Top 5 defensive duos in Pro Kabaddi League season four

In Kabaddi, the art of defending doesn't get its fair share of importance. This season, we've been witness to some amazing defensive partnerships that have evolved their game beyond comprehension.

Defensive partners are rarely under the spotlight, but, an effective duo can immensely help a team in working as a cohesive unit. After all, if the spine of a team is weak, it could crumble at any moment.

Castrol Activ’s Actibonds cling on to the engine and form a protective layer, preventing any damage and enabling better performance of the bike. This is very similar to how a strong defensive duo eliminate any danger in the form of the opposition’s raiders, enabling their teammates to focus only on raiding and getting points for the team.

We look at five such defensive duos who have stamped their authority in Pro Kabaddi Season 4 –

Amit Hooda and Ran Singh (Jaipur Pink Panthers)

A large chunk of Jaipur’s success this season has been down to their defensive performances. In Amit Hooda and Ran Singh, the Panthers have arguably two of the most exciting defenders in the league.

Right corner, Amit Hooda executed 40 successful tackles in the league stage and put in close to three great tackles in every match. Ran Singh, on the other hand, has complimented him in fine fashion, scoring 23 tackles. Their partnership isn’t the typical one, in the sense that Ran Singh is an all-rounder.

But, with the likes of Ajay Kumar and Rajesh Narwal raiding well, Singh has taken up defensive duties primarily, and has been very focused.

Fazel Atrachali and Dharmaraj Cheralathan (Patna Pirates)

When Patna captain, Dharmaraj Cheralathan saw Iranian Fazel Atrachali step onto the mat for his side this year, he would have been pleased. Through season four, the duo have developed a fantastic relationship and have been miserly in defence.

Fazel has been the initiator, with 41 successful tackles so far. Cheralathan has executed a solid 29 tackles on his own.

Both of them are good individual players, but it is when they team up to produce those monstrous tackles that the good turns into great. On an average, the duo produces more than two successful tackles per match.

With no airs of superioirity about them, they simply get the job done for their side. Fazel, who till last year was playing for U Mumba, also has the best successful tackle percentage in season four, an astounding 64%.

Sandeep Dhull and Sandeep Narwal (Telugu Titans)

All eyes were on the Titans this year during the auctions. Their fans waited in anticipation, hoping that the team owners would shore up their defence. And add to their defense they did!

Both the Sandeeps have been stellar this season, with Sandeep Narwal continuing where he left off in season three. This season, he’s executed 40 successful tackles and been the defensive spine and has marshalled his men ably.

21-year-old Dhull has been a rock at the left corner. Rarely diving in without intent, he is a technically gifted player who knows when to pounce. Sandeep Dhull has executed an impressive 32 tackles this season - at an average of over three per match. Only three other players in the league can boast of an equal or better record, showing how good his performances has been.

Manjeet Chhillar and Ravinder Pahal (Puneri Paltan)

Before season four began, Pune’s coach, Ashok Shinde didn’t mince his word, saying, “If Ravinder doesn’t perform, we have other players who can replace him.” However, Pahal has been one of season four’s standout defenders.

While he’s been guilty of making some weak tackles, overall he’s improved upon his season three performance by leaps and bounds. The right corner has performed 35 successful tackles. His partner-in-crime, captain Manjeet Chhillar, has showed no sign of slowing down, despite his injury.

He set a record this season, scoring 11 tackle points in a single match, against Bengaluru Bulls. Overall hem’s executed 37 tackles and has been extremely confident in his approach. Manjeet showed his versatility this season, playing at times in the left corner or at the centre depending on the situation.

Mohit Chhillar and Surender Nada (Bengaluru Bulls)

Bengaluru finished season four with only five wins to their name, but will definitely carry some positives as they enter season five.

Former U Mumba boys, Mohit and Nada were potent at their respective corners. Mohit Chhillar stands at the top of the defending table with 44 successful tackles to his name. At times, he has single-handedly bailed his team out with some clever last-ditch tackles.

Nada, on the other hand, started slowly, but eventually showed his class in the final few games of the league. He finished with 29 successful tackles and had he been in top form earlier, things would have looked different for the Bulls.

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