Top Defenders of PKL 2023: Unveiling 5 Best Guardians of the Mat

Since its inception, the Pro Kabaddi League has undergone a remarkable evolution, witnessing a continuous surge in the quality of Kabaddi across recent seasons. This transformation has played a pivotal role in elevating Kabaddi to the status of the second most-watched sport in India, drawing a staggering viewership of 222 million last year alone.

As the Pro Kabaddi League 2023 approaches, fans are filled with excitement. While raiders typically grab the attention, it’s time to shine a light on the underrated guardians of the game, the defensive maestros who lay the groundwork for victory. Let’s delve into the profiles of some top defenders of PKL who have left an indelible mark on the kabaddi mat, showcasing their prowess and standing tall amidst the formidable raiders of this thrilling season. These defenders not only embody the essence of solid defence but have become the pillars upon which their teams rely for stability and success. Join us as we explore top defenders to watch out for in PKL 2023.

Top 5 Defenders of PKL 2023, Season 10

Fazal Atrachali

• Country: Iran
• Position: Left Corner
• Category: Defender
• Teams Represented: U Mumba, GJ, PP

In the electrifying arena of Pro Kabaddi, one name resonates with defensive brilliance – Fazal Atrachali, where every tackle is a masterstroke, and every move defines the art of kabaddi supremacy.

Fazal Atrachali’s Pro Kabaddi stats paint a portrait of a seasoned and efficient player. With a total of 56 matches under his belt, he has accumulated an impressive 154 points. His standout performance reflects in his ability to achieve a maximum of 9 points in a single match. Fazal’s prowess extends to both raiding and defending, with a successful raid rate of 5.55% and an even more impressive successful tackle rate of 60.86%. These statistics not only underscore his versatility on the kabaddi mat but also position him as a formidable force, contributing significantly to his team’s success. With an unbreakable grip and unparalleled prowess, Fazal has not only surpassed milestones but also carved his name as the preeminent defender in the league. 

Rahul Sethpal 

• Country: India
• Position: Right Corner
• Category: Defender
• Teams Represented: U Mumba, SI

Rahul Sethpal, a defensive gem, boasts 50 tackle points in 33 matches, highlighting his rising prominence in the Pro Kabaddi League. Haryana Steelers’ ₹40.70 lac bid at the PKL 2023 Player Auction underlines his growing stature as an invaluable Indian defender.

In the span of 29 matches, this formidable defender has showcased exceptional prowess on the kabaddi mat. With a staggering tally of 106 main tackles and 66 tackle points, their impact in thwarting opponents’ raiding attempts is evident. Maintaining an average time on the mat at 72.4%, their strategic presence in crucial moments has been notable. The defender’s out rate stands at 51.65%, indicating a remarkable ability to keep opponents at bay. Additionally, a striking success rate of 68.12% showcases their efficiency in executing successful tackles. Despite a moderate success assists rate of 32%, this player’s undeniable skill and consistent performance make them a formidable force in the world of kabaddi. Rahul Sethpal’s trajectory paints the portrait of an emerging defensive standout in the Pro Kabaddi League, hinting at a bright future where he could become an essential pillar in the league’s defensive domain.

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Mahender Singh

• Country: India
• Position: Left Cover
• Category: Defender
• Teams Represented: Bengaluru Bulls, SS, RA

Mahender Singh, a consistent guardian in the heart of the Pro Kabaddi arena, brings forth a legacy forged through unwavering defence across multiple seasons. His stalwart presence and defensive finesse mark him as a formidable force in the league’s echelons.

In a prolific career spanning 100 matches, this stalwart defender has showcased exceptional tenacity on the kabaddi mat. With an impressive tally of 421 main tackles resulting in 238 tackle points, their defensive prowess is unmistakable. Averaging an impressive 78.71% time on the mat, their consistent presence has been a hallmark of their game. Their out rate of 47.08% demonstrates an ability to force opponents out of the court effectively. Additionally, boasting a commendable strike rate of 60.94% reflects their efficiency in executing successful tackles. An outstanding success assists rate of 96% underscores their exceptional capability in supporting teammates during crucial moments, solidifying their status as an indispensable asset in the realm of kabaddi.

Mahender Singh has established himself as a consistent force within the Pro Kabaddi League across multiple seasons. With an extensive tenure of five seasons with Bengaluru Bulls, he became a key figure in the team’s defensive line. Nevertheless, the Season 10 Player Auction saw intense bidding competition primarily between U Mumba and U.P. Yoddhas vying for his services as a left cover. Following a heated battle between the two franchises, U Mumba emerged victorious, securing Mahender with a remarkable bid of ₹40.25 lac, elevating him to the status of the third most expensive defender in the Season 10 Player Auction.

Shubham Shinde 

• Country: India
• Position: Right Corner
• Category: Defender
• Teams Represented: Patna Pirates, MH, YP, ISPL, AI, PU

Shubham Shinde, a defensive bulwark in the kabaddi realm, showcases sheer brilliance as one of the league’s premier defenders, with every tackle a testament to his strategic mastery.

Throughout 58 matches, this exceptional player showcased formidable skills on the kabaddi mat. With a remarkable tally of 178 main tackles resulting in 96 tackle points, their defensive prowess is undeniable. Their average time on the mat, standing at 59.31%, reflects a consistent presence during the crucial phases of the game. An out rate of 54.96% emphasises their proficiency in tackling opponents out of the court. Additionally, a striking strike rate of 63.16% showcases their efficiency in executing successful tackles. Despite a moderate success assists rate of 37%, this player’s overall contribution and consistent performance highlight their significance as a key asset in the realm of kabaddi. He, as an exceptional defender, embodies an irreplaceable strength and skill set that solidifies his crucial role within the Pro Kabaddi circuit. 

Mohammadreza Chiyaneh 

• Country: Iran
• Category: All-Rounder
• Teams Represented: Patna Pirates

Mohammadreza, an emerging talent in the world of kabaddi, exemplifies versatility and skill on the mat. His commendable performance showcases a formidable presence, contributing significantly with his defensive prowess. With a growing track record and dedication to the sport, Mohammadreza stands poised to become a notable force in the Pro Kabaddi League.

In a span of 24 matches, Mohammadreza has showcased remarkable prowess on the kabaddi mat. His performance boasts an impressive tally of 141 main tackles, resulting in 89 tackle points, a testament to his defensive acumen. With an average time on the mat of 84.02%, his consistent presence during crucial game moments is notable. Sporting a 37.06% out rate, he demonstrates an adeptness at forcing opponents out of the court, coupled with a commendable 60.84% strike rate showcasing his efficiency in executing successful tackles. Although with a moderate success assists rate of 29%, Mohammadreza’s multifaceted contributions solidify his significance as a valuable asset in the realm of kabaddi.

Conclusion

In the pulse-pounding action of Pro Kabaddi League Season 10, five standout defenders emerged as the backbone of their teams. Their unmatched skills and unwavering determination fortified their sides’ defenses, altering game dynamics with each crucial tackle. Their collective resilience underscored the pivotal role of defence in determining match outcomes, showcasing the undeniable significance of these stalwart defenders in the league’s exhilarating season.

These defenders didn’t just stop rivals; they defined the rhythm of the game, altering its trajectory with every tackle. In Season 10, they illustrated the indispensability of a robust defense, turning the spotlight on their crucial contributions that often determined their team’s fate on the kabaddi mat.

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