Sports

Defence will decide PKL 11 champions, says kabaddi legend Anup Kumar

Defence will decide PKL 11 champions, says kabaddi legend Anup Kumar

With the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11 playoffs approaching, former India captain Anup Kumar emphasizes the critical role of defence in crowning the champions. This shift in focus underscores the evolving dynamics of the sport, where defensive prowess has become paramount.

“When the PKL started, defenders didn’t have much value, and there weren’t many tackle points as the raiders ruled the roost. But nowadays there are more defensive moves… A single raider can never win the trophy for a team now, you need defenders,” said Kumar, who led U Mumba to its only PKL trophy in Season 2.

Among the playoff contenders, Kumar has been particularly impressed with Haryana Steelers’ approach, which has already secured a semifinal spot. “The Steelers have impressed the most this season, both their defenders and their raiders… Their defence especially has done tremendous work, whether you talk about (Mohammadreza) Shadloui or Rahul (Sethpal).”

For his former team U Mumba, currently fighting for a playoff spot, Kumar believes its chances hinge on its final league match. “U Mumba’s performance has been very good after a slow start. Though their start wasn’t great, they’ve improved… If they win their last match, they’ll qualify 100%,” he explained.

The legendary player particularly highlighted Mumba raider Ajit Chauhan’s impressive debut this season. “Ajit’s performance has been excellent… If another raider had supported him even a little, this team would have been in first, second, or third position, not fifth or sixth,” Kumar noted, pointing to the importance of balanced team performance in crucial matches.

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