Pro Kabaddi League: The five best defenders for the Pro Kabaddi League 2022

including Gujarat Giants, Bengal Warriors, Bengaluru Bulls, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Tamil Thalaivas, UP Yoddhas, Patna Pirates, Haryana Steelers, U Mumba, Dabang Delhi KC, Puneri Paltan, and Telugu Titans.

Apart from the limelight-hogging raiders, the defensive layout of a club is the most critical part of a team. Even if they score more raid points, there is a possibility of defeat if there is a leak in defence. 

Fans love to witness jaw-dropping tackles in Pro Kabaddi League, and in the ninth season, we have our eyes on the following five defenders!

Fazel Atrachali (Puneri Paltan)

Atrachali's signing cost a fortune for the Puneri Paltan as they snapped up the overseas defender in the 2022 auctions. The Iranian defender has 68 tackle points to his credit.

Although he is in questionable form, he could turn the tables for his team this season. Fazel finished 15th on the defender's leaderboard by securing 51 tackle points in 22 matches. 

Despite his average performance, Pune's team management acquired his services for INR 1.30 crores last season. 

Nitesh Kumar (UP Yoddhas)

Nitesh Kumar is widely known as one of the best corner defenders in Pro Kabaddi history. He made his debut appearance for UP Yoddhas through the Future Kabaddi Heroes Programme.

In 91 matches, Nitesh secured 279 points and crossed a century of tackle points in the sixth season. Back then, he also set up a new record for the highest tackle points by a defender in a single season. 

It is no surprise that the UP Yoddhas retained him for the ninth season.

Mohammadreza Chiyaneh (Patna Pirates)

Iranian left corner Mohammadreza Chiyaneh joined the league in season eight. He became the tournament's best defender after topping the Most Tackle Points list with 89 tackle points scored in 24 matches.

Chiyaneh was vital in the Patna Pirates' march to the fourth PKL final, and the defender is expected to bolster the squad in Pro Kabaddi 2022. During the 2021 auctions, Chiyaneh initiated a bidding war among the teams. 

He was ultimately picked up by three-time titlists Patna Pirates for INR 31 lakhs which declared him the most expensive overseas buy last year. 

Sagar Rathee (Tamil Thalaivas)

Sagar Rathee was phenomenal in the eighth season as he operated on a raid strike rate of 100% and tackle rate of 57%. He earned 83 points in 22 matches. 

He marginally missed the Best Defender award in the eighth season, but this year, the Tamil Thalaivas defender will attempt to bring more consistency to his game. 

Pawan Sehrawat will support Rathee at Tamil Thalaivas in Pro Kabaddi 2022, and the duo will severely threaten opposition teams. 

Sunil Kumar (Jaipur Pink Panthers)

Sunil Kumar plays as a right corner defender for the Panthers. He made his debut in the fourth season for the Patna Pirates and, to date, has scored 253 tackle points over 115 matches. 

Former Gujarat Giants captain Sunil Kumar had a low phase in season eight where he only scored 38 tackle points in 23 matches and finished outside the Top 25 in the Most Tackle Points list.

His patchy form, however, did not stop him from catching the Panthers' attention at the Pro Kabaddi 2022 auction.