The introduction of Pro Kabaddi has made a sport which was extremely traditional in its nature, more vibrant and exciting. The league has been able to connect to a wider audience, especially the younger generation, because of unique introductions like High 5s, Super raids, do-or-die raids and a lot more that have made the game more appealing.
A High 5 is achieved when a defender manages to earn five tackle points in one single game. These crucial points usually become the fine margin between a win or a defeat in the Pro Kabaddi. The defenders who can score crunch points via tackles are the real match-winners in a team. Achieving a High 5 isn’t easy in the sport and today we’ll look at five masters of it.
PO SURJEET SINGH
Matches: 94 | High 5s: 27
One of the most incisive right covers in the game, Surjeet Singh leads the charts when it comes to High 5s in the competition. Surjeet was the most successful defender in Season 7 for Puneri Paltan with 63 tackle points. In those, there were seven High 5s – the joint-highest High 5s in the season. In season 5 as well, during his days with the Bengal Warriors, he was tied for the most High 5s in a season with nine to his name. He is an ultimate defensive player in the league and was also part of the Kabaddi World Cup-winning Indian team in 2016.
MANJEET CHHILLAR
Matches: 108 | High 5s: 23
Adjudged as the best defensive player in the inaugural season, Manjeet Chhillar followed that up with the Most Valuable Player Award in Season 2. Manjeet is one of the high-profile players in the Pro Kabaddi and his stats speak volumes of his class. He is second in the list for most High 5s in the league and was the first man to lead the league in tackle points in two separate seasons. He also topped the High 5 charts in Season 4 of the league. Chhillar is one of only two players with over 200 raid and tackle points each in the Pro Kabaddi.
RAVINDER PAHAL
Matches: 112 | High 5s: 23
Best defender in Season 2 of the competition, Ravinder Pahal is joint-second when it comes to most High 5s in the history of the league. Season 5 was the second time when he crossed the 50 tackle point mark. He was brilliant in Season 7 of the Pro Kabaddi and helped Delhi top the league and reach the final of the competition.
FAZEL ATRACHALI
Matches: 103 | High 5s: 21
One of the two players to win the Best Defender Award in multiple seasons, Fazel is as solid as a defender can be in this sport. The Iranian was the first foreign player to score 300 tackle points in the league. His personal best came in Season 7 when he led U Mumba by example and was amongst the highest scoring captains in the season. He was the only defender to score over 80 points in the season.
SURENDER NADA
Matches: 71 | High 5s: 19
The man who held the record for most consecutive High 5s in a season when he scored five in a row in the first five matches in Season 5 was none other than Surender Nada. With 19 High 5s, Nada is fifth on the list with most High 5s in the history of the competition. He led the charts in Season 1 and 5 for most High 5s in the league. He is a left-corner specialist and has one of the most feared ankle holds in the sport.
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