The 2017 season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was a milestone for the sport, with the league expanding to include four new teams, bringing the total to 12. The growth introduced a new format with two groups of six teams each.
However, one thing remained constant i.e. Patna Pirates’ dominance. The team etched their name in history by clinching their third consecutive PKL title, a feat unmatched to this day. They steamrolled the Gujarat Giants in a one-sided final, winning 55-38 and solidifying their legacy as the league's most successful team.
The season also witnessed individual brilliance, with numerous records being shattered. Let’s dive into the standout performances of the top raiders and defenders from PKL Season 5.
Most Raid Points in Pro Kabaddi 2017
The 2017 season was synonymous with Pardeep Narwal’s dominance. Dubbed the “Record Breaker,” Pardeep produced one of the most dominant performances in PKL history, amassing a jaw-dropping 369 raid points in just 26 matches. The record-breaking tally not only made him the first raider to surpass 300 raid points in a single season but also remains the highest by any player in PKL history.
One of his most iconic moments was an eight-point raid against the Haryana Steelers, a feat unmatched in the league’s history. His ability to dismantle defenses with ease was instrumental in Patna Pirates’ title triumph and cemented his status as a PKL legend.
Following him at a distant second was Rohit Kumar of Bengaluru Bulls, who secured 219 raid points in 22 matches. Ajay Thakur of Tamil Thalaivas rounded out the top three with 213 raid points in 22 games.
The rest of the top 10 featured Monu Goyat (191 raid points), Maninder Singh (190), Rahul Chaudhari (184), Deepak Niwas Hooda (172), Nitin Tomar (167), Rishank Devadiga (165), and Sachin Tanwar (159).
Most Tackle Points in Pro Kabaddi 2017
The defenders also made their mark in Season 5, with Surender Nada emerging as the top performer. The veteran left corner for Haryana Steelers was a wall of steel, registering 80 tackle points in 21 matches to lead the league in tackles.
Close behind him was Bengal Warriorz’s Surjeet Singh, who scored 76 tackle points in 24 matches. Vishal Bhardwaj and Jaideep shared the third spot with 71 tackle points each.
Other standout defenders included Abozar Mighani (65 tackle points), Girish Ernak (64), Amit Hooda (61) and Surender Singh (58). Mahender Singh and Sunil Kumar rounded off the top 10 with 57 tackle points each.