Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5: Five talking points from Day 43 of PKL 5

#4 Rahul Chaudhari cuts a sorry figure

Rahul Chaudhari was upstaged by Pardeep Narwal on the night once again

Raiding? Check. Leadership? Check. Smart decision-making? Check.

While the Pirates got the better of the Titans on the scoreboard, there was another mini-battle in this contest, that between Pardeep Narwal and Rahul Chaudhari -- two of the star raiders of this league. And, it was the youngster who once again got the better of his more seasoned rival in almost every department.

After staying with the Pirates, the Titans fell apart in the second half. Rather than an effort at stemming the tide, Rahul hardly did his side any favours with some abysmal play to the extent that one began to feel bad for him.

Rohit Rana led the Titans tonight, relieving Rahul of the captaincy in an effort to relieve some of the burden and allow him to express himself a little more. It seemed to be working in the first half but soon disappeared. His younger rival upstaging him front and centre and with things not going right for his side, Rahul allowed his frustrations to get the better of him.

One particular moment just perfectly summed up the situation -- his side already down 19-27, he went in for a needless tackle on Pardeep when none of the other defenders had initated anything. All he could get was Pardeep's shirt in his hands as he escaped with ease across the mid-line. It was almost comical as Rahul was left with egg on his face and a souvenir in his hands from his rival.

With 8:15 left, the Titans looking lifeless, Rahul impetuously went for a review when he wasn't awarded a Bonus Point. During the referral, he mentioned that he had made two attempts, both of which had been successful. The TV replay showed otherwise, as he had cut the bonus line on both occasions. The shocking review from Rahul and just another indicator of a frayed mindset. He refused to even listen to his coach, Naveen Kumar, late in the game.

Naveen told him to quit moving around all over the mat and instead target a defender or two and go for a touch. He didn't even bother to pay much attention and it showed on his next raid as he ignored every bit of advice that his coach had given. With him running around like a headless chicken, the Pirates defence converged on him quickly to effect the tackle and get him out.

Rahul Chaudhari, with all his skills, cannot afford performances like this which only doom his side further. He needs to find a way to adapt as the game has moved on - he is no longer the 'Raid Machine' as he used to be known. Defences have gotten smarter and he needs to as well. He needs to evolve and add a few layers to his game. A bit like what his younger rival Pardeep Narwal has done.