5 Defenders who might get an International call-up due to PKL 2018

"Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles" -- Alex Ferguson.

The frustrating 2018 Asian Games campaign for Indian Kabaddi team came to an end when they lost to Iran in the semifinals. The probable reason behind this were the defenders who could not perform well.

But the Indian team selectors finally got a reason to smile when some new sensations emerged from PKL 2018. Not only raiders, but many defenders also proved their metal and knocked the doors of the selection.

The senior defenders have not been able to prove their worth in PKL as well. Sandeep Narwal, India's right corner, has been able to manage just 32 tackle points in 12 matches, whereas Mohit Chhillar has been able to get only 29. Also, the career of senior players like Surender Nada (30 yrs) is coming to an end.

That is why there might be many replacements seen in the next major International Kabaddi event. Here are a few defenders who can replace these veteran and out-of-form defenders:

All the stats for the article have been taken from prokabaddi.com

---

#5 Nitesh Kumar (UP Yodhas)

Nitesh Kumar was a find for UP Yoddha in season 5 where he had scored 47 tackle points in 19 matches. However, this performance could not earn him a call-up from the Indian team. He was retained by the team in season 6.

He has fully justified the team management's this decision. He has scored 55 tackle points in 15 matches at a strike rate of 52.74. He also has 3 high 5's to his name. The 21-years-old has not received any support from rest of the team and has been the lone in-form defender for the team. He also won the orange band (given to the best defender of the season) during UP Yoddhas' home leg. However, he lost it to Fazel Atracheli.

It remains to be seen whether he would be included in the Indian team or not. But, he has definitely knocked the doors for the selection.

#4 Sunil Kumar (Gujarat Fortunegiants)

Sunil has been phenomenal both as a player and a captain.

Sunil Kumar was another find of PKL 5. In season 5, the right-cover defender was the architect of Gujarat Fortunegiants campaign to the PKL finals. He had scored 58 tackle points in 24 matches in that season.

Due to his good performances, he was retained in season 6 and was even made the captain of the team. He has totally justified his retention by scoring 46 tackle points in 14 matches which includes 2 high 5's as well. His captaincy too has been phenomenal. Under his able leadership, Gujarat has won 10 of their first 14 matches while losing just 2.

He has been an unsung hero of the PKL. Still, he is a very important link for the team. He could not earn a national call-up after season 5. But his dream for playing for the country may come true this time around.

#3 Parvesh Bhainswal (Gujarat Fortunegiants)

Parvesh has helped Gujarat Fortunegiants become one of the strongest defensive teams this season.

Parvesh was nurtured by Gujarat Fortunegiants' coach Manpreet Singh in season 5. In that season, he had taken 48 tackle points and was one of the emerging players of that season. His fabulous performances helped him to play for Gujarat in season 6 again.

The 21-years-old been in the form of his life in season 6. In the 14 matches, he has played so far, he has scored 51 tackle points at a fabulous strike rate of 61.03%. He has 4 high 5's to his name. He, along with Sunil Kumar has provided strength to the team.

His importance in the team increases as he can also play at left corner other than his left cover position. His blocks are always a point of concern for the opposition raiders. Consistency makes this unsung hero even more dangerous.

He is constantly knocking the doors of the national team. His performances could not earn him a national spot during the last year. However, he might be given an opportunity in the next major kabaddi tournament.

#2 Surender Singh (U Mumba)

The immature Surender has turned into a patient and mature one.

Although the Himachal Pradesh man was a find of season 5, his real ability showed in season 6. The 20-years-old, who was known for his immaturity and advanced and solo tackles in season 5, has improved a lot and transformed into a mature, patient and a skillful defender in season 6.

He has scored 42 matches in 15 matches so far. His tally includes 2 high 5's and a strike rate percentage of 47.19. He, along with Fazel Atracheli and Rohit Rana has played an important role in making U Mumba the strongest defensive team in season 6

What makes him a utility player is his ability to play at different positions. In addition to his natural left-cover position, he can also play right cover, left corner and right corner. Due to his consistent performances so far, he might be seen as a probable replacement for any player in the Indian team.

#1 Vishal Bharadwaj (Telegu Titans)

Would Vishal be able to earn a spot in the Indian team

Vishal Bharadwaj was one of the finds for Telugu Titans in season 5 when he scored 71 tackles in matches and was the third most successful defender of the season which included 5 high 5's. He was retained and given an opportunity to captain the team in season 6.

He continued to impress in season 6. The 21-years-old left corner defender has scored 26 points in 6 matches he has played in season 6 so far. He also has 2 high 5's and 4 super tackles to his name. Along with right corner Abozar Mohazer Mighani, he has anchored Telugu Titans' defence and helped them to be one of the strongest defensive team in the season.

He had earned a call-up from the Indian team for 2017 Asian Kabaddi Championships but was made to sit on the bench during the whole tournament. However, he might be selectors' first choice for the next kabaddi tournament due to his consistently good performances.