PKL 12 Top Defenders: Complete List of Players for the Orange Arm Band

Defense wins matches in kabaddi. While raiders get the spotlight, defenders are the backbone of every successful team. Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 12 has witnessed some outstanding defensive performances. The orange arm band is awarded to the best defender of the season, and the race is getting closer with each match. Here is a detailed look at the top 10 defenders of PKL 12 till the play-ins matches, with complete stats and analysis. 

PKL 12 Top Defenders List

The PKL 12 top defenders list features some of the most skilled defensive players in kabaddi. These players have stopped the best raiders and earned valuable tackle points for their teams. Let’s look at the complete ranking.

Rank	Name	Position	Matches Played	Tackle Points
1	Jaideep Dahiya	Defender	19	68
2	Nitesh Kumar	Defender	18	65
3	Deepak Sankar	Defender	17	59
4	Navdeep	Defender	18	57
5	Sunil Kumar	Defender	19	52
6	Yogesh Dahiya	Defender	18	51
7	Gaurav Khatri	Defender	16	50
8	Fazel Atrachali	Defender	17	49
9	Hitesh	Defender	18	48
10	Ankit Jaglan	All Rounder	19	48

The PKL 12 top defenders have shown excellent timing, strength, and reading of the game throughout the season. Each defender brings a unique style to the mat.

Jaideep Dahiya 

Jaideep Dahiya sits at the top of the PKL 12 top defenders list with 68 tackle points from 19 matches. He has been the most consistent defender this season. Jaideep plays as a left corner and his ankle holds are famous across the league. His positioning is always accurate and raiders find it difficult to escape his grip.

Jaideep waits for the perfect moment to attack. He does not rush into tackles. Instead, he observes the raider’s movement and then makes his move. His timing is excellent and he rarely misses a tackle opportunity. Throughout PKL 12, Jaideep has been his team’s main defensive weapon. He leads the PKL 12 top defenders with confidence and experience.

Nitesh Kumar

Nitesh Kumar has scored 65 tackle points in 18 matches, placing him second among PKL 12 top defenders. Nitesh is a left corner defender known for his smart tackles and quick reactions. He has improved significantly in recent seasons and PKL 12 has been his best performance so far.

Nitesh focuses on thigh holds and ankle holds. He studies each raider before the match and plans his tackles accordingly. His communication with other defenders is clear, which helps in creating successful chain tackles. Nitesh is always alert on the mat and his presence gives confidence to the entire defensive unit.

Deepak Sankar

Deepak Sankar has 59 tackle points from just 17 matches he has played for Bengaluru Bulls. This gives him an impressive average in the PKL 12 top defenders race. Deepak plays as a right corner defender and has become one of the most reliable defenders in PKL 12.

Deepak uses his body strength well. He blocks the raider’s path and forces them into difficult positions. His dash tackles are effective and he often stops raiders in their tracks. Moreover, Deepak works well with his cover defenders to execute successful tackles. His rise in the PKL 12 top defenders list shows his dedication and hard work.

Navdeep 

Navdeep has collected 57 tackle points in 18 matches. He is fourth on the PKL 12 top defenderschart. Navdeep is a right corner defender who brings experience and stability to his team’s defense.

Navdeep is calm under pressure. Even when raiders try complex moves, he stays focused and attempts clean tackles. His ankle holds are strong and he rarely gives away easy points. Navdeep’s consistent performance throughout PKL 12 has kept him in the top 5 of the PKL 12 top defenders.

Sunil Kumar

Sunil Kumar has 52 tackle points from 19 matches in PKL 12. He is a left cover defender and also acts as captain for his team. Sunil’s leadership skills add value beyond his tackle points.

As a cover defender, Sunil supports both corners. He moves quickly across the mat to help wherever needed. His blocks and dashes stop many raids before they become dangerous. Additionally, Sunil organizes the defense and guides younger players. His position in the PKL 12 top defenders reflects his all-round contribution.

Yogesh Dahiya

Yogesh Dahiya has earned 51 tackle points in 18 matches. He ranks sixth among PKL 12 top defenders. Yogesh brings years of kabaddi experience to the mat. His understanding of the game helps him make smart defensive decisions.

Yogesh uses a mix of ankle holds and thigh holds. He reads the raider’s body language and predicts their next move. This helps him position himself correctly. Furthermore, Yogesh stays patient and does not commit to tackles too early. His experience makes him valuable in the PKL 12 top defenders list.

Gaurav Khatri

Gaurav Khatri has 50 tackle points from only 16 matches. This puts him seventh in the PKL 12 top defenders rankings. Gaurav’s strike rate is among the best, showing his efficiency on the mat.

Gaurav is aggressive in his tackles. He does not wait for the raider to make the first move. Instead, he attacks quickly and catches raiders off guard. His physical strength helps him in one-on-one situations. Gaurav’s performance in PKL 12 has been excellent and he continues to climb the PKL 12 top defenders list.

Fazel Atrachali

Fazel Atrachali is one of the most famous defenders in PKL history. In PKL 12, he has 49 tackle points from 17 matches. Fazel brings international experience and high-quality defense to the league.

Fazel uses his height and reach advantage. His long arms help him catch raiders from unexpected angles. He specializes in blocks and dashes that break the raider’s momentum. Even though he is eighth in the PKL 12 top defenders, his impact on matches is huge. Coaches and teammates trust him in critical moments.

Hitesh

Hitesh has scored 48 tackle points in 18 matches, placing him ninth in the PKL 12 top defenders. Hitesh plays as a corner defender and has shown steady improvement throughout the season.

Hitesh focuses on basic defensive techniques done perfectly. He maintains good posture and balance during tackles. His ankle holds are clean and effective. Although he is not the flashiest defender, his consistency makes him reliable. Hitesh’s place in the PKL 12 top defenders proves that steady performance gets results.

Ankit Jaglan

Ankit Jaglan completes the top 10 with 48 tackle points from 19 matches. He is an all-rounder who contributes in both raiding and defending. However, his defensive work in PKL 12 has been noteworthy.

As an all-rounder, Ankit understands raiders well. This helps him predict their moves during defense. He uses this knowledge to position himself better. His tackles are well-timed and he supports other defenders effectively. Ankit’s presence in the PKL 12 top defenders shows the value of all-rounders in modern kabaddi.

Different Defender Positions in PKL 12 Top Defenders

The PKL 12 top defenders list includes corner defenders, cover defenders, and all-rounders. Corner defenders like Jaideep Dahiya and Nitesh Kumar lead the charts because they get more one-on-one tackle opportunities. Cover defenders like Sunil Kumar focus on blocks and support tackles. Each position requires different skills but all are important for team success.

Looking at tackle points, Jaideep Dahiya leads with 68 points. However, defenders like Gaurav Khatri and Deepak Sankar have played fewer matches but maintained good averages. This shows that both volume and efficiency matter in the PKL 12 top defenders race. Teams need defenders who can deliver in every match.

The battle for the orange arm band continues as the season progresses. Every tackle point becomes important as defenders push themselves to reach the top. The PKL 12 top defenders list reflects the talent and hard work of these players who often work without getting the attention that raiders receive.