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Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League, a tournament based on the lines of the Indian Premier League was a grand success, and it elevated the level of Kabaddi in our country. It was watched by millions of fans at home who were rooting for their favourite teams. Jaipur Pink Panthers were the Champions in the first Season, and U Mumba was the runners up.The tournament brought many bright and talented young players into the limelight. Let us now take a look at the top 5 defenders of the tournament for Season 1, the players who valiantly played for their teams and tried their best to stop their opponents to raid and score points.
#5 Rohit Rana - Jaipur Pink Panthers
Jaipur Pink Panthers were the first champions of the PKL. They played like true champions in the league and were the most successful team. They had many players to thank for that, and defender Rohit Rana is at the top of that list.
He finished 5th in the list of top defenders of Pro Kabaddi League season 1, with a total of 37 points.
Being just 26 years old, he defied his age and played with a lot of expertise in the field. He played as a defender in the left cover.
There are a lot of expectations from this bright talented lad, and Jaipur Pink Panthers can go on to become the Champions for the second time in a row if this player continues playing at the level he did in the first season.
#4 Dharmaraj Cheralathan - Bengaluru Bulls
Bengaluru Bulls’ Dharmaraj Cheralathan ably supported his captain Manjit Chillar and the two played in tandem making the Bulls' defence very tough to breach by the opposition raiders.
He finished fourth in the list of top defenders of PKL Season 1, having scored a total of 38 points while defending. He was one of the main reasons for Bengaluru Bulls’ decent performance in season 1 of the PKL.
Already having showed his worth in the first season for his team, Dharmaraj Cheralathan has the potential to take Bengaluru Bulls to the pinnacle of the PKL in season 2. A lot will ride on his strong shoulders if the Bulls are to better their performances from last season.
#3 Jasmer Singh - Dabang Delhi
Jasmer Singh of Dabang Delhi had an amazing year as a defender as he finished third in the list of top defenders of Season 1. He collected a total of 39 points for his team, and foiled a lot of attempts by raiders.
Being the captain of his team, he led from the front and inspired his teammates to give their best in the matches they played. Despite his efforts, Dabang Delhi had a mediocre season as they finished 6th in the league and couldn’t qualify for the semi-finals. Despite this lowly finish by Delhi, Jasmer can still hold his head up high as he performed admirably throughout the season.
The disappointment of not being able to perform to their best in the league in the first Season has motivated Jasmer Singh and his regiment of hardworking and talented players to work really hard and make sure they perform better this time for their fans.
#2 Surender Nada - U Mumba
U Mumba’s Surender Nada worked really hard to make sure his team performed well in the tournament. U Mumba were the runners-up in the first Season of PKL. They had a very good tournament, and only failed to cross the final hurdle in their match against Jaipur Pink Panthers for the championship.
Surender Nada finished second in the list of top defenders of PKL. He scored a total of 48 points while defending to help his team reach the finals. His technique of confining the opposition raider by the ankles proved to be very successful.
At just 25 years of age, Surender Nada has a long way to go in the sport of kabaddi. A lot of expectations are on him, as his team will try to go one step further and emerge as the champions of the PKL in season 2.
#1 Manjeet Chhillar - Bengaluru Bulls
Manjeet Chhillar of Bengaluru Bulls was the best defender from Season 1 of the PKL. He scored the highest point amongst all defenders, ending the tournament with a rich haul of 51 points, which helped his team reach the semi-finals.
Being the captain and main pillar of defence for the Bengaluru Bulls, he made sure the team did not falter at the back and formed a formidable fortress, protecting his territory from being raided by the opposition, all this with a lot of flair and determination.
He was one of the costliest players in the auctions, and came at a price of 10.2 lakhs, but he was worth every penny for the Bengaluru Bulls. Being the best defender of the tournament, he has been the source of inspiration for many young aspiring Kabaddi players.
A lot will depend on him if his team wishes to win the league this time, and all eyes will be on Manjeet Chhillar’s performance in the tournament.
