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The opening leg of the Pro Kabaddi League 2017 witnessed some outstanding raids from some classy players in addition to power-packed performances from the young guns, who did admirably well to score vital points for their team.
However, amongst the sea of fabulous raiders, the defenders from various teams have also made a name for themselves. Without the fear of losing, the defenders have put in vital tackles apart from putting in all their strength to pin the raider down in their own half.
While most teams have depended on their raiders to produce a bulk of the points, the defenders have silently gone about their task, often halting the free run of opposition raiders.
In light of the Nagpur leg, here are five of the best defenders from the Hyderabad leg.
#5 Fazel Atrachali - 6 points from 2 matches
Fazel Atrachali was chosen as the priority pick and has already made an impact in this year's PKL while guarding the left corner for the Gujarat Fortunegiants. The Iranian has formed a vital association with countryman Abozhar Mighani and has managed to score six points from two matches.
Also read: Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5: Top 5 raiders from the Hyderabad leg
Athrachali has put in 10 tackles of which six tackles have been successful. He was particularly in good form against Dabang Delhi when he managed to pin down his countrymen duo of Meraj and Abolfazl Maghsouldou, giving Gujarat a firm hand in the game.
#4 Nilesh Shinde - 7 points from 2 matches
The right-corner was on fire in his first game for Delhi against Jaipur, scoring his first high-5 of the tournament. Against the star studded Jaipur team, he managed to combine splendidly with right cover defender Bajirao Hodage, in turn causing a drought of raid points for Jaipur.
Against the Gujarat Fortunegiants, Nilesh’s combination with Sunil was the only bright spark right through a dismal performance from the Dabangs. With mixed results at the back of his mind, the ex-Warriors skipper will look to bring all his experience onto the mat for their next game and get Delhi back to winning ways.
#3 Rakesh Kumar - 11 points from six matches
Playing the role of a supporting system to a young group is always a tough task, especially for a man with the calibre of Rakesh Kumar. However, he has gone about the task with no fuss, leading the team from the right-corner and assisting skipper Rahul Chaudhari at crucial junctions.
One of India's finest all-rounders, Rakesh Kumar has produced 11 tackle points from 6 matches apart from six raid points and has played second fiddle to Vishal Bharadwaj, who has impressed on the left-corner.
The Titans have found themselves in trouble early in the season with only one win from six games and the experienced Rakesh will need to take up the onus of getting the Titans back to winning ways.
#2 Vishal Bharadwaj - 17 points from 6 matches
Guarding the left corner for the Telugu Titans, Vishal Bharadwaj has managed to stamp his authority early in the 2017 season.
The youngster has enjoyed the role given to him and created an impact in his first two games with high-5s in both games. In the six games he has played for the Titans, he has managed to collect 17 tackle points.
Although the Titans have not endured the best of starts, Vishal's consistency on the left corner will be a huge boost for the Titans before their next game against the Bengaluru Bulls.
#1 Surender Nada - 12 points from 2 matches.
One of the most prominent defenders in the PKL, Nada was picked to lead the Haryana Steelers prior to the season and he has done a commendable job.
In the two matches he has played, the left corner has been in phenomenal form, and has amassed 12 points in total. While Nada has been in roaring form, he has also camouflaged the dismal performance of Mohit Chhillar, who has not been able to collect a single point from two outings.
With many matches to be played, one can expect Nada to rekindle his chemistry with Chhillar and cause problems for opposition raiders.
