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The roar of the Pro Kabaddi League is back, with teams gearing up for what promises to be another electrifying season. As the dust settles from the auctions and teams finalize their squads, one critical aspect that can make or break their fortunes is the defensive lineup.
A strong defence is the cornerstone of any successful Kabaddi team, and this season, the teams seem to have put a premium on securing stalwart defenders. Let’s delve into a comprehensive analysis of the defensive setups of all 12 teams in the Pro Kabaddi League 2023.
#12 Dabang Delhi
Dabang Delhi finds themselves at the bottom of the list when it comes to defensive prowess. With only Vishal Bhardwaj offering substantial experience, they lack depth in the defence department.
While Vijay emerged as a promising young defender last season, the team needs a more robust defensive strategy to climb up the ranks.
#11 Patna Pirates
Patna Pirates, too, face a challenge in the defence department. The Pirates made a blunder by not retaining Mohammedreza Shadloui. Neeraj is their seasoned campaigner, but the team’s overall lack of experience might pose problems.
Aniket and Krishnan Dhull, though new additions, need to step up to fill the gaps left by the departure of Shadloui.
The Pirates will rely on a blend of youthful exuberance and Neeraj’s expertise to fortify their defence.
#10 Haryana Steelers
Haryana Steelers’ defense lacks the seasoning needed for a league as intense as Pro Kabaddi. Jaideep and Mohit Nandal bring some experience, but they need to mentor the younger players effectively.
The team’s performance will depend on how quickly their inexperienced defenders adapt to the high-pressure situations of the league.
#9 Telugu Titans
Telugu Titans, too, find themselves lacking experienced defenders apart from Parvesh Bainswal. His consistency will be pivotal, but the Titans need to develop a well-rounded defensive unit to stay competitive. The lack of depth might prove challenging against teams with formidable raiders.
#8 Bengal Warriors
Bengal Warriors have a slightly balanced defensive lineup with Shubham Shinde and Nitin Rawal bringing valuable experience. Vaibhav Garje, though young, could be the wildcard. However, the Warriors need to ensure that their experienced defenders guide the newer players effectively to maintain a solid defence.
#7 UP Yoddhas
UP Yoddhas have made smart retention choices, keeping the core defenders Nitesh Kumar and Sumit ahead of Pro Kabaddi season 10.
With the addition of Ashu Singh, who showcased his skills last season, they form a strong defensive trio. The Yoddhas will be a force to reckon with if their defenders continue their previous form and build on it.
#6 Gujarat Giants
The Giants’ defensive lineup received a significant boost with the acquisition of Fazel Atrachali, the league’s top defender with more than 400 points to his kitty.
Fazel’s consistency, combined with support from players like Arkam and Nabibaksh, strengthens the Giants’ defence. If they can maintain their defensive solidity, the Giants will be a formidable opponent for any team.
#5 Bengaluru Bulls
Pro Kabaddi League season 6 winners, Bengaluru Bulls have taken a step in the right direction by reinforcing their defence. Aman and Saurabh Nandal’s impressive performance last season, highlighted by their collective tally of 130 tackle points, signifies a robust defensive unit.
Coupled with the experienced cover defender Surjeet Singh’s arrival, they have fortified their defense significantly. With the right strategy, they can thwart even the most potent raiders in the league.
#4 Tamil Thalaivas
Tamil Thalaivas enter the league with a strong defensive legacy, boasting 270 tackle points from the previous season. Sahil, Sagar, Himanshu, and Mohit have displayed exceptional coordination, making them a force to be reckoned with.
Their ability to work cohesively and adapt to different match situations could give them an edge in crucial encounters.
#3 U Mumba
U Mumba boasts a blend of experience and youth in their defensive lineup. Retaining players like Surinder Singh and Rinku, coupled with the addition of Mahendar Singh and Girish Ernak, give them a well-rounded defence.
If they can strike the right balance between aggression and caution, U Mumba will be a tough team to crack.
#2 Puneri Paltan
Puneri Paltan’s defensive ambitions received a significant boost with the acquisition of Mohammadreza Shadloui. With an impressive 180 tackle points in just two seasons, Shadloui epitomizes strength and resilience.
Supported by cover defenders Abinesh Natarajan and Sanket Sawan, Puneri Paltan possesses a well-rounded defence that can thwart even the most relentless raiders.
#1 Jaipur Pink Panthers
The defending Pro Kabaddi champions, Jaipur Pink Panthers, march into the tournament with an unparalleled defensive record, scoring a staggering 290 tackle points in season 9.
Led by the exceptional Ankush and bolstered by Sunil Kumar’s experience and Reza Mirbagheri’s international expertise, they epitomize defensive excellence. Their remarkable coordination and tactical acumen make them the team to beat, holding the title of the best defensive unit in the league.
