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Patna Pirates were crowned Pro Kabaddi League season 4 champions after beating Jaipur Pink Panthers in an eventful final. They have now become the only team to win back to back titles, thus cementing themselves as kings of the league.
This season, we witnessed quite a few teams who led from the back. These teams based their performances on their defensive prowess. With so many stellar raiders shining through every new season, it’s the defensive spine that separates the good from the great.
Castrol Activ’s Actibonds form a protective blanket around the engine, saving it from wear and tear, and helping the bike function better. Similarly, the role of the defense in Pro Kabaddi is to prevent opposition raiders from scoring points, allowing the raiders of their team to play without any fear.
We look at three of the best defences in Pro Kabaddi League Season 4 -
Patna Pirates
When Patna won Pro Kabaddi season 3, it was mainly down to their attacking prowess. But as they say, the best time to make positive changes to a team is immediately after one wins a title.
Their transfers erased any kind of complacency hovering over the existing team. This season, the Pirates ended up conceding only 466 points to the opposition over the course of their sixteen games.
Dharmaraj Cheralathan, Fazel Atrachali and Bajirao Hodage all produced mammoth performances week in week out. More importantly, the coach had at his disposal, defenders with very versatile profiles.
It meant he could use his defenders in different positions based on their opponents, creating uncertainty in the minds of opposition raiders. Thriving on the situation, the Patna defence executed a massive 145 successful tackles over the course of the competition.
Telugu Titans
Never would have anyone imagined that the most attack-minded side in the league would end up with one of the most stingy defenses. The Titans ended their campaign having conceded just 454 points- the second lowest in the league.
Throughout the tournament, they adopted a high energy approach and never let opposition raiders settle on the mat. The Sandeeps on each corner sensed each other’s movements as if they were clones.
Narwal on the right corner initiated the team tackles while Dhull on the left showed this season why he is a force to be reckoned with. His diving ankle holds were a sight to behold.
Jasmer Singh Gulia brought with him a sense of tranquillity to calm this hyperactive Telugu team. They might have bowed out in the semi-finals against Jaipur and ended up fourth, but they produced a statistic that was astounding. The Titans executed 157 successful tackles, highest in the league
Had Rahul Chaudhari received a little more support in the raiding department, things could have turned out rather differently for the men in yellow.
Jaipur Pink Panthers
The season 1 champions fell one step short of clinching another title, but they leave the tournament with their heads held high. Post the inaugural season, this has been Jaipur’s most confident and efficient performance in the league.
Jasvir and company granted a mere 451 points to opposition teams. Amit Hooda was their stand out performer, leading the table with 47 successful tackles to his name. He was ably supported in defense by Ran Singh and Rohit Rana on the mat.
The raiders too took on added defensive duties with no qualms and executed with precision. The likes of Ajay Kumar, Jasvir Singh and Rajesh Narwal all executed their defensive plans to the letter.
They played a high line and pounced when they sensed laxity among the opposition raiders. Their chain tackles were the highlight of the tournament as they never let the chain break, ensuring they defend as one complete unit. As a team, the Jaipur Pink Panthers executed 119 successful tackles.
They were the best defense on display in the league this season, and modelled their attack on their defense.
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