Asian Games 2018: Predicting India's starting seven for the tournament

Mohit Chhillar has been an exceptional right corner.
Mohit Chhillar has been an exceptional right corner

Dubai Kabaddi Masters 2018 was a prodigious success in International Kabaddi after the Kabaddi World Cup 2016.

India held their nerves and beat Iran 44-26 what was proclaimed to be a one-sided encounter.

On the first week of July, the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI) announced 12 member men's squad which was an eye opener as big match names like Manjeet Chhillar, Surender Nada and PO Surjeet Singh were kept out.

Here is an overview to the playing seven India might use on the mat starting August 19!


#1 Right corner: Mohit Chhillar

One of the most experienced campaigners in the right corner of India, Mohit Chhillar is a bedrock.

You don't need an introduction, do you? The mastermind of Mohit is the best when it comes to blocking the raiders adverse to their momentum and his chain tackles are exciting to watch.

This Nizampur's pride announced his comeback when he scored 4 tackle points in a match No. 10 versus Kenya in the Dubai Kabaddi Masters 2018. Team India will definitely consider him ahead to display his class on the mat!


#2 Right in: Ajay Thakur

Ajay was the top raider of the tournament and led India to winning ways.
Ajay was the top raider of the tournament and led India to victory

Ajay Thakur will lead the side in Asian Games 2018 and his experience is what has already made him the lead raider of the team.

Ajay was the top raider in Dubai when he snatched 34 raid points in 50 raids making him a matured quality raider.

His prolonged reach to the midline with a height of 1.85m allows him to do swift hand touches and escapes which are adorable to watch. Team India is heavily built as a strong raiding unit but it is Ajay who'll wear the captain's hat.

#3 Right cover: Sandeep Narwal

Team India had an exceptional defending unit.
Team India had an exceptional defending unit.

Usually, a right corner, the role of Sandeep Narwal is set to be switched when he will play in place of the best right cover in the world, PO Surjeet Singh.

This Haryana's very own lad is a strong defender with his ability to play both the cover and the corner. Team India will look to use him as a defending all-rounder with his agile frontal blocks and dash similar to what comes in front when a truck appears!

#4 Center: Monu Goyat

Monu had an impressive debut so far.
Monu had an impressive debut so far.

This player from Services board was the find of the tournament in the Dubai Kabaddi Masters 2018. A quick-witted raider who improvises smart raiding approach on the mat made a spectacular international debut when he got 28 raid points out of 40 raids which he played thus making him a definite choice in the starting line up!


#5 Left cover: Deepak Niwas Hooda

Deepak Niwas Hooda will be looking to showcase his defending abilities.
Deepak Niwas Hooda will be looking to showcase his defending abilities.

Normally a raiding all-rounder, the selection committee has shown an immense faith over Deepak Niwas Hooda over the maturity of India's best all-rounder; Manjeet Chhillar.

Even though his overall tournament in Kabaddi Masters was a bit silent, he presented how he is one of the fittest campaigners around when he executed a frontal block over Mohammad Nabibaksh in the night of the finals versus Iran.

Hooda will look to leave a mark indeed with his more defending and lesser raiding improvisation.

#6 Left in: Rahul Chaudhari

Rahul Chaudhari can raid from both left and right side.
Rahul Chaudhari forming a chain with Manjeet Chhillar

This should be a surprise inclusion for a lot of readers out there. But a raiding unit needs to comprise a mix of raiding from both sides, left and right raiding. Rahul is made up of both. His form might be no short of a zigzag puzzle but still the 'poster boy' has flexible raiding skills that enable him to execute stretchy running hand touches. Not to forget he depicted what he is made up of scoring nine points as a top raider in league stage match versus Kenya. Team India might use this approach of mixing both side raiding which might come into play.


#7 Left corner: Girish Maruti Ernak

Girish Ernak, today's best left cover of the world.
Girish Ernak is one of left
covers
in the world at the moment

Girish Maruti Ernak has been on the top of the world at present as a left corner. His accomplishments with Maharashtra winning them their title after 11-year drought and Pro Kabaddi League as he won them a lot of matches with his ankle holds and strong body blocks.

He was the top defender in Dubai having 19 tackle points including two high 5s showing blockbuster arrival to the international scene. One thing is certain, total shivers down the opposition spine!

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Edited by Alan John
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