Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5: Top 5 foreign players this season

The Pro Kabaddi League has played host to some spectacular talents in the previous five seasons and this season has been no different with teams going in for varied strategies and in the process, unearthing new talents.

While local talent has been a spectacle to witness and in abundance, the contribution of the foreign stars to these teams has also been a major crowd-puller. With each team looking to make a mark in the league, the presence of foreign stars in some teams has made a huge difference to the outcomes of games this season.

Some of these foreign stars have had a huge impact on their respective teams and given their dexterity, the men have stamped their authority in the league. Here are five such foreign internationals who are at their best this season.

#5 Abolfazl Maghsoudlou

Abolfazl in action against Tamil Thalaivas

Standing at well above six feet in height, Abolfazl has made optimum use of his great height to procure easy raid points for Dabang Delhi.

The Iranian did not find a starting spot in the initial couple of matches but after consistent performances as a sub, the lanky raider found a place in the starting seven and has managed to get Delhi out of troubled waters on more than just one occasion.

In the eleven matches this season, Abolfazl has picked up 58 points with his quick hand touches and cunning extension of his arms and legs. Although Delhi has not managed to have the best of seasons, Abolfazl's good form has been a bright spark in the campaign.

#4 Fazel Athrachali

Fazel Athrachali attempts a block on Vikash Khandola

One of the best defenders in the PKL, Fazel has enjoyed another successful season so far. With acres of experience under his belt, the Iranian was chosen as the Priority Pick by Gujarat and the left-corner has repaid the faith that they had entrusted to him.

While Abozar and the rest of the defence unit have made life easier for him, Fazel's presence on the left corner has been a major boost to the rest of the line-up with the Iranian ever ready to attack and assist equally.

This season, Fazel has picked 38 tackle points from 15 matches and although the numbers do not paint a pretty picture, he's been an able hand and has played the secondary defender to many tackles, passing on confidence to youngsters in the team to go for the kill.

#3 Jang Kun Lee

Lee attempts a running hand touch on Vishal Bharadwaj of the Titans

With a hunger to score points in a heap, Jang Kun Lee has been a vital cog in the rise of the Bengal Warriors this season. While Maninder Singh leads the tally of raid points, Lee has quietly played the role of the secondary raider and has often been entrusted with the DO-OR-DIE raids.

In 15 games, Lee has picked 74 points with a wide array of tricks up his sleeves such as the scorpion kick and agile toe touches and in times of peril for Bengal, the South Korean has taken the matter into his own hands and brought home the points with ease.

A bonus specialist, Lee's raiding prowess will be one of the important factors that will decide the Bengal Warriors' fate this season.

#2 Abozar Mighani

Abozar Mighani attempts a successful ankle hold on Shabeer Bapu

Guarding the right corner in the Gujarat ranks, Abohar's blocks and dashes have been sights to marvel at. An ex-wrestler, the Gujarat right corner's skills have come to the fore on many occasions and his partnership with Fazel on the left has been instrumental to Gujarat's success this season.

After shining in the recently concluded Kabaddi World Cup 2017, Abozar was purchased for Rs. 50 lakh in the auction and he's been in phenomenal form for the Fortunegiants. From 15 matches, he's amassed 44 tackle points and has managed to maintain his consistency from either the corner or the right cover position.

With Gujarat on top of the ladder, Abozar's form will be crucial in maintaining their reign on top.

#1 Meraj Sheykh

Meraj Sheykh in action against the Jaipur Pink Panthers

Words cannot suffice to describe the talent that is Meraj Sheykh. A complete package of strong kicks, agile extensions of both arms and legs coupled with a fantastic ability to travel the court at an incredible pace, Meraj is a must in most fantasy teams.

Not only this, the Iranian has also been a huge support factor in the defence unit and his presence on the mat has only made matters easier for Delhi although they find themselves at the bottom of the table at the moment.

The Delhi skipper has picked 75 points from 12 matches and he will be hoping his men conjure up better performances in the upcoming matches to increase their chances of qualifying for the semis.