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The Pro Kabaddi League has played a major role in uplifting the sport of kabaddi. The game has seen a huge boost in viewership owing to the introduction of innovative concepts like the Do or Die raid, super tackle and time outs.
Earlier, the role of the defenders was to put the raider down as soon as he comes in the target area. Though the goal of the defensive department has not changed, the way the defensive unit executes a tackle has changed. The situation of the match also impacts the way a defender plans out his tackle.
Undoubtedly, the teams need defenders who can score points at will under crunch situations. These defenders often emerge as the match winners for their respective franchises. While picking up tackle points is not an easy job, notching up a High-5 or picking up five tackle points in a single match is one of the major achievements for a defender.
As we build up to an exciting Pro Kabaddi 2019, we have a look at three defenders who have most High 5s in PKL history.
#3 PO Surjeet Singh - 20
PO Surjeet Singh joined the Pro Kabaddi League in the league’s third edition when he represented the Puneri Paltan. The right cover defender impressed the fans with his magnificent performance in the cover position as he registered five High 5s in his debut season with an average of 3.91 tackle points per match in season 3.
The Services player moved to U Mumba in season 4. Though his numbers took a dip in that edition, Surjeet added two more High 5s to his name. The dash specialist switched to Bengal Warriors in the fifth edition and his presence proved to be a game-changer for the Kolkata-based franchise as the defender not only had a terrific outing in the cover position but was also an influential captain.
In the two seasons he played for Bengal, Surjeet earned 130 tackle points in just 47 matches, including nine High 5s in season 5 and four more in season 6. With a whole lot of experience, Surjeet is set for a brand new chapter as he will lead the Puneri Paltan for PKL 7.
#2 Ravinder Pahal - 20
Senior defender of Dabang Delhi K.C, Ravinder Pahal has been one of the most aggressive defenders on the mat. Known as 'The Hawk', the right corner defender holds the second position in the list of defenders with the most High 5s in the Pro Kabaddi League.
Pahal has been a part of the league ever since its inception. In his first season with Dabang Delhi, Pahal picked up three High 5s but came into the spotlight in season 2 when he picked 60 tackle points to claim the 'best defender' award at the end of the season, courtesy of his five High 5s.
The diving thigh hold specialist played for Puneri Paltan and Bengaluru Bulls in season 4 and season 5 respectively and picked up three High 5s each for both the teams before returning to Dabang Delhi K.C. in season 6.
He impressed with his return to the Delhi side as he finished with 59 points from 22 matches, including four High 5s that took his overall tally to 20 High 5s. For season 7, Pahal will play at the right corner for Delhi yet again.
#1 Manjeet Chhillar - 21
One of the most prolific all-rounders of the game, Manjeet Chhillar has always done well for his team in the defense department. The 2016 Kabaddi World Cup winner has a stupendous number of 21 High 5s in the tournament. Chhillar has played 93 matches in PKL and is one of the most well known figures in the Pro Kabaddi League.
Playing for the Bengaluru Bulls in the first two seasons, Manjeet picked up six High 5s to emerge as the leading defender of his team. Manjeet’s move to the Puneri Paltan proved very beneficial for the Pune franchise as the all-rounder scored 10 High 5s in the two seasons he played for them.
The Jaipur Pink Panthers signed his services for season 5 but he was hit by a slew of injuries that had an impact on his overall performance. Even then, he notched up three High 5s in season 5.
For season 6, Manjeet re-united with Ajay Thakur to play for the Tamil Thalaivas. The wily defender added two more High 5s to his name in that edition to take his overall tally to 21 High 5s. For season 7, Manjeet Chhillar will yet again feature for the Thalaivas.
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