The Pro Kabaddi League is a professional league for the sport of kabaddi in India and the pinnacle competition of kabaddi sports. Comprised of 12 franchise teams vying for glory, players from across the globe seek entry. The league consists of teams representing different states of India, and it has been a platform for talented players to showcase their skills.
Defense is a crucial part of the game of kabaddi, and there have been many great defenders in the Pro Kabaddi league over the years. In a league with such talented players, defenders must perform outstandingly to stand a chance.
There have been several players who have made an impressive mark during this season – Ankush Rathee of Jaipur Pink Panthers scored 89 tackle points out of 24 matches! In this article, we will look at the top defenders in Pro Kabaddi 2022.
Also Read : Pro Kabaddi Season 9 Top Raider and Top Defender
Table of Contents
Factors Considered for Ranking Top Defenders
The ranking of the top defenders in Pro Kabaddi 2022 is based on various factors, including their performance in the previous season, their skills, and their contribution to their team’s success. The following factors were considered while ranking the top defenders in Pro Kabaddi 2022:
- Tackle Points
- Average Tackles per Match
- Super Tackles
- Successful Tackles Percentage
- Total Tackles
Top 5 Defenders in Pro Kabaddi 2022
The following are the top defenders in Pro Kabaddi 2022, based on the factors mentioned above:
| Player Name | Team | Matches Played | Total Tackle Points | High 5s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ankush | Jaipur Pink Panthers | 24 | 89 | 9 |
| Mohammadreza Chiyaneh | Patna Pirates | 20 | 84 | 6 |
| Saurabh Nandal | Bengaluru Bulls | 24 | 72 | 3 |
| Sunil Kumar | Jaipur Pink Panthers | 23 | 64 | 4 |
| Aman | Bengaluru Bulls | 24 | 60 | 3 |
Ankush (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
Ankush of Jaipur Pink Panthers has emerged as the best defender in Pro Kabaddi 2022, breaking Mohamreza Chiyaneh from Patna Pirates who previously held this record of most tackle points by a debutant defender in season 19-20.
Sunil Kumar and Sahul Kumar also produced outstanding performances, but Ankush stood out with an exceptional defensive showing in the final match, ultimately earning him the award as best defender in Pro Kabaddi season 9.
A vivo Pro Kabaddi debutant, Ankush put on an outstanding all-around performance as he registered 5 Super Tackles and nine High 5s, as well as make some crucial tackles that ultimately contributed to their team’s victory in this match. He was also able to secure his team with an invaluable victory when raiding.
Also Read : Pro Kabaddi Season 9 : Jaipur Pink Panthers Emerge as Champions
Mohammadreza Chiyaneh (Patna Pirates)
Patna Pirates Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Chiyaneh earned fans’ hearts this season as the most effective foreign defender, averaging four tackle points per match and scoring 16 tackle points against Dabang Delhi KC – making his appearance one of the highlight moments in kabaddi history. Since his return from injury, he has been in incredible form and plays an essential part in Pro Kabaddi 2022 for his team.
Mohammadreza Chiyaneh was one of the standout defenders for Patna Pirates during league season. He stands tall among defenders with his stellar scoring rate of 4.2 tackle points per match and 6 High 5s in 20 games this season – cementing his place as one of the candidates for best defender. He finished the league stage with 84 offensive and defensive points, making him the second most offensive and defensive points player in PKL 9. The 22-year-old lefty provided solid security for the Patna Pirates throughout the season.
Saurabh Nandal (Bengaluru Bulls)
Saurabh Nandal of Bengaluru Bulls emerged as one of the best defenders in Pro Kabaddi this season, helping his side finish in the top half of standings and earning him multiple accolades as a result. The Bengaluru Bulls boast an excellent lineup of players under Coach Randhir Singh’s guidance.
Saurabh Nandal is one of the many talents that the Bangalore Bulls have unearthed in the Pro Kabaddi League. This season, he has formed a fantastic combination with Aman Antill. Aman is fifth in the standings, while Saurabh finished third with 72 offensive points. Unfortunately, Saurabh and Aman did not get enough support from the Bangalore Bulls’ coverage backs. Otherwise, the team might have gone beyond the semifinals.
Sunil Kumar (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
Sunil Kumar will captain Jaipur Pink Panthers for the pro kabaddi 2022 tournament. As its highest cost player purchased at auction for two seasons’ retention by Jaipur Pink Panthers. He finished season 9 as the top defender with 64 tackle points across 23 matches in PKL. Additionally, his 4 High 5s were fifth highest in league.
He is one of the youngest and most talented players in PKL. At such an early age he began representing Haryana kabaddi team with Parvesh Bhainswal as part of their junior squad, showing tremendous defensive skills that led them both into playing for them both at young ages.
His defensive skills have been an integral component of their success, helping win multiple national kabaddi championships. He has successfully defended against some of the finest raiders in kabaddi while breaking records for most tackle points scored in one game.
Aman (Bengaluru Bulls)
The other linebacker on the roster for the Bangalore Bulls is the team’s left cornerback, Aman, who had another successful season with the Bulls, ranking fifth on the list for most points scored on offense.
Aman is one of the many talents that the Bangalore Bulls have unearthed in the Pro Kabaddi League. At the left corner position, Aman scored 60 points in 24 games. His solid defense helped the Bulls qualify for the PKL 9 semifinals.
Saurabh Nandal and Aman Antil of Bengaluru Bulls made an impressionful showing this season, earning 72 tackle points over 24 matches while Aman Antil finished his campaign with 60. Bengaluru Bulls boasted one of the strongest lineups of right corner defenders that made them one of the most formidable teams in PKL this year.
Conclusion
Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has made a dramatic impactful on Indian sports scene and remains one of its most beloved forms of competition. Defense is a crucial part of the game of kabaddi, and the top defenders in Pro Kabaddi 2022 play a significant role in their team’s success.
The ranking of the top defenders in Pro Kabaddi 2022 is based on various factors, including their performance in the previous season, their skills, and their contribution to their team’s success. Ankush, Mohammadreza Chiyaneh, Saurabh Nandal, Sunil Kumar, and Aman are some of the top defenders in Pro Kabaddi 2022, and they have been instrumental in their team’s success.
Also Read : Kabaddi Stars’ Next Step After PKL 9: Full Schedule in 2023