Top 5 defenders from week 4 of Pro Kabaddi League season 4

The week that went by produced some nail biting matches in the Pro Kabaddi league. As we close in to the final team legs, all the eight teams went all out in their attempt to secure a playoff position.

Just like Castrol Activ Actibonds cling on to each other and continuously protect the engine, even when it’s off, enabling it to perform much better, defenders help give the team protection, stability and confidence, which the raiders then convert into points.

In a week that saw close, well-fought encounters, the sides that defended well ultimately gained the most. We look at five of the best defenders from last week who exemplified tactical acumen and a calm mind.

Jasmer Singh Gulia

The Telugu Titans have looked far more convincing in defence this season and a large part of this success is down to the veteran, Jasmer Singh Gulia. In previous seasons, the Titans, although stellar in attack, found it difficult to stem the flow of raids from the opposition. A weak defence let them down against quality sides.

This week, Jasmer showed exactly what the Titans were missing these past seasons. In the three matches played by the Titans, the thirty-four-year-old picked up ten tackle points.

More importantly he spent the most time on the mat for them, especially in the match against Jaipur. Jasmer played a high pressing game, coercing the opposition into making mistakes.

Surjeet

U Mumba had a week to forget. They managed to win only one of their four home matches – severely denting their hopes of making it to the semi-finals. Some careless defending and ineffective raiding was to blame for their inability to win.

However, Surjeet was the lone shining star who showed tremendous improvement in his game this past week. The 23-year-old managed to score fourteen tackle points in four games.

When the season began, captain Anup Kumar wasn’t hesitant in pointing out that the right cover was making mistakes and needed time to improve. And improve he did, producing some excellent individual tackles, especially in the matches against Puneri Paltan and Bengaluru Bulls.

Mohit Chhillar

The Bengaluru Bulls won both their matches this week – against U Mumba and Bengal Warriors. Defender, Mohit Chhillar was at the heart of their victories. The 23-year-old hasn’t let the 53 lakh price tag weigh down heavily on his shoulders.

He was a rock for the Bulls at the right corner this past week. Against U Mumba, he showed his former employers why they were wrong in not retaining him.

Mohit was the chief architect in their win against Anup and company as he picked up five points in that match and reduced the veteran, Rakesh Kumar, to tears with this immaculate tackles. He was sporting enough to console the veteran, who he is good friends with.

Fazel Atrachali

If there is one international who has shone the most this season, it’s the Iranian, Fazel Atrachali. Patna’s left corner Hulk, was a sight to watch in the past week. While he may have picked up just four points in the two matches that Patna played – The twenty- four-year-old ensured the opposition never approached his side when attacking, such is the respect he commands on the mat.

Arguably the most powerful defender in the league, Fazel was the spine of Patna’s defence this week. His no-nonsense approach won him plaudits from his coaches after their match against Puneri Paltan.

He was never found lacking in defence and provided that extra cushion to his raiders to go out all out when they were attacking.

Amit Hooda

This 20-year-old has managed to catch the eye of the Kabaddi world this season. Amit Hooda has been a revelation in season four and this week he produced some scintillating tackles to help his side, Jaipur secure a semi-final spot.

The right corner picked up seven tackle points in two matches. Among them, his super five performance against current champions, Patna Pirates was arguably his best this season.

Hooda showed his tactical acumen by only attempting advanced tackles when he felt the team needed it. Rarely impulsive, the defender displayed a maturity that’s rarely found in someone who is just 20.

For more great Kabaddi action and for your chance to win match tickets, follow Castrol Activ here.