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As one of the hotbeds for kabaddi in India, an unstated responsibility lies on the players who represent the Haryana Steelers.
Among the four new teams, the side from Northern India made the wisest moves at the auction. By securing important players to fill in vital positions on the mat, they will head into season 5 with a solid foundation of players who have been there, done that.
On that note, let’s take a look at the seven men who could possibly start for Haryana.
#1 Wazir Singh
Having played just a single match over the last two seasons, the man who will lead Haryana’s raiding department is desperately short of game time as he gears up for an ultra-competitive season.
Wazir Singh will be keen to show that he still has what it takes despite the statistics suggesting otherwise. An impressive 65-point season-2 tally was followed by two seasons marred by injuries. He will no doubt start for the debutants and will be itching to get back on the mat.
#2 Mohit Chhillar
Over the course of the last four seasons, Mohit Chhillar has established himself as one of the best right corners in the league. At Bengaluru Bulls, he was severely let down by his raiders, however, he continued to deliver week in week out.
Now 24 years old, Chhillar, who celebrated his birthday just last week, has an opportunity to catapult himself into the upper echelons of the sport.
#3 Parmod Narwal
Part of the stellar Puneri Paltan side in season 4, Parmod brings with him vital match experience as he looks to continue his transformation from onlooker to an impact player. To put things bluntly, he isn’t the best raider out there but in terms of quality, Parmod will add some much-needed depth to this Haryana side which has stellar defenders but lack options in the raiding department.
#4 Surender Nada
Giving Chhillar company at the other extreme of the mat will be his partner in crime, Surender Nada. U Mumba coach, Bhaskaran recently revealed that according to him, Nada is the league’s most improved defender and the numbers don’t lie.
When he isn’t directly involved in a tackle, the left corner makes sure he creates ideal situations for his colleagues to dive in for tackles. Nada is a team player in every sense of the way.
#5 Jeeva Gopal
Another one of those players who has gone unnoticed in the hullabaloo is Jeeva Gopal. Still only 22, the left cover made his debut in the Pro Kabaddi League when he was just 19 years old.
Not many know that Jeeva has been a part of Mohit Chhillar and Surender Nada's teams since the inception of the league. It’s highly likely that the corner duo put in their recommendations to the Haryana management to rope in Jeeva.
#6 Surjeet Singh
Haryana’s very own, Surjeet Singh will be relishing the fact that he gets to play for his hometown this time. At Patna, Pardeep took home all the laurels but he couldn’t have done so without Surjeet, who toiled on the sidelines.
Singh has a knack of picking up points every time the opposition senses an opportunity to come back. In doing so, he frustrates them and this trait will come in handy this season.
#7 Rakesh Singh
Another local boy, Rakesh Singh will play as the left cover for Haryana. After spending three disappointing seasons with Dabang Delhi, he now has a chance to truly express himself and test his limits.
The standard of defending will always be high in this Haryana team and Singh will be aware of this fact. It will, hopefully, keep him on his toes and help him make improvements in his game. A good student of the game, Rakesh will ensure Haryana’s back line stays intact.
