Get to Know the Top Defenders in PKL History

The Pro Kabaddi League has seen incredible defenders achieving High 5s for 5 or more tackle points in a match. PO Surjeet Singh leads with 34 High 5s in 171 matches, followed by Mohammad Reza Shadloui and Fazel Atrachali with 32 each. Nitesh Kumar has 28, Manjeet Chhillar 25, while Girish Ernak and Sumit Sangwan have 24 each, showcasing consistent defensive brilliance.

When the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) began showcasing thrilling defensive performances, a few players quickly emerged as masters of the tackle. A “High 5” is achieved when a defender earns five or more tackle points in a single match, highlighting their game-changing ability. Leading the list is PO Surjeet Singh with 34 High 5s in 171 matches, scoring 443 tackle points, with his best season being PKL Season 5 for Bengal Warriorz, where he secured nine High 5s.

Mohammad Reza Shadloui and Fazel Atrachali from Iran both feature prominently, with 32 High 5s each, despite Shadloui achieving this in just 92 matches. Nitesh Kumar has 28 High 5s in 150 matches and remains the only player to surpass 100 tackle points in a single season. Manjeet Chhillar, nicknamed “One Man Army,” has 25 High 5s and captained the Bengaluru Bulls in the inaugural PKL season, while Sumit Sangwan and Girish Maruti Ernak each have 24 High 5s, contributing significantly to UP Yoddhas and Puneri Paltans, respectively.

These players have repeatedly demonstrated their defensive prowess, earning individual accolades and shaping crucial moments in matches. Their consistency and skill underline that defense in kabaddi is just as compelling as raid performances, making them some of the greatest defenders in PKL history.