5 foreigners to watch out for this season

India has been the most successful side in international kabaddi ever. However, of late, teams like Iran, South Korea and even Pakistan have given the Indians a run for their money.Star Sports Pro Kabaddi is a unique concept in the sport, in a way that it brings players from different nationalities playing for the same team. With players from all over the world descending on India, the unique league is a treat to watch for the fans.Let's take a look at the best imports in the tournament this season:

#1 Jang Kun Lee - South Korea

Jang Kun Lee

The 23-year-old Bengal Warriors raider hails from South Korea’s second largest city, Busan. Last time around, Jang was one of the only bright sparks in an otherwise mediocre campaign for Bengal Warriors in Star Sports Pro Kabaddi.

He impressed so much that he was given the captaincy midway in the tournament. A fan favourite, Jang Kun Lee has, so far, played in 25 matches in the first two editions of the tournament and amassed 103 raid points and 4 defense points to his name.

#2 Fazel Atrachali - Iran

Fazel Atrachali (R) in action for U Mumba last season

Iran's skipper, Fazel Atrachali joined U Mumba in 2015 for a transfer fee of just Rs 4 lakhs, in stark contrast to the other two Iranians in the league, who are the two most expensive players in the league. The 23-year-old was used sparingly last season by coach Bhaskaran Edachery, but when he did come on, Fazel exhibited pace and flexibility in his game play.

More importantly, the defender thrives in 3v1 and 2v1 situations – A predicament that many of the leagues defenders dread. With a tackling percentage of 69% (the league’s highest in season 2, Fazel will be intent on securing more matches under his belt this time around.

#3 Hadi Oshtorak - Iran

Hadi Oshtorak

Being the most expensive player in the league, much was expected of Iranian all-rounder, Hadi Oshtorak. The 23-year-old cost the Telugu Titans a whopping Rs. 21.1 lakh last season. However, Hadi had bad luck with injuries and was unable to make a mark in the league with the Titans.

Having moved to Patna Pirates for the third edition of the world's biggest kabaddi league, he will be hoping to make more appearances this time around. Blessed with nimble feet and the agility of a cheetah, Hadi is a useful addition to the Pirates' squad.

#4 Meraj Sheykh - Iran

Meraj Sheykh

If you had to sum Mehraj Sheykh's performance for Telugu Titans last time around in one word, 'energy' would be the most appropriate fit. Alongside Hadi, Meraj was another high-priced addition to the Titans squad, but unlike his teammate, he was an ever-present with the men in yellow, as they qualified for the knock-out stages last time.

The 27-year-old put up impressive performances and managed to come to the fore despite the presence of world class talents like Rahul Chaudhari and Sukesh Hegde. An all rounder, Sheykh did well to cement his place in the starting seven last season. The Titans use him as a floater as he contributes in defense and steps up to raid every now and then to add a sense of unpredictably in their attack.

#5 Wasim Sajjad - Pakistan

Wasim Sajjad

An army man by trade, Wasim was, at times, explosive for the Patna Pirates last season. In the 17 matches he has played so far, the defensive powerhouse amassed 27 defensive points to his name. For someone who has a heavy torso, Wasim is deceptively rapid when he initiates a tackle. With Wasim on the right corner and Sandeep (the league’s most successful defender last season with 55 defense points) on the left, Telugu Titans have a watertight defence on paper.