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

#5 The Patna Pirates aren't just about Pardeep Narwal

The Pirates got their home leg off in fantastic fashion with a crushing win over the Titans

Speaking of whom...

Pardeep Narwal had his ninth Super 10 of this season in 12 games tonight against the Telugu Titans. With 14 points to his name, he led all scorers for the game. But the Patna Pirates don't win just because of his phenomenal performances. They regularly put together superb all-round contributions that help their side to victory.

If by now, it has been established that Pardeep Narwal is perhaps better than Rahul Chaudhari, he also has the better wingman this season. Nilesh Salunkhe is by no means an average raider, but Monu Goyat, who emerged out of obscurity last season, has just been the perfect running mate for Pardeep.

He is so consistent that he almost assuredly picks up 6-7 points a night without anyone noticing. He had a Super 10 tonight that went completely under the radar, primarily due to Pardeep's efforts stealing the limelight. But those points are so crucial and helps Pardeep play with a lot of freedom, knowing that there is a very capable guy who can revive him instantly.

Vishal Mane and Jaideep were superb all night on defence. It's not always them though. There isn't one defender who always pops up with the tackle points. The responsibility is shared beautifully.

Pardeep broke Anup Kumar's record tonight for most points in a single season when he went past the 156-point mark, but he's not about the individual accolades. He has a brilliantly constructed team that he has led superbly, compared to some of his contemporaries, that has led to the Pirates positioning themselves at the top end of the table in Zone B.