Top 5 defenders from Star Sports Pro Kabaddi week-three

The third week of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi saw the action move to the cities of Patna and Jaipur. League leaders Patna Pirates made good use of their home games as they all but cemented a semi-final spot with two wins and a draw from their home leg.Puneri Paltan were also big winners in Week three as two wins and a draw against hosts Patna Pirates sees them in a good position to claim a place in the semi-finals.U Mumba ended Patna Pirates unbeaten streak, as they stretched their own winning run to four games. Dabang Delhi got their first win of the campaign while the Bengaluru Bulls woes were compounded.The protection the defenders offer is what helps the raiders go out and give their best to get points for their teams, very similar to how Castrol Activs Actibonds offer continuous protection to the engine, even when it is off.There were some stellar defensive performances in this week and we take a look at five top defenders from week three.

#1 Jasmer Singh Gulia (Puneri Paltan)

The experienced campaigner has truly come into his own in the previous week and his performances have made the difference for the Puneri Paltan.

From drawing or losing close matches, Puneri Paltan have managed to string together two back to wins and boost their hopes of making the final four.

The former Dabang Delhi defender has managed to pick up 14 tackle points in three games this week and suddenly Puneri Paltan’s defence that looked fragile looks highly robust.

#2 Sandeep Dhull (Dabang Delhi)

Sandeep Dhull had a great week, picking up 10 tackle points in two games for the bottom team. Dhull’s efforts in defence helped Dabang Delhi register their first win of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi Season Three.

However, Dhull was particularly impressive in their loss to the Puneri Paltan where he managed six tackle points along with a super tackle.

With Ravindar Pahal failing to reach the heights of last season, Dabang Delhi will be hoping Sandeep Shull is able to continue his good form in their home leg where they have plenty of pride to play for.

#3 Rajesh Narwal (Jaipur Pink Panthers)

Known more for his exploits in the opponents’ half, Rajesh Narwal is more than capable of bringing down a raider. Originally an all-rounder, Narwal’s raiding heroics have often overshadowed his defensive skills.

He was excellent against the Telugu Titans as the Pink Panthers thumped them in a crucial encounter. Narwal managed 5 tackle points on the evening and followed it up with 4 tackle points against the Bengaluru Bulls as the Pink Panthers strung together back to back wins in the league.

#4 Bajirao Hodage (Bengal Warriors)

The Bengal Warriors defence has been outstanding in the third season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi and Bajirao Hodage has certainly played a part in it. Hodage failed to weave his magic against the Pirates as the Warriors succumbed to a five-point-defeat in Patna.

But, he was sensational in the Bengal Warriors’ win over the Telugu Titans. Hodage’s eight tackle points made the difference in the end as the Titans’ raiders had no answer to Bajirao.

Hodage’s consistency has been a key factor in the Bengal Warriors’ surge towards the top of the Pro Kabaddi table this season.

#5 Surjeet (Puneri Paltan)

The services player returned to the Puneri Paltan fold after a successful campaign with the Indian National team in the South Asian Games. Surjeet’s arrival instantly fixed the problems in the Puneri Paltan defence and made the raiders wary of his presence.

He didn’t have too much to show for his impact in terms of points, but an eight-pointer against the Pink Panthers powered the Paltan past the team from Jaipur.

Surjeet takes the Pune defence to an all-together different level and coach Ashok Shinde will be hoping he can see his side through to the semi-finals.