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

The Haryana leg of the Pro Kabaddi League was by far the most interesting and surprising leg so far. Out of form teams like the Telugu Titans and the Bengaluru Bulls both registered shock victories over the Haryana Steelers and the Puneri Paltan respectively. Tamil Thalaivas, meanwhile, edged past U.P Yoddha in a nail biter.

These shocking results have once again thrown open the league and also breathed life into the race for the playoff spots. On that note, let's take a look at the best defenders from this week.

#1 Surender Nada

This was always going to be a challenging task for Surender as a defender. But captaincy responsibilities this time meant he had to ensure his team didn't crumble under the hectic schedule. With 13 tackle points in five matches, Haryana's captain led by example.

Nada was in fine form and looked at ease playing on home turf. A renewed passion was visible in his game play. He's no doubt keen to prove there's more to him than just ankle holds. Last minute dashes, blocks - we saw it all from Surender in the Haryana leg.

#2 Mohit Chhillar

Mohit was let down by his fellow defenders

Giving Surender company was his close aide, Mohit Chhillar. While Haryana did suffer a couple of heavy losses at home, it was due to the inefficiency of their cover defenders. As a result, there was a lot of pressure on Mohit who had to dig deep for his points.

He managed to score 11 tackle points in five games. Not the best of returns but under the circumstances, he did extremely well and held it together when his teammates failed to do so. Numerous times, he had to dive in for the tackle since Haryana's cover defenders were hesitant to do so.

#3 Jaideep

Jaideep could only watch his teammates make schoolboy errors

The Patna Pirates failed to win either of their matches in Haryana. Apart from Pardeep Narwal the only player who seemed hungry to perform was their corner defender, Jaideep. Like in the previous leg, Jaideep was confident against both U Mumba and Haryana.

He kept his calm when the opposition raiders were running riot and was influential in their much-needed draw against the Steelers. With five tackle points to his name, he was Patna's best defender in Haryana.

Unfortunately for the Pirates, their experienced campaigners, Vishal Mane and Sachin Shingade failed to make any kind of impact this week.

#4 Kuldeep Singh

Singh's positioning was on point.

Bengaluru's splendid win over an inform Puneri Paltan outfit was the highlight of the week. One man, in particular, was instrumental in this memorable victory - defender, Kuldeep Singh.

The left corner scored a High 5 against Pune and put a smile on every Bulls fan. He scored seven points in two games and was by far their best player of the Haryana leg. At six feet tall, Singh used his extended reach to great effect against raiders who ventured too deep beyond the baulk line.

#5 Vishal Bhardwaj

Vishal (extreme right) was solid at the back.

With 10 points in two matches, Telugu's Vishal Bhardwaj was the most consistent raider in Haryana. Usually impatient and petulant, the left corner was a sight to behold this week. He was aggressive yet extremely patient in his approach.

Vishal coerced the raiders into making mistakes rather than gift them points, a trait he was been notorious for in recent times. He turned the tables against Haryana with a thoroughly dominating performance and followed it up against Bengal Warriors.