Journalism of Courage
The 2017 edition of Pro Kabaddi concluded with Patna Pirates winning their third consecutive title. The fifth edition started with four new teams and three of them managed to progress into the playoffs. But it was Gujarat and Patna who made it to the final. While Pardeep Narwal finished as the top scorer in season 5, we had defenders who didn't let raiders escape their attack and stood strong to guide their teams to victories.Here we look at the players who played key roles in the fifth edition of PKL.
India's star defender Surender Nada led from the front and took Haryana Steelers to playoffs in their debut season. Nada finished the season 5 with 80 points from 21 games.
Surjeet Singh, Bengal Warriors: Surjeet was named the captain with player like jang Kun Lee and he did a fine job as Warriors turned their fortunes around and finished at the top of Zone B. He scored 76 points as Warriors had their best finish in the history of Pro Kabaddi.
Telugu Titans had a disappointing season as they only managed seven wins. While Rahul Chaudhari was the top scorer for Titans, defender Vishal Bhardwaj kept their defence strong. He scored 71 points in 22 games.
Patna Pirates won their third consecutive title riding on Pardeep Narwal's performance, but defender Jaideep played under his shadows to power his side to a record win. Jaideep scored 71 points from 26 games.
Abozar Mohajer Mighani, Gujarat Fortunegiants: If GUjarat's success has to be measured then their defenders have to be credited. Abozar, Fazel kept the wall strong and guided Fortunegiants to the final in their debut season. The Iranian defender scored 65 points.
Puneri Paltan were the most balanced team of Pro Kabaddi season 5 and were seen as title contenders. Deepak Hooda-led side made it to the playoffs but lost to Patna pirates. While captain Hooda was at his lethal best in attack, Girish Maruti Ernak looked after their defence. Girish scored 64 points as Pune kept their hopes of maiden title alive before Pardeep Narwal crushed them in the third eliminator.
Tamil Thalaivas had a disappointing season but they performed in bits and pieces. While they were heavily dependent on their captain Ajay Thakur, defender Amit Hooda rose from Thakur's shadow and led their defence. He scored 61 points from 22 games.
This was the second season that U Mumba coudln't make it to the playoffs. However, defender Surinder Singh gave his best to keep his team in the race of playoffs. He scored 58 points before U Mumba crashed out.
