PKL 2021: 3 teams with the best defenders

The Pro Kabaddi League 2021 (PKL) is all set to get underway with its eighth iteration after the PKL 2020 was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The mega-event returns after a long wait of two years and are already building up excitement among the fans and enthusiasts. PKL 8 is slated to begin on 22nd December with all matches scheduled to be played at the Grand Sheraton Whitefield in Bengaluru inside a bio-bubble without any fans.

There might be some negative impact of no crowds but still, we can expect a thrilling and nail-biting season as all the 12 teams will be at their best to lift the prestigious title. Teams have put a lot of focus on the defensive unit this time in the PKL 2021 auction. As we all know that defenders are the heart of any lineup and are frequently seen patrolling in tandem as prompt cooperation between them may knock out raiders of any calibre.

On that note, let’s take a look at the three teams with the best defenders in PKL 2021.

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Gujarat Giants

Gujarat Giants have reached the PKL finals on two occasions but are yet to lift the title as they suffered a defeat against Patna Pirates in season 5 and then by Bengaluru Bulls in the final of PKL 6. They’ve always depended heavily on their defense in matches, and they’re planning to do so again in the PKL 2021. The Giants have signed renowned defenders Ravinder Pahal and Girish Ernak to their roster, joining the formidable cover combo of Parvesh Bhainswal and Sunil Kumar.

Ernak has 262 tackle points to his name in 106 PKL games and will look to rebound from a disappointing season last year. He’ll team up with Ravinder, who has 326 tackle points and is the second-best defender in PKL history. Parvesh, who has been a vital member of the Giants team thanks to his regular efforts and 192 tackle points, will play in the cover position alongside skipper Sunil Kumar. Sunil has also been an important element in his team’s success, racking up 179 tackle points in 68 games.

Dabang Delhi K.C.

Dabang Delhi finished as runners-up last season after a defeat against Bengal Warriors in the ultimate finale. They will now aim to go one step further this season and lay their hands on the PKL trophy. As mentioned earlier, defenders are the heart of any team and that’s what makes Delhi a top title favourite this season. They boast one of the best and most seasoned defensive groups in the league, with experienced stars Manjeet Chillar, Jeeva Kumar, and Sandeep Narwal joining captain Joginder Narwal on the defensive front.

Sandeep and Joginder will form a duo at the corner and will play the most essential role in Delhi’s success this season. They will be backed by the pair of Manjeet and Jeeva at the covers who are known for their deadly tackles.

Bengal Warriors

The defending champions Bengal Warriors performed admirably last season to lift their maiden PKL title last season after defeating Dabang Delhi K.C. in the finals. They delivered an all-round performance and will now aim to replicate the same this time as they have built a strong defensive unit.

They have added Iran’s star defender Abozar Mighani to their lineup who will join hands with the retentions Rinku Narwal and Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh. Mighani is one of the best performing overseas players as he is just 40 points away to become the second foreign player after Fazel Atrachali to record 200 tackle points in PKL. Whereas, Rinku, who was Warrior’s second-best defender will also play a key role alongside Nabibakhsh in his side’s run to defend the title.

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