The Kolkata leg of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi saw plenty of movement in the league standings. Telugu Titans, Bengal Warriors and Patna Pirates all took turns at the top, but it was the home team who ended the leg with their name at the pinnacle.
A horde of individuals starred in the four days of kabaddi at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indoor Stadium. Here, we select the seven best players to form the strongest team based on the performances in Kolkata:
Manjeet Chhillar
Although the Puneri Paltan captain could not prevent his side from going down to the Bengal Warriors, Manjeet Chhillar did no harm to his reputation in the game. The 29-year-old put up an all-round performance as he mustered 7 defensive points, while contributing 6 points with his raids. He scored almost half of his team's points in a 28-33 loss to the Warriors.
Rohit Kumar
Most players take time to settle, but Rohit Kumar has taken to the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi like a fish takes to water. The raider helped Patna Pirates end Bengal Warriors' winning streak in Kolkata when he totaled 11 points – 10 raids and 1 defence point. This feat finds him a spot in the team of the week, and if he continues like this, he could well be one of the top performers of the entire season.
Nitin Tomar
The star behind Bengal Warriors' run to the top, Nitin Tomar has been one of the most consistent performers this season. With a total of 37 points in four matches at home, the 20-year-old took no time to become the fan favourite in his debut season. His quick moves and extravagant displays have had the crowds cheering for him throatily, and his contribution to the Warriors’ success is undeniable.
Rakesh Kumar
In the absence of four first team players, most teams would just fold and wilt away. However, Rakesh Kumar ensured U Mumba did not stumble in their match against Bengaluru Bulls. Despite trailing by 11 points at half time, Rakesh refused to throw in the towel and produced a defensive masterclass to amass 6 points and earn his side a narrow win.
Sandeep Narwal
The Patna Pirates all-rounder, who has left the league to join up with the Indian team participating in the South Asian Games, couldn't have bid a better goodbye to his team. Sandeep was a rock at the back in the Pirates' two matches in Kolkata, amassing 9 defensive points while also scoring a solitary raid point. His defensive exploits ensured the team continued their unbeaten streak this season.
Girish Ernak
If we are talking about the best defenders in the league, the name of Bengal Warriors defender Girish Ernak cannot be far away. A picture of consistency, Girish ensured the Warriors kept a tight ship at the back in each of their four matches at home. The 25-year-old was a nightmare for the raiders, scoring 12 defensive points to help his team reach the top of the table.
Pardeep Narwal
At the tender age of just 18, Pardeep Narwal has become one of Patna Pirates' indispensable players. Pardeep scored a mammoth 18 points in just two matches in the Kolkata leg to emerge as the shining star of the team. The shy teenager almost single-handedly sank Telugu Titans with 11 points, and his performances in Kolkata made the crowd stand up and take notice of his prowess.
