Is there any kabaddi enthusiast on planet earth who doesn’t love a well-executed do or die raid? The sight of a despairing raider cautiously pacing himself across the baulk line is a sight to behold. Mohit Chillar once explained that defending in a do or die situation is relatively easy considering the fact that it’s the raider who has to take the initiative always.
This makes it all the more paramount for a team to have a do or die specialist in their side. It separates the good sides from the great.
On that note, let’s take a look at some of the best in the game.
#5 Rishank Devadiga
In season 3 of Pro Kabaddi League, the former U Mumba man was the best raider in the league, picking up 86 raid points. But he failed to live up to expectations last time around. Consistency continues to elude the talented raider but there’s no doubt that Rishank is among the premier do or die raiders in the league.
He’s bailed his side out on multiple occasions when the situation was dicey. An eager student of the game, Rishank has immense leg power, the key to his exploits in sudden death cases. Uttar Pradesh have a supreme attacker in their ranks, who on his day can outdo any raider in the league. Versatility separates him from the pack.
#4 Nilesh Salunke
The fact that the Titans payed more for Nilesh Salunke’s services than veteran Rakesh Kumar speaks volumes of his importance in the squad. Largely considered as the man who plays second fiddle to Rahul Chaudhari, Salunke shines in situations where Chaudhari finds it tough.
While Rahul is no doubt the premier raider of his team, do or die raids is something that still continues to get the better of him. Salunke, on the other hand, has no qualms about attempting them and does so with an impressive success rate.
Enticing the defenders with some nimble footwork, his superman like diving touch is his go-to move during a do or die situation.
#3 Meraj Sheykh
The Iranian’s rise to the top has been nothing short of meteoric. A once anxious Sheykh has transformed himself into a supremely confident player on the mat.
This confidence has immensely helped him in do or die situations. His rare moments of brilliance for the Telugu Titans have been replaced by constant hair-raising performances for Dabang Delhi. Not one to hurry in a sudden death situation, Sheykh takes his time in a do or die raid.
But unlike the rest, rather than waiting for the final 10 seconds, he goes for the kill with 15 seconds on the clock. This takes the opposition by surprise who usually expect a final second attempt.
#2 Ajay Kumar
Arguably the best do or die raider in the league has played just 15 matches in the league so far. Yet, Kumar has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
The 23-year-old made his debut in season 3. His influence though came to light only in season 4 when he immediately made a mark, picking up 44 points despite being used solely as an impact substitute.
Assuming the opposition defenders would have studied his game, the upcoming season will truly put Kumar to the test. Taking nothing away from his exploits, last time around, the defenders did seem to treat Ajay a tad too casually on the mat and ended up paying for it.
#1 Rajesh Mondal
We’ve saved the best for the last. Every other raider in the league attempts to score a single point in a do or die raid but not Rajesh Mondal. Even if there’s an uncomplicated bonus point up for grabs, the experienced campaigner refuses to take the easy route on most occasions.
Mondal takes the game saving situation by the scruff of its neck and turns it into a game-changing situation. There have been times when he’s executed some stupendous super raids in do or die situations.
Mondal never seems fazed by the challenge, not one bit. To him, a do or die raid is an opportunity to turn the tables when the opposition least expects it. Pune have a gem on their hands this season.
