PKL, which kicked off in 2014, has become a household name over the years. It has prospered enormously and is now the second most-watched sports league in the country after the Indian Premier League (IPL).
For several years, Pro Kabaddi League has produced some memorable matches and helped some rookie players elevate and gain global recognition. Be it defense or raids, many rookie players have made a name for themselves in the league and have reached the pinnacle of their careers. That being said, in this post, we have come up with a list of 5 fabulous defenders who have the most Pro Kabaddi High 5s to their name in the league’s history.
1. PO Surjeet Singh
The first name on the list is Right Cover Defender Surjeet Singh. Surjeet has been a veteran of the league. Having started his PKL career in 2016, Surjeet has featured for teams like Puneri Paltan, UMumba, Bengal Warriorz, Tamil Thalaivas, Telegu Titans, Bengaluru Bulls and currently plying his trade for the Jaipur Pink Panthers. With 34 High 5s to his name from 156 matches, Surjeet is the numero uno defender when it comes to most High 5s in the league’s history. Check his PKL career numbers below.
| Matches | Total Tackles | Total Tackle Points | High 5s |
| 156 | 870 | 422 | 34 |
Related Pro Kabaddi Best Defender: Top 10 Defenders in PKL among active players
2. Fazel Atrachali
The current skipper of Iran National Team and Bengal Warriorz, Fazel Atrachali takes the second spot on this list with 31 High 5s to his name. Fazel is the league’s most successful and most decorated defender of all time as he holds the record for the most tackle points in the league’s history. Fazel has always been an integral part of any team he plays for and his exceptional ankle-holding skills make him a feared defender for the opposition raiders. Check Fazel’s PKL career numbers below.
| Matches | Total Tackles | Total Tackle Points | High 5s |
| 177 | 885 | 512 | 31 |
3. Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh
It won’t be wrong if we say Mohammadreza ShadlouiChiyaneh is the most exciting defender of the league in recent years. The Irani defender has been following the footsteps of his fellow countrymen Fazel Atrachali and taking giant leaps in the league with his impeccable skills. With 25 High 5s to his name from just 77 matches, Shadloui has taken the least matches to achieve this feat. He currently plays for Haryana Steelers and has been actively doing raids as well this season, displaying another side of the immense talent he possesses. Check out his PKL career numbers below.
| Matches | Total Tackles | Total Tackle Points | High 5s |
| 77 | 365 | 303 | 28 |
Related Pro Kabaddi Best Raider: Top 10 Raiders in PKL History
4. Manjeet Chhillar
Entering most Pro Kabaddi High 5s list at the fourth position is veteran all-rounder Manjeet Chhillar. Manjeet was once the most successful defender of the league until his numbers were shattered by Fazel Atrachali. He was the first to cross the 200 and 300 tackle points mark in the league’s history and also took 25 High 5s in his PKL career. Manjeet last featured for Dabang Delhi in the year 2021 and played a pivotal role in helping his side clinch the coveted PKL trophy for the first time in history. Check out his PKL career numbers below.
| Matches | Total Tackles | Total Tackle Points | High 5s |
| 135 | 746 | 391 | 25 |
5. Girish Maruti Ernak
The final name on this list is Girish Maruti Ernak. Left Corner specialist Girish has been playing Pro Kabaddi League since its inception in 2014 and last played in the previous season for UMumba before going unsold in this year’s auctions. In a career spanning over 10 years, Girish has represented teams like Patna Pirates, Bengal Warriorz, Puneri Paltan, Gujarat Giants, and UMumba. Girish was one of the most intimidating left corners in the league’s history and we hope that he may return to the league next season with more promise and more tackle points. Check his PKL career numbers below.
| Matches | Total Tackles | Total Tackle Points | High 5s |
| 159 | 851 | 362 | 25 |
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