Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5: Five experienced players who have disappointed

The fifth season of the Pro Kabaddi League saw four new teams being added and with the new teams, many new players were given an opportunity to prove their quality. With many players making their debuts the onus was on the players with players with PKL experience to lead by example and guide the new players. But there have been few players who have struggled to make an impact and instead of guiding the youngster have been a hindrance to the team.

We bring you five experienced players who have so far endured a forgettable campaign.

#1 Somvir Shekar

Somvir Shekar was one of the most experienced defenders along with Manjeet Chhillar in a Jaipur team that contained an otherwise inexperienced defence. But Somvir Shekar has so far endured a forgettable campaign.

He has struggled with the timings of his tackles diving needlessly gifting points to the raiders. The cover defender has failed with 30 tackles so far, twice than any other Jaipur player further highlighting his struggles.

#2 Rakesh Kumar

Rakesh Kumar has turned out to be a liability rather than an asset for the Telugu Titans

One of the biggest names in Indian Kabaddi, Rakesh Kumar has struggled to produce performances befitting of his reputation. The experienced all-rounder has struggled to impose himself struggling in both raiding and defending.

Being the Titans' most experienced player, he was expected to lead their defence, but he has appeared slow to retreat and has also failed to provide timely support. The former India captain has also struggled on his occasional raiding forays, managing just seven raid points from 43 raids.

Moreover, three of Titans' four wins have come without Rakesh in the starting seven.

#3 Rohit Rana

Rohit Rana and the Telugu Titans' defence have not made a mark this season

The strongly built left cover is the second Titans player to make the list - a fair reflection of the season the team is having. Despite his strong frame, Rohit Rana has struggled to impose himself on the opposition raiders. Throughout PKL 5, he has struggled to get his timings of the dash correct.

His poor judgement once again cost the Titans against Bengal Warriors in the last raid of the match Rana’s ill-advised dash in a Do Or Die raid gifted the match to Bengal Warriors. He has attempted 52 tackles and has failed with massive 37 of them highlighting his difficulties to support the defence.

#4 Bajirao Hodage

Bajirao Hodage attempts a block on Jasvir Singh

Bajirao Hodage played a big part in Patna Pirates' run to the title in PKL 4. He was a reliable right cover possessing a fine dash which can throw any raider out of the court. Along with Nilesh Shinde, he was expected to lead the Delhi defence.

While Shinde has blown hot and cold still managing three High 5s, Bajirao has been an utter disappointment. The Maharashtra native has attempted 34 tackles and has failed with 24 of them.

He is averaging 1.25 tackle points per match his lowest in any PKL season. His poor performances have seen him benched in favour of debutant Swapnil Shinde.

#5 Rajesh Narwal

Rajesh Narwal has been a disappointment for UP

Rajesh Narwal who had been one of PKL’s most consistent players till last season has struggled to come good for the U.P Yoddha. Narwal, one of PKL’s best all-rounders has struggled while both raiding and defending.

U.P. had bought him for big money but Rajesh has failed to repay their faith and is currently suffering his worst PKL season. In the first four PKL campaigns, Rajesh Narwal managed around six total points per match.

His fall from grace in PKL 5 can b illustrated by the fact that the all-rounder is averaging less than 2 points per match in PKL 5.