Defending in kabaddi is a thankless job, the one where the defenders don’t seem to be scoring enough points for the team, yet contributing significantly in demoralizing the opposition with strong tackles. Sometimes, the force with which these defenders make a tackle can deflate the confidence of a raider. There have been occasions where a powerful tackle is enough to end the raiders match prematurely, or even the tournament. PKL has seen a few great ones who continue to serve the league and the game.
Fazel Atrachali (424 points)
Fazel Atrachali from Iran is PKL’s most successful defender ever, with 424 tackle points in 146 matches. To go with that he has 26 High5s to his name, which is the second most in Pro Kabaddi. With such great credentials, it came as no surprise that he was sold for over INR 2 cr at the PKL auction 2023.
Manjeet Chillar (391 points)
The Indian stalwart oozes greatness. In only 132 matches, Manjeet Chillar has 391 tackle points with a healthy average of 2.96. For a long time, he was the leading defender in terms of tackle points, before Fazel Atrachali surpassed him.
Sandeep Narwal (360 points)
For an all-rounder to be on this list speaks volumes of the caliber of the player. Sandeep Narwal, over the years showed, why he could be Pro Kabaddi’s best defender. But slowly in the last two seasons his form dipped, and he was not picked by any team during the PKL auctions.
Girish Maruti Ernak (359 points)
Girish Maruti Ernak is no less than a bull on the mat. It is just impossible for any raider to get out of his ankle hold, and a dash can by him can cause serious harm. He has 359 points till now, and would be looking to increase that number significantly.
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