5 of the most memorable super tackles which protected the team from disaster

When the chips are down, every team needs a hero. In the Pro Kabaddi League, there is no shortage of heroes, but it is those moments of magic that they produce to save their teams from disaster that truly make them a hero.In a game where the raiders attract all the limelight, it is often the defenders who bail the team out of trouble. Star Sports Pro Kabaddi recognizes such feats and have an extra point on offer for a super tackle. A super tackle is when three or less defenders tackle the raider.Just like how Castrol Activ’s Actibonds cling on to the engine to provide continuous protection, defenders have ensured that they single-handedly protect their teams, making sure there’s no damage done.In two and a half seasons of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi, we take a look at the 5 most memorable super tackles that prevented their teams from disaster.

#1 Sandeep Narwals body tackle on Anup Kumar

Dating back to the opening campaign of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi, Sandeep Narwal’s amazing body tackle on U Mumba skipper Anup Kumar still remains one of the finest super tackles in the Pro Kabaddi history.

Facing an all-out and with just two players on the field, Patna Pirates were in danger, especially with Anup Kumar coming in to raid. But against all odds, Sandeep Narwal’s fantastic body hold pinned down Anup Kumar on the spot and all the raider’s attempts to swivel away went in vain.

Patna Pirates managed to draw that game with Sandeep Narwal’s super tackle the game changer.

#2 Mohit Chhillars superb thigh hold denies Wazir Singh

At the start of the second season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi, U Mumba had made a dream start to proceedings on home soil and held a two-point-lead over the Puneri Paltan.

However, with Wazir Singh going great guns, the Paltan were coming right back into the contest. With just three men on the court, Mohit Chhillar grabbed Wazir Singh’s thigh and never really let it go.

Wazir Singh was centimetres from the half line, but Mohit Chhillar’s strong thigh hold made the difference as U Mumba got the momentum back on their side, before going on to win the game.

#3 Fazel Atrachalis ankle hold halts Prashant Rais charge

In an inconsequential game in terms of the points table between U Mumba and Telugu Titans in Pune, the game had plenty at stake in terms of gaining a psychological edge before the semi-finals.

U Mumba and Telugu Titans, who were tipped to contest the Final of the tournament went head to head. With the Titans running riot in the opening minutes, the Mumbai based franchise faced the possibility of being embarrassed.

But, Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali prevented an all-out as his ankle hold brought down Prashant Rai, just inches away from the half line. Fazel’s unforgiving ankle hold meant Rai could hardly move an inch.

The Titans still managed to win that contest, but U Mumba’s pride was intact. Fazel’s tackle though went down as one of the best ones that season.

#4 Dharmaraj Cheralathans thigh hold on Shrikant Jadhav

Bengal Warriors were running away with it in Patna against the Telugu Titans in a crucial encounter in Season Three.

But, Dharmaraj Cheralathan staged a brilliant fightback for the Telugu Titans. Though it couldn’t win them the game, it helped them earn one point that kept them in the semi-final spots.

Cheralathan’s thigh hold on Shrikant Jadhav was the one to remember as it brought the deficit down to just one point.

#5 Sunil Kumar brings down Jasvir Singh to turn the game for Patna Pirates

In the opening encounter for the Patna Pirates this season, things didn’t start well as they were 5-2 down in the opening ten minutes and facing an all-out. But, Sunil Kumar had other ideas as he brought down Jasvir Singh who looked to wipe off the Pirates.

With little support from Tae Deok Eom, Sunil Kumar completed the super tackle and got Patna Pirates back into the contest. Patna won that game by a single point before going on a ten game unbeaten run.

Sunil Kumar’s super tackle on Jasvir Singh could just be a moment that the Pirates will look back at fondly if they clinch the title at the end of season three.