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After a successful completion of first season, the caravan of tackling and raiding has returned back with more aggression, more action and more ‘Panga'. Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League, which is about to kick off was very successful last year as a record 435 million people viewed the decorated league for over a month.A proper balance is what a team needs the most in order to achieve the heights of success. Veterans are as important to a team as a youngster, experience when combined with young and energetic legs gives a proper winning recipie. Moreover, a player gets a much needed exposure and fame which he had always dreamt of.Let's take a look at five 30+ players who can make a big impact in the second edition of the Pro Kabaddi League :-
#1 Anup Kumar - U Mumba
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Anup Kumar, the 31-year-old Haryana-born player was the most successful raider in the first edition of the Pro Kabaddi League. Captain of U-Mumba and a member of 2010 and 2014 Asian Games Champion team; this former Arjuna Awardee scored a mind boggling 170 points (155 raids + 15 defence) in 2014.
He made a total of 255 raids, out of which 123 were successful whereas 45 were unsuccessful and the remaining 86 were empty. His power, grit, leadership skills and efficient raiding made him the most valuable player in last year’s cash rich IPL and IBL format league.
With a total of 36 tackels, Anup Kumar would surely be a player to watch out for in PKL – season 2.
#2 Jasvir Singh - Jaipur Pink Panthers
Jasvir Singh, popularly known as the 'King of back kick' is undoubtedly a multi-gifted adorned champion of the game. Aged 31, this Pink Panthers star raider was a part of the Indian team that won the gold medal at Incheon Asian Games in 2014.
With a total of 113 points (106 raid + 7 defence) in the first season, Jasvir singh proved to be a pillar of success for the Jaipur team which eventually helped them in scripting the most memorable chapter in the minds of millions and billions of Kabaddi supporters.
When combined with the likes of Maninder Singh and Rajesh Narwal, the start studded Pink Panthers can surely wreck havoc in their raids in the opposition half.
#3 Rakesh Kumar - Patna Pirates
Born in Nizampur, Delhi in 1982, Rakesh Kumar has emerged as one of the most successful and respectable player in the history of this game. Kumar, a former Arjuna Awardee,who is representing the nation since 2003was the recipient of the highest bid in the inaugural season. He was bought be Patna Pirates at a whooping price of Rs 12.80 Lacs.
#4 Dharamraj Cheralathan (Bengaluru Bulls)
With 8 wins and 7 losses, Bengaluru Bulls finished on third position in the first season but it was a heartbreak for their fans as their winning momentum was finally stopped by U Mumba in the semifinals. A lot of credit for Bengaluru Bulls to finish in top-4 was given to their star defender Dharamraj Cheralathan.
Cheralathan, 40, is undoubtedly one of the most oldest player in this year's Kabaddi league. He finished on 4th spot in the list of best defenders of season 1, having scored a total of 37 points while defending. Out of the 67 tackles which he made, 32 resulted in points whereas 35 were unsuccessful.
#5 Nilesh Shinde (Bengal Warriors)
Nilesh Shinde, a 34 year old defender from Maharashtra was the capatin of the Bengal Warriors side in the first edition of PKL. Even though the warriors team fared poorly as they finished on 7th place, their skipper's performance was applauded by everyone.
He was a part of the Indian team that grabbed the gold medal in 2010 Asian Beach Games. Apart from that he has also won, one gold and two bronze medals at the National Games.
After clinching a total of 29 defense points, Nilesh Shinde was the 11th best defender last year. A lot will depend on the strong shoulders of this man if the warriors need to put a tough fight against some of the best teams in the touranament.
