Players With the Most High 5s in PKL History

In the Pro Kabaddi League, raiders often grab the headlines, but it is the defenders who quietly win matches. Stopping a star raider in his tracks takes timing, strength and nerves of steel, and there is no bigger badge of honour for a defender than a High 5. When a defender pulls off five or more tackle points in a single match, it is a sign that he has performed exceptionally against the opposition’s attack and tilted the contest in his team’s favour.

Over the years, only a handful of defenders have made the High 5 a regular feature of their game. We look at the five players with the most High 5s in PKL history - a list led by the legendary Fazel Atrachali. We will also break down exactly what a High 5 is, and back up these names with their staggering career tackle-point numbers. Importantly, while all five stars are currently turning out for the teams listed here, each of them has worn the colours of multiple franchises across their PKL journeys.

What Is a High 5 in Kabaddi?

A High 5 is the defensive equivalent of a raider’s Super 10. It is awarded when a defender scores five or more tackle points in a single match. A tackle point is earned every time a defender successfully stops a raider from returning to his half, whether through an ankle hold, a back hold, a thigh hold, a dash or a well-timed block.

Picking up five tackle points in one game is no small feat. It usually means a defender has been involved in stopping the opposition raiders almost single-handedly, often making the difference between a win and a loss. That is why the High 5 is regarded as the ultimate mark of defensive excellence in PKL, and why players who consistently collect them are remembered as the league’s greatest defenders.

1. Fazel Atrachali - Dabang Delhi K.C.

Sitting right at the top of the all-time High 5 charts is Iran’s Fazel Atrachali, widely regarded as the greatest defender in PKL history. Currently part of Dabang Delhi K.C., the man known as the “Sultan” has been a defensive cornerstone for several franchises over the years, including U Mumba and Patna Pirates, lifting the title along the way.

Fazel leads the league with a remarkable 36 High 5s, the most by any player in PKL history. His longevity is just as impressive as his consistency - he has featured in 207 matches, the most among any players on this list, and amassed a colossal 597 career tackle points, a benchmark figure for any defender in the competition.

What sets Fazel apart is his ability to lead from the back. A master of the back hold and a natural on-mat general, he organises his defensive line like a captain marshalling his troops. His blend of strength, game intelligence and sheer match-winning presence is exactly why he has racked up more High 5s than anyone else in the league’s history.

2. Mohammadreza Shadloui - Gujarat Giants

Joint-second on the list is another Iranian powerhouse, Mohammadreza Shadloui, currently with Gujarat Giants. An explosive all-rounder who can contribute with both raids and tackles, Shadloui has previously been a defensive enforcer for sides such as Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan and Haryana Steelers before his current stint.

Shadloui has registered 34 High 5s, a stunning number considering he has done it in just 109 matches - by far the fewest among the top five. That rate of return underlines just how destructive he can be on his day. He has also piled up 391 career tackle points, a testament to his all-round defensive impact.

Often tied with Fazel as Iran’s new-age defensive beast, Shadloui combines aggression with results. His knack for producing big tackle counts in a short space of time makes him one of the most feared defenders in the modern PKL era, and he is still adding to his High 5 tally season after season.

3. Surjeet Singh - Dabang Delhi K.C.

Level with Shadloui on High 5s is the experienced Surjeet Singh, who lines up alongside Fazel at Dabang Delhi K.C.. A 2014 Asian Games gold medallist and a former Puneri Paltan captain, Surjeet has long been one of the most reliable cover defenders in the league.

Surjeet has notched up 34 High 5s across an impressive 190 matches, highlighting both his quality and his durability over many seasons. His career haul of 476 tackle points places him among the most prolific defenders the competition has ever seen.

Known for managing the team’s defence like a general on the mat, Surjeet brings calm, structure and experience to whatever side he plays for. His ability to read raiders and time his tackles to perfection has kept him at the very top of the High 5 charts for years, and his partnership with Fazel makes Dabang Delhi’s defence a daunting prospect.

4. Sumit - UP Yoddhas

Next up is Sumit, the dependable defender currently with UP Yoddhas. A consistent performer over many campaigns, Sumit has been a key part of UP Yoddhas’ set-up and is widely respected as one of the league’s most durable defenders.

Sumit has recorded 29 High 5s in 130 matches, a healthy return that reflects his ability to step up in big moments. His tally of 372 career tackle points shows the kind of steady, season-on-season contribution that defensive units are built around.

Famed for his consistency and team-first attitude, Sumit is the sort of defender who rarely makes the headlines but is always relied upon by his coaches. His sharp instincts and willingness to put his body on the line have made him a defensive mainstay, and his High 5 tally proves he can turn a match on its head when it matters most.

5. Nitesh Kumar - Bengal Warriorz

Completing the top five is Nitesh Kumar, the powerful right-corner defender now plying his trade for Bengal Warriorz. Having previously been a defensive linchpin for UP Yoddhas, Nitesh has earned a reputation as one of the league's most physically imposing defenders.

Nitesh has scored 29 High 5s, matching Sumit and underlining his class. He has done so across a hefty 161 matches and built up 422 career tackle points, putting him firmly among the elite defenders of his generation.

Renowned for his crunching dashes and strong holds, Nitesh thrives in the corner, where his strength and timing make him a nightmare for raiders. His move to Bengal Warriorz adds serious muscle to their defensive unit, and at his current rate, he looks set to keep climbing the all-time High 5 list in the seasons to come.

Conclusion

The High 5 is the truest measure of a defender’s match-winning ability, and these five players - Fazel Atrachali, Mohammadreza Shadloui, Surjeet Singh, Sumit and Nitesh Kumar - have mastered it like no others. Between them, they have stopped countless raids, swung dozens of matches and set the standard for defensive excellence in the Pro Kabaddi League.

While raiders may chase the glory, it is these defensive giants who quietly hold their teams together. As they continue to add to their High 5 tallies with their current franchises, kabaddi fans can look forward to many more thrilling tackles from some of the finest defenders the league has ever produced.

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