'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Season five of the Pro Kabaddi League came to an explosive end as Patna Pirates overwhelmed Gujarat Fortunegiants in the final 55-38 to clinch their third title in a row.
Star raider Pardeep Narwal was at his best, as he had been during the knockout stages, dodging and overpowering defenders with his deft skill and strength, as he scored 19 of his 369 points in the final.
The win was also sweet revenge for Patna, as they had lost both their previous encounters this season to Gujarat.
The fifth installment of the Pro Kabaddi League saw several stellar performances from raiders and defenders, but it also brought to our attention the efforts of players who excelled on both sides of the mat.
Though their contributions might not have been as crucial in each team, there were some excellent all-rounders on display in season five and here is a look at them ranked based on their overall performance and impact:
#5 Meraj Sheykh (Dabang Delhi)
The Iranian all-rounder had a tough season captaining Dabang Delhi as he was unable to inspire his team to great performances. Delhi ended the season as the bottom-ranked team overall, with only five wins from 22 matches.
Meraj Sheykh personally had a decent season, tallying a total of 104 points in 20 matches, including 96 raid points. His contribution on the raiding front helped the Eagles achieve respectability in some of their matches.
In defence, he helped organise his outfit's young defenders more than himself take the lead in initiating tackles and dashes.
Although some individual defenders did show some signs of promise, the team could not capitalise on Sheykh's showings enough to try and qualify for the Super Playoffs.
#4 Nitin Rawal (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
Jaipur Pink Panthers suffered a disappointing season as they could not make the Super Playoffs. However, the season did see the emergence of raider Pawan Kumar Kadian and all-rounder Nitin Rawal.
Rawal provided good support both during raids and was also a good youthful addition to the Pink Panthers' defense. His athleticism and strength helped him score 85 points in total during season five.
His contribution included 65 raid points and 20 tackle points, a solid return for someone playing his first Pro Kabaddi League season.
Rawal's standout performance came in a 27-27 tie with Haryana Steelers as he scored 12 points (11 raid points and 1 tackle point) in the match, winning the Young Star of the Day award.
It offered a glimpse of how good the future could be for Nitin Rawal and the Jaipur Pink Panthers.
#3 Vijay (Patna Pirates)
Patna Pirates came through in fine fashion during the knockout stages to win their third successive Pro Kabaddi League title.
Captain and raiding sensation Pardeep Narwal was hands down their best player but a player who came really good during the later stages of the season was all-rounder Vijay.
The 20-year-old provided great support to the defense, working in tandem with stalwarts like Jaideep and Vishal Mane to help shackle the opposition raiders during the knockouts. He also did very well when required to raid and support Pardeep and Monu Goyat.
Vijay scored 19 points in the four knockout matches, including seven in the final against Gujarat Fortunegiants and was a great find for the future for Patna.
His ability to adapt to the situation and composure in high pressure situations made him an asset to the Pirates team.
#2 Sandeep Narwal (Puneri Paltan)
Though he would have been disappointed that he wasn't able to take Puneri Paltan past the second Eliminator, Sandeep Narwal played a big part in his team reaching the Super Playoffs.
Playing as the right corner, Narwal was a crucial reason why Pune looked like they had the most balanced squad for most part of the league phase. His ability to anchor the defense with Girish Maruti Ernak provided the foundation for their raiders to score freely.
Sandeep used his speed and power to great effect while executing dashes and ankle holds and his versatility and energy during raiding helped him score vital points for his team.
One of the better all-rounders who played in season five, the 24-year-old had a stellar season, scoring 85 points in total in 21 matches, including 52 tackle points.
#1 Deepak Niwas Hooda (Puneri Paltan)
Hands down the best all-rounder to have been part of season five, Deepak Niwas Hooda led the Pune franchise manfully to the second Eliminator, where they lost out to Patna Pirates.
Hooda's brand of aggressive raiding was integral to Puneri Paltan establishing themselves as one of the top teams in season five of Pro Kabaddi League.
He was extremely competent at getting hand touch points and added to that with the strategic adventurous raid, consuming multiple opponents in one go. Apart from that, his physical presence aided teammates Sandeep Narwal and Girish Ernak in organising their defense well.
The 23-year-old all-rounder was one of the best players in season five, scoring 186 points in 24 matches, which included 172 raid points.
Having come so close this season, Deepak Niwas Hooda would be keen to return stronger next season as he attempts to lift his maiden Pro Kabaddi League title.
