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With the second season of the Pro Kabbadi League (PKL) starting in a months’ time, let us take a moment and rewind to have a sneak peek at a list of 5 players who pumped up the adrenaline and displayed quite a mammoth tenacity on the field in the first season.
From scoring high points at the crucial moments to elite defenses to equally adept showmanship, these players have carved an indelible spot for themselves. Here is the list of Top 5 players from PKL 2014 who catapulted themselves into the spotlight through their above reproach performances:
5. Surender Nada – Team U Mumba
The incredible performance of this player made him one of the top defenders of the season, finishing with a whopping 48 points. He was the second highest scoring defender in the first season and helped his team reached the final of the tournament.
In addition, his ingenious technique of confining the raider by the ankles has captured the eye of many fans and made him a household name. Despite a tender age of just 25, this defender has mastered defending and has emerged as a leader among his team. With a keen eye for capturing the opponent and a calm head over the shoulders, he was one of the players of the tournament.
4. Maninder Singh – Jaipur Pink Panthers
This 24-year old, primarily a raider, hails from Jalandhar, Punjab. He made heads turn when he scored an epic eight points in the finale of the season against U-Mumba. As a result, he earned the label of ‘Jaipur ka Panther’.
He played 16 games in the season and earned his team an important 129 points during his raids. With a stellar performance throughout the season, Maninder Singh was one of the key players in Jaipur’s run to the title in the inaugural season of the PKL.
3. Rahul Chaudhari – Telugu Titans
This raider from Telugu Titans was his team’s main attacking threat, going in for 224 raids, returning with 121 successes. He was awarded the Star Sports Raider of the Tournament Award after the season ended. The 21-year old showed plenty of experience, which belied his tender age, and coupled that with youthful energy which saw him skip through challenges and gather valuable points for his team.
His magical performances in both matches against U-Mumba and Bengal Warriors once further raised his stature as the best young player in the tournament. In the league match against U-Mumba, he gathered 23 points and had another memorable outing against Dabang Delhi, where he posted 13 points. At 10.79, Rahul Chaudhari, who cost the Titans Rs. 8.10 lakhs had the most raid points per match.
2. Manjit Chillar – Bengaluru Bulls
The first national team player in the list, Manjit Chillar lived up to his reputation at the tournament. Being a big proponent of defensive discipline, Chillar was a rock at the back for the Bengaluru Bulls, guiding them to the semi-finals. He was one of the most expensive players at the tournament at Rs. 10.2 lakhs, but was worth every penny for Bengaluru.
He won his team a grand total of 51 points – the highest by any defender – to emerge with the Star Sports Defender of the Tournament Award. In addition, he also proved his mettle with 4 moments of the match against U Mumba, Bengal Warriors and Dabang Delhi twice.
If Bengaluru Bulls are to repeat their sensational performance from last season, or even go further this time, they will need their captain in top form.
1. Anup Kumar – U Mumba
U-Mumba’s captain Anup Kumar is the vice-captain of the Indian national kabaddi team and brought with him a plethora of experience at the top level to the PKL team. He was the most successful raider in the tournament, returning with 155 points from his raids. Due to his spectacular performance and captaincy, which saw U-Mumba reach the finals, Kumar was christened the most valuable player of the tournament.
Anup Kumar, during 13 matches played during the season, had a whopping 129 raider points and 33 bonus points. Boasting a lanky frame, he is known for touching people with his toes by stretching his legs deep into opponent territory. The ‘toe-poke’ is his signature move and was one of the most lethal moves in the first season.
With an indefatigable attitude and kindled passion to conquer the ground, the captain, who was a smart buy for the Mumbai franchise at Rs. 10.2 lakhs, was the anchor to steer the team and was a force to reckon with.
