Best Defensive Unit in PKL 12
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is just around the corner. A strong defensive unit can stop even the best raiders, helping teams build leads and win games. In PKL 12, several teams have built impressive defensive units, each with skilled players ready to shine. Teams like Tamil Thalaivas, Haryana Steelers, Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi, Patna Pirates, and UP Yoddhas have the best defensive unit in PKL 12. While some fans might point to Gujarat Giants due to Mohammadreza Shadloui, we’ll also discuss why a single player can’t make a defense strong.
In kabaddi, raiders score points, but defenders are the backbone of a team. A solid defensive unit works together to tackle raiders, earning tackle points and stopping the opposition from gaining momentum. In PKL 12, teams with experienced and coordinated defenders are likely to dominate. The best defensive unit in PKL 12 combine experience, teamwork, and strategy to outsmart raiders. With the season approaching, let’s look at the top teams with the strongest defensive units in PKL 12.
1. Tamil Thalaivas: A Balanced Defensive Unit in PKL 12
Tamil Thalaivas have one of the best defensive unit in PKL 12, thanks to their mix of experience and youth. Their defense includes Sagar Rathee (Right Corner), Nitesh Kumar (Left Corner), Ronak (Right Cover), and Anuj Gawade (Left Cover). Sagar Rathee, a standout defender, is known for his quick tackles and smart positioning. Nitesh Kumar, who scored 77 tackle points in Season 11, is a reliable left corner with excellent game-reading skills.
Moreover, Ronak and Anuj Gawade add depth to the defense. Ronak’s ability to support the corners with timely tackles makes him a key player, while Anuj’s growing experience strengthens the left cover. Together, this unit showed great coordination in past seasons, earning 270 tackle points in Season 9. For PKL 12, Tamil Thalaivas’ defense is ready to challenge any raiding unit, making them a top contender.
2. Haryana Steelers: Champions with a Solid Defense in PKL 12
Haryana Steelers, the PKL 11 champions, have a strong defensive unit for PKL 12. Their defense includes Rahul Sethpal (Right Corner), Hardeep (Left Corner), Manikandan (Right Cover), and Jaideep Dahiya (Left Cover). Rahul Sethpal led the Steelers’ defense in Season 10 with 73 tackle points, proving his ability to handle top raiders. Hardeep, a promising left corner, adds speed and precision to the unit.
Additionally, Manikandan and Jaideep Dahiya bring balance to the defense. Jaideep, a seasoned left cover, is known for his teamwork, while Manikandan’s aggressive tackling style disrupts raiders. The Steelers’ defense was key to their Season 11 title, with Mohammadreza Shadloui’s 82 tackle points leading the way. Although Shadloui has moved to Gujarat Giants, the Steelers’ current unit remains one of the best in PKL 12 due to its experience and coordination.
3. Bengaluru Bulls: A Revamped Defense for PKL 12
Bengaluru Bulls have built a powerful defensive unit for PKL 12, aiming to bounce back from a poor Season 11. Their defense includes Yogesh Dahiya (Right Corner), Ankush Rathee (Left Corner), Sanjay Dhull (Right Cover), and Shubham Rahate (Left Cover). Yogesh Dahiya, named the New Young Player of Season 10, scored 74 tackle points last season, making him a rising star. Ankush Rathee, with 70 tackle points in Season 10, is a reliable left corner.
Furthermore, Sanjay Dhull and Shubham Rahate add strength to the unit. Sanjay’s experience in the right cover position and Shubham’s quick reflexes make them a tough pair. The Bulls’ defense is considered one of the best in PKL 12 on paper, as noted in auction reports. If they gel well, Bengaluru Bulls could dominate defensively in PKL 12.
4. Dabang Delhi: Experience Meets Skill in PKL 12
Dabang Delhi’s defensive unit is another highlight of PKL 12, featuring Saurabh Nandal (Right Corner), Fazel Atrachali (Left Corner), Surjit Singh (Right Cover), and Sandeep (Left Cover). Fazel Atrachali, the first defender to cross 500 tackle points in PKL history, is a game-changer. His leadership and tackling skills make him a cornerstone of the defense. Saurabh Nandal, with 130 tackle points alongside Aman in Season 9, is a strong right corner.
On the other hand, Surjit Singh and Sandeep bring experience to the cover positions. Surjit’s ability to support the corners and Sandeep’s quick tackles make them valuable. Dabang Delhi’s defense was solid in Season 8, helping them win the title. With this lineup, they are among the best defensive unit in PKL 12.
5. Patna Pirates: A Consistent Defensive Force in PKL 12
Patna Pirates, three-time PKL champions, have a strong defensive unit for PKL 12. Their defense includes Sombir Gulia (Right Corner), Ankit Jaglan (Left Corner), Deepak Singh (Right Cover), and Sanket Sawant (Left Cover). Ankit Jaglan was a standout in Season 11, leading Patna to the final with 77 tackle points. Sombir Gulia’s quick tackles complement Ankit’s style.
Besides, Deepak Singh and Sanket Sawant add depth. Deepak’s experience in the right cover and Sanket’s growing skills in the left cover make the unit well-rounded. Patna’s defense was key in Season 9, with Mohammadreza Chiyaneh’s 89 tackle points. For PKL 12, the Pirates’ defense remains a top contender.
6. UP Yoddhas: A Reliable Defense in PKL 12
UP Yoddhas have a dependable defensive unit for PKL 12, featuring Hitesh (Right Corner), Sumit (Left Corner), Ashu Singh (Right Cover), and Mahender Singh (Left Cover). Sumit, a consistent left corner, has been a key player for years. Hitesh, an emerging talent, adds energy to the right corner. Ashu Singh and Mahender Singh, both experienced cover defenders, ensure the unit works as a team.
In addition, UP Yoddhas’ defense showed promise in Season 9, with Nitesh Kumar’s 100 tackle points. While their current unit may not have a single star like Shadloui, their teamwork makes them one of the best defensive unit in PKL 12.
Why Gujarat Giants’ Defense Falls Short in PKL 12
Some fans believe Gujarat Giants have a strong defense because of Mohammadreza Shadloui, who scored 99 tackle points in Season 10 and 82 tackle points in Season 11. However, kabaddi is a team game, and one player cannot carry the defense alone. Shadloui will play as the left corner, but the other positions – Lucky Sharma (Right Corner), Milad Jabbari (Right Cover), and Rohit Nandal (Left Cover), are filled by less experienced players.
For instance, Lucky Sharma and Milad Jabbari lack the PKL experience needed to face top raiders, while Rohit Nandal is still developing. Without a cohesive unit, Gujarat Giants’ defense may struggle in PKL 12, despite Shadloui’s talent. A strong defense needs teamwork, which is why teams like Tamil Thalaivas and Haryana Steelers rank higher.
What Makes a Great Defensive Unit in PKL?
The best defensive unit in PKL 12 share common traits: experience, coordination, and balance. Players like Fazel Atrachali, Nitesh Kumar, and Rahul Sethpal bring leadership, while young talents like Yogesh Dahiya and Hitesh add energy. These teams also have defenders who complement each other, covering all positions – right corner, left corner, right cover, and left cover.
Moreover, their ability to adapt to different raiders and work as a unit sets them apart. In PKL 12, Tamil Thalaivas, Haryana Steelers, Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi, Patna Pirates, and UP Yoddhas stand out for these qualities, making them the top defensive units.
The defensive units of Tamil Thalaivas, Haryana Steelers, Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi, Patna Pirates, and UP Yoddhas are the ones to watch in PKL 12. Each team brings a unique mix of experience, skill, and teamwork, setting them apart from others like Gujarat Giants, who rely heavily on one player. As PKL 12 unfolds, these defensive units will play a key role in their teams’ success, making every match a thrilling battle.
FAQs About Best Defensive Unit in PKL 12
1. Which team has the best defensive unit in PKL 12?
Tamil Thalaivas, Haryana Steelers, Bengaluru Bulls, Dabang Delhi, Patna Pirates, and UP Yoddhas have the best defensive unit in PKL 12 due to their experienced and coordinated defenders.
2. Why isn’t Gujarat Giants’ defense considered the best in PKL 12?
Despite having Mohammadreza Shadloui, Gujarat Giants’ defense lacks experience in other positions, with players like Lucky Sharma and Milad Jabbari yet to prove themselves in PKL 12.
3. Who are the top defenders to watch in PKL 12?
Mohammadreza Shadloui (Gujarat Giants), Fazel Atrachali (Dabang Delhi), Nitesh Kumar (Tamil Thalaivas), Rahul Sethpal (Haryana Steelers), and Yogesh Dahiya (Bengaluru Bulls) are top defenders to watch in PKL 12.
