Kabaddi is a game comprising Raiders and Defenders. There’s a saying- a team with prolific raiders helps you win matches, but a team with extraordinary defenders helps you win tournaments. Going by this saying, we have curated this blog comprising of 10 Best Defenders in Pro Kabaddi League among active players. So, without any further ado, let’s take a look.

1. Fazel Atrachali

Making his way at the top of Pro Kabaddi Best Defender list is, Iran’s and current Bengal Warriorz skipper Fazel Atrachali. ‘Sultan’ Fazel is a legend of Pro Kabaddi League. Having represented teams like Pana Pirates, Gujarat Giants, Puneri Paltan, and Bengal Warriorz in a decorated career spanning over 9 years, Fazel has established himself as one of the greats of the league. Beneath are his fabulous numbers in Pro Kabaddi League.

Matches	Total Tackles	Total Tackle Points	High 5s
175	876	511	31

2. Surjeet Singh

Cover defenders don’t usually get the accolades they deserve compared to the corners, but PO Surjeet Singh is a defender of a different stature. Surjeet has been playing PKL since 2016 and has represented multiple franchises including Puneri Paltan, UMumba, Bengal Warriorz, Tamil Thalaivas, Telegu Titans, Bengaluru Bulls and now donning the Pink jersey for Jaipur Pink Panthers. Surjeet stands second in this list and also is the all-time second-most tackle points holder in the league.

Matches	Total Tackles	Total Tackle Points	High 5s
155	866	420	34

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3. Nitesh Kumar

Playing for Bengal Warriorz this season, Right Corner Nitesh Kumar takes the third spot on the list of active PKL defenders with the most tackle points. He takes the 4^th position for all-time most tackle points in PKL history. Nitesh has been a prolific right-corner defender for years and is continuing to impress one and all in the league yet again. Check his PKL numbers below.

Matches	Total Tackles	Total Tackle Points	High 5s
136	682	367	23

4. Sunil Kumar

Sunil Kumar is yet another Right Cover defender on this list. The current skipper of UMumba is actually PKL’s most successful Indian skipper. Sunil led Jaipur Pink Panthers to title glory for the second time in history in 2022 and took the team to the semifinals in the following year. Sunil is always a backbone for any team he plays in the league and UMumba would be hoping for their second PKL under Sunil Kumar’s astonishing leadership. Check his PKL numbers below,

Matches	Total Tackles	Total Tackle Points	High 5s
144	667	351	20

5. Parvesh Bhainswal

Taking the 5^th position on the list is Left Cover defender Parvesh Bhainswal. Having represented teams like Jaipur, Gujarat Giants and Telegu Titans, Parvesh is currently taking the left cover position in UMumba’s setup. Parvesh made his PKL debut in 2016 and since then has managed to accumulate 319 tackle points. Take a look at his PKL numbers below.

Matches	Total Tackles	Total Tackle Points	High 5s
144	601	319	19

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6. Mahender Singh

Former UMumba skipper Left Corner specialist Mahender Singh stands sixth on this list. Mahender made his PKL debut in 2017 for Bengaluru Bulls as he was a find of Coach Randheer Singh Sehrawat. Apart from the Bulls, Mahender has represented UMumba and currently plays for UP Yoddhas. Check his numbers below.

Matches	Total Tackles	Total Tackle Points	High 5s
132	638	302	17

7. Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh

Mohammadreza Shadloui is the real Superstar of the Pro Kabaddi League. The Iranian defender has gained immense popularity courtesy of his skillful tackles and outrageous attitude. Shadloui is the most loved foreign recruit of PKL in recent times and currently plays for Haryana Steelers. Shadloui became the fastest defender to breach the 100 and 200 tackle points barrier, and he continues to shine like a real Superstar.  

Matches	Total Tackles	Total Tackle Points	High 5s
74	479	290	27

8. Surinder Singh Dehal

Bengaluru Bulls’ current Right Cover Surinder Singh Dehal makes this list at the 8^th position. Surinder is known for his quick dashes and has been a part of PKL since 2017 and represented teams like UMumba, Telegu Titans and became a part of Bengaluru Bulls after he was called in as an injury replacement ahead of the start of this season. Check Surinder’s PKL numbers below.

Matches	Total Tackles	Total Tackle Points	High 5s
126	705	283	10

9. Sumit Sangwan

UP Yoddhas’ current left corner Sumit Sangwan has made his name to the list at the 9^th spot. Sumit made his PKL debut in 2019 for Yoddhas and made a mark in his debut season with 80 tackle points from 22 games. Sumit has been an integral part of UP Yoddhas ever since his debut and continues to grow leaps and bounds Check his PKL numbers below.

Matches	Total Tackles	Total Tackle Points	High 5s
96	564	280	21

10. Saurabh Nandal

Saurabh Nandal, who recently completed his 100 PKL games, takes the 10th spot on Pro Kabaddi Best Defender. Like Sumit Sangwan, Saurabh Nandal also made his PKL debut in 2019 and has represented only one team, i.e., Bengaluru Bulls to date. Saurabh has been leading Bengaluru’s defense for the last three seasons and continues to excel with every match. Check his PKL numbers below.

Matches	Total Tackles	Total Tackle Points	High 5s
100	496	261	11

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