Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5 : Top 5 defenders from Kolkata leg

The Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indoor stadium in Kolkata played host to a number of intriguing matches last week as not even a single game produced a point difference of more than eight.

Halfway into Season 5, you'd have imagined quality teams would now be in a position to put some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack. But nothing on those lines have transpired.

Chief among the reasons for this is the emergence of top notch defending. Let's take a look at five of the most influential defenders from the Kolkata Leg.

#5 Girish Ernak

For a long time now, Girish Ernak has been content with just being part of the first seven. He's never taken the league by storm but neither has he ever come under the limelight for a bad performance. Against the Telugu Titans, the young corner showed exactly why he's managed to cement his place in a team that consists of multiple stellar athletes.

By the end of the night during which he attempted six tackles, Girish had seven points to his name. Having played only one game in Kolkata, it was crucial for Pune to leave the city with positive vibes and thanks to Ernak, they did exactly that.

#4 Jaideep

Jaideep keeping a close eye from the left corner

Patna Pirates played two thrilling matches in Kolkata and as usual Pardeep Narwal dominated proceedings. But an unusual suspect emerged from the shadows as Left Corner, Jaideep picked up three points each in both the games.

While he never managed to score a high five, the 25-year-old made sure he was at his aggressive best against Bengal Warriors and Jaipur Pink Panthers. Not one to get bogged down by a failed tackle attempt, Jaideep's persistence could help the Pirates immensely at the business end of the tournament.

#3 Ran Singh

Ran Singh sprung back to form in Kolkata

With an impressive 14 points to his name, Bengal's experienced campaigner couldn't have asked for a better time and place to return to top form. To put it bluntly, prior to the Kolkata leg, Singh was a shadow of his former ruthless self. Ill timed tackles was a regular scenario.

However, he turned the tables last week, producing consistent and solid performances, day in day out. Fatigue never got the better of him as he kept chipping away with vital points. More importantly, he was rock solid and let his teammates shine.

#2 Surjeet Singh

Bengal's captain displayed maturity on the mat.

Taking into account how the teams before them have performed at home, Bengal Warriors did well to concede just two defeats on home turf. A large part of their above average performance in Kolkata must be attributed to Surjeet Singh.

Prior to the dreaded home leg, Bengal's captain made it clear that he is relishing the challenge and he backed up his words with actions. Surjeet scored 15 points last week and ensured opposition teams didn't run them over. He was clever in his approach and chose to settle for a couple of draws rather than suffer late defeats

#1 Mohit Chhillar

Mohit Chhillar doing what he does best.

Arguably, India's most consistent defender started slow off the blocks in season 5. However not many would place their bets against Chhillar. The right corner scored an impressive 9 points in Kolkata and was by far the best defender last week. In doing so, Mohit will be supremely confident when their home leg begins on Friday.

The Steelers won both their matches in Bengal and defensive solidity was key to their success. When Chhilllar hits top form, there's not much you can do. Haryana's fans will be eager to see their star defender shine in Sonepat.