the star left-corner defender even though he did a fantastic job as a defender and a captain for them in PKL 10. With Puneri Paltan, Bengal Warriors, Bengaluru Bulls, and Telugu Titans also requiring a left-corner specialist, Fazel could earn big bucks at the auction.
#3 Sunil Kumar
Jaipur Pink Panthers have surprised many by releasing Sunil Kumar before the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction. The right cover specialist is not just a match-winning defender but also a proven leader in the PKL.
The Pink Panthers won the PKL trophy under his captaincy in season nine. Even in season 10, the Jaipur-based franchise finished second in the points table and made it to the semifinals while playing under Sunil's leadership. Teams like Telugu Titans, Gujarat Giants, U Mumba, Patna Pirates, and Dabang Delhi KC may show enormous interest in signing Sunil at the auction.