Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5: Top 5 defenders from Lucknow leg

#2 Nilesh Shinde

Dabang Delhi can do well if others around Shinde start performing as well

'Gutsy' got a new definition on Wednesday when Nilesh Shinde came back bandaged from a nasty injury for Dabang Delhi to end the match with a commendable 5 points, reviving memories of a similar act of bravery in Antigua by cricketer Anil Kumble a decade and a half ago.

Shinde had already been the team's leading light in the defence with two High 5s before the game against Haryana Steelers but the performance on Wednesday became special simply due to the massive amount of courage that was on display.

The 37-year old had injured himself quite early in the game while going for a tackle and clashing his head with another defender, requiring serious medical attention. To the surprise of many, it didn't take him too long to take the court and while his team struggled in the first half, Shinde provided the inspiration for the second half come back that almost saw them pull off a miraculous win.

Although the win eluded them, the High 5 was enough to underline Shinde's importance in the Dabang lineup.