Pro Kabaddi League season 9: Top five defenders sold in auction
While raiders hog the limelight and bring in points, defenders are the pillar of strength in a team and drive it to success. Ranging from Navneet Gautam in the first season to rising stars like Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh, defenders play a crucial role in determining the fate of a match
Pro Kabaddi LeagueThe Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 9 auctions witnessed defensive stars fetch big money, so here are the top five defenders sold in the auction!
5. Parvesh Bhainswal – Telegu Titians (INR 62 lakhs)
Parvesh Bhainswal, a top-notch left cover defender, shared a strong partnership with Sunil Kumar in Gujarat Giants. The Titans bought the second-best defender of season six at PKL 9 auction.
The Giants used an FBM card on him for ₹75 lakhs in season seven, but the Titans have now captured him. If Surjeet Singh and Parvesh Bhainswal lock arms, the Titans could finish at the top.
4. Ravi Kumar – Dabang Delhi (INR 64 lakh)
Ravi Kumar is a reliable left cover defender who has played for Bengal Warriors, Puneri Paltan and Haryana Steelers. He has reasonable control over the super tackle, enabling him to use it in crucial moments.
His versatility can be seen when he plays as a right cover. It is no surprise that Dabang Delhi slapped a high price tag on the defender.
3. Amirhossein Bastami – Haryana Steelers (INR 65.10 lakhs)
The Steelers bought Iranian Amirhossein Bastami for ₹65.10 lakhs from a base price of ₹ ten lakhs. The result was preceded by a four-way bidding war between UP Yoddha, the Steelers, Dabang Delhi, and Gujarat Giants.
Bastami helped Iran win the Junior Kabaddi World Championships title in 2019. The desirable defender will have much to prove in the next season of PKL, and his compatriot Shadloui Chiyaneh could help him ease into the new realm.
2. Sunil Kumar – Jaipur Pink Panthers (INR 90 lakhs)
After making his maiden appearance in PKL season four, Sunil Kumar boosted Gujarat Giants’ defence. Operating alongside Parvesh Bhainswal on the covers, he has intimidated the best players with their intensity.
As the skipper of the Giants, he led the team to consecutive finals and clinched gold for India during the 2019 South Asian Games. He could be a well-deserving candidate for the captaincy of his new team.
Fans will miss the partnership between Parvesh and Sunil, but seeing how they fare in their new teams will be exciting.
1. Fazel Atrachali - Puneri Paltan (INR 1.38 crore)
Puneri Paltan seized the ‘Sultan’ of defence Fazel Atrachali as they threw more than ₹ one crore to seal his services. He is the first player in the season nine auction to have crossed the one-crore mark.
After a bidding war between Telugu Titans and Dabang Delhi, Puneri Paltan intervened and took the former U Mumba captain. He broke his record to become the most expensive foreign player signed.