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32 days and 50 games later, Pro Kabaddi League Season 5 has produced some stunning performances, some surprises while some things have remained just the same. Over the course of last month, every single team has found it difficult to dominate. In a sense, no side has taken the league by the scruff of its neck and made it their own.
Even the cream of the crop has been made to dig deep for wins. On that note, let's take a look at the performances of all 12 teams so far.
#12 Telugu Titans: 1/5
On paper, the Titans look like an extremely competitive side. In fact, they were tagged as one of the dark horses this time around. But this young side has failed to execute their best laid plans, resulting in a number of dark nights for their fans.
Eight losses in eleven games mean no team in the league has performed so poorly. Apart from Rahul Chaudhari, not a single player has delivered.
#11 Tamil Thalaivas: 1/5
Having won just one of their first seven games, the debutants from the south have been schooled by most of their opponents on the mat. Immaturity and a complete lack of temperament have led to their downfall this season.
They drew matches that they should have won and that has proved to be an expensive loss. It's now or never for the Tamil Thalaivas from now on.
#10 Bengaluru Bulls: 1/5
One could write an extensive essay on why Bengaluru Bulls have been poor so far. Like the Titans, Bengaluru have been a one man army with their captain Rohit Kumar leading from the front.
Unfortunately for him, his teammates just haven't been able to keep up with the pace of the game. They're becoming notorious for conceding silly tackle points in crunch situations.
#9 U Mumba: 2/5
Even before the season began, one began to wonder how would this Mumbai defence keep quality raiders at bay. As predicted, it's their defenders who have let the team down.
The likes of Anup, Kashiling and Shabeer have tried and delivered consistently, however, their new look defence still seems to be struggling for coordination. Coach, Bhaskaran has a mamoth task on his hands. Six losses in nine games isn't the kind of start he would have envisioned.
Delhi have made considerable improvements
#8 U P Yoddha 2/5
For all the quality they possess in their squad, U.P have failed to deliver. Theirs is a team that's littered with stellar talent, yet they've been far off from what we expected. Individuals like Rishank Devadiga and Nitin Tomar have shined but individually.
Yoddha haven't been hunting in packs and as a result, they've been picked apart by even lesser quality teams who play as a team.
#7 Dabang Delhi 2/5
One must credit the side from the capital for overturning their poor start. They've put on a decent show in their recent matches and in a way have bounced back from their horrendous start.
Three wins out of eight isn't great but they will readily take it given their poor start to the campaign. The Iranian raiding duo of Meraj and Abolfazl are finally finding their feet, producing some impressive performances and that should bode well for the future.
It's time for the Warriors to step up their game
#6 Bengal Warriors 3/5
The Warriors find themselves in a precarious situation. They haven't been great by any stretch of the imagination but neither have they been poor. Their performances have been indifferent and as a result, they haven't lit up the tournament.
With four wins in eight games, Bengal have been chipping away with some vital wins and draws. After a poor season last time round, they've more than ensured that they remain in the fray for the playoffs this time around.
#5 Haryana Steelers 3/5
Like Bengal, Haryana haven't hit top form yet. With three victories in six games, they've just about managed to keep a lid on the situation. The unusual suspect, Vikas Khandola has been a breath of fresh air with his nonchalant approach on the mat. The youngster has been one of the best raiders in the league so far and Surjeet has ably aided him consistently.
Their defenders, however, need to pull their socks up in the upcoming games.
The Pirates have rarely put a foot wrong so far
#4 Jaipur Pink Panthers: 3.5/5
When Jaipur's star raider, Selvamani limped his way off the mat in their very first match, it seemed like disaster had struck. But the Panthers have admirably turned around the situation and used it to provide opportunities to the bench players who have taken their chances with aplomb.
With four wins out of six, it's safe to say Jaipur are one of the few teams who've managed to build momentum in the first half of the tournament.
#3 Patna Pirates 3.5/5
There are some things that never change. Pardeep Narwal continues to be the lifeline of this Patna team who's defenders have at times failed to bring their A-game to the mat.
Pardeep's consistency is mind boggling. But on those rare occasions when he's been found out, Monu Goyat has stepped up.
Having lost just once in seven matches, Patna's attack looks menacing and are hungry for a hat trick of titles.
Gujarat continue to sizzle on the mat
#2 Puneri Paltan: 4/5
Their match against U Mumba last week was the perfect example of the kind of team Pune is. A team that refuses to throw in the towel, come what may.
The Paltan are a team that is extremely hard to beat. A team that has its foundations in solid shape. A team whose captain, Deepak Hooda has displayed maturity beyond his years and has let every single player shine.
One of the favourites to lift the trophy have lived up to the expectations.
#1 Gujarat Fortunegiants 4.5/5
When Gujarat went on a five-match unbeaten run at home in week three, every single team knew what they were up against. There couldn't have been a better place to make a statement - on home turf - where their competitors have struggled so far.
A solitary loss in ten games, Gujarat look like they can do nothing wrong. Everyone from the starting seven to the bench has delivered when their services have been called upon.
