5 kabaddi players who disappointed the most in 2017

While 2017 saw a number of young talents emerge in the world of kabaddi thanks to the Pro Kabaddi League, it was also a year during which multiple stalwarts of the game failed to impose themselves.

Veterans and legends of the game struggled and it wasn't a pretty sight. On that note, let's take a look at 5 players who disappointed in 2017.

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#1 Rakesh Kumar

When the Telugu Titans acquired the services of Rakesh Kumar, one imagined they finally had the experience to challenge and compete in the later stages of the tournament. However, the former India captain had a torrid time on the mat.

Kumar played 10 matches and managed a measly 23 points in total. Far too often, he seemed uninterested and lacked the hunger one requires to perform at the highest level.

Telugu's most experienced player and all-rounder cut a frustrating figure on most nights. His season was also plagued by a couple of injuries and he made no significant contribution to his team in 2017.

#2 Shabeer Bapu

Shabeer Bapu (orange)

All eyes were on Shabeer Bapu this season. After an injury-laden season with Jaipur Pink Panthers in 2016, this year he returned to U Mumba and once again attempted to rekindle his deadly partnership with Anup Kumar.

However what transpired was far from impressive. In the 12 matches that he was part of, Shabeer managed just 35 raid points at an average of fewer than 3 points per match. It's an extremely poor return considering the fact that Mumbai brought him in to lead the raiding department.

Mid-season, Bapu once again had to sit out of the team after suffering a few niggles. He never really got going in 2017 and will be itching to put things right in 2018.

#3 Jasvir Singh

Jasvir Singh

Another veteran who struggled this season, Jasvir Singh had an eventful year. He only managed to score 61 raid points in 15 games for Jaipur Pink Panthers. To top it off, he was involved in a number of controversies throughout the course of the Pro Kabaddi League.

His constant bickering with the officials, unsportsmanlike like conduct wasn't received well by the fans. In one of the post-match press-conferences, he even entered with almost tears in his eyes.

The fans began to hate his antics, especially in Mumbai where he was painted a villain by U Mumba's faithful. The experienced campaigner wasn't level headed and this led to his downfall.

#4 Rajesh Narwal

Rajesh Narwal (right)

Once regarded as one of the best all-rounders in the league, Rajesh Narwal was a shadow of his former self in 2017. He was pinned to be the linchpin of debutants UP Yoddha but simply put, Narwal was poor.

In 16 matches, he managed a total of just 11 raid points and 16 tackle points. During a game, he was even sent off for over-aggressive behaviour. His troubles didn't stop there, throughout the PKL season, Rajesh was slow off the blocks and failed to bail his side out in crunch situations.

He let his team down when they needed him. One of the most talented players in the league let complacency slip in and it proved to be deadly.

#5 Mohit Chhillar

Mohit Chhillar

If there is one man who disappointed more than the rest in 2017, it was Mohit Chhillar. This is the same corner defender who was the most expensive pick in 2016. But this year, Mohit struggled to replicate his season 4 form.

He was expected to form a potent partnership with Surender Nada for Haryana Steelers. But eventually, only Nada fired while Mohit misfired along every step of the way.

Mohit managed just 39 tackles points throughout the PKL season. Nada finished the year with 80, more than double the tally. These numbers are a testament to the fact that the defender had an off year. Here's hoping he will return with a bang in 2018!