Top Defenders of Season 8 | VIVO Pro Kabaddi

VIVO Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 witnessed unparalleled action, thrill and passion come alive on the mat in an intensely fought VIVO Pro Kabaddi League Season 8. While the raiders and all-rounders impressed with their brilliant skills, the defenders also lit up the league with performances of sheer power and force.

Here, we look at the top defenders who were at their best in VIVO Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 so far.

SAURABH NANDAL (BENGALURU BULLS)

Positioning himself as the backbone of Bulls defence at the right corner, Saurabh Nandal delivered high value performances and made enough impact in the league to be acknowledged as a feared defender. Nandal has made quite a name for himself with his attacking dives and holds and often thrives on these moves to score valuable points for his side. He notched up 69 tackle points in 24 matches with two High Fives and six Super Tackles.

SUMIT (U.P. YODDHA)

U.P. Yoddha stormed into the playoffs after an impressive show in the second half of the league. Left corner Sumit was at his best with his defensive strategies that allowed the raiders to express themselves freely. His ankle hold is considered to be one of the most lethal moves that the raiders find difficult to dodge. Sumit ended the season with 62 tackle points in 24 matches with Four High Fives and three Super Tackles.

SOMBIR (PUNERI PALTAN)

Sombir played a key role as a right corner defender in Puneri Paltan’s road to the playoffs. Backed by the legendary coach Anup Kumar, Sombir put up a great show. In his 19 appearances for the Paltan, he achieved 60 tackle points with five High Fives and six Super Tackles. Known especially for his dives, Sombir guards the line with great perfection and is a threat to the raiders lurking nearby.

NITESH KUMAR (U.P. YODDHA)

Donning the responsibilities of a skipper as well as the right corner was Nitesh Kumar for U.P. Yoddha in PKL Season 8. His rock-solid defence helped him garner 57 tackle points in 24 matches with two High Fives and four Super Tackles to his name. Nitesh’s thigh hold is an exceptional move that he uses on his opponents quite often and executes it to perfection.  

PARVESH BHAINSWAL (GUJARAT GIANTS)

Serving as one of the key pillars of the famed Gujarat Giants’ defence, Parvesh Bhainswal has been exceptional for his Kabaddi franchise. Operating from the left cover, he has tackled attacking raiders with a lot of ease and tactical acumen. He has accumulated 56 tackle points in 23 matches with two High Fives and ten Super Tackles. Bhainswal is known for his block, a move that often brings a rampaging raider to a halt with brute force.