5 best individual performances in PKL history

Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is the most popular Kabaddi tournament in the world. The Indian men's professional Kabaddi league launched in 2014 and since then it has served as a great platform for players to showcase their talent. The seven-a-side game has grown in popularity to a great extent, making it the second most-watched sports league in India after the Indian Premier League (IPL).

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Five teams have so far won the championship in seven seasons - Jaipur Pink Panthers, U Mumba, Patna Pirates, Bengaluru Bulls, and Bengal Warriors. With three consecutive titles, Patna Pirates are the most successful team in the tournament history. Each season takes place in multiple cities and has given fans many enthralling moments over the years.

While raiders take the spotlight of a match, defenders play a crucial role in the team's success. In this article, we will look at 5 best individual performances in PKL history.

Also read: Top seven Indian Kabaddi Players in 2023

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5. Pawan Kumar Sehrawat's exceptional raiding performance (29 Points) in PKL 7

A vital cog in Bengaluru Bulls' attack for the past couple of seasons, Pawan Kumar Sehrawat produced his extraordinary raiding performance in the clash against Bengal Warriors in PKL season 7. Inflicting an All-out on Bulls, Warriors were in a great position at 14-4 in the first half of the encounter. However, 'High Flyer' Sehrawat's spectacular seven-raid run helped Bulls to bounce back. 

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He managed to score five points in his first five raids and four points in the last two raids of the run. The deficit was down to just two points at the end of the half. Sehrawat continued his attack in the second half and helped the team overcome a 10-point deficit. Bulls eventually won the match by a solitary point and he finished with a total of 29 raid points from 30 raids.

4. Neeraj Kumar equalling record for most points scored in a single match 

Neeraj Kumar's best defending performance came in the Patna Pirates' encounter against Puneri Paltan at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Patna. Pirates were trailing in the start, but Kumar scored an early Super Tackle to level things on the scoreboard. He continued the momentum into the second half and managed to equal the record for most points scored in a single match. He finished with 11 tackle points.

3. Pardeep Narwal's stunning Super Raids vs Haryana Steelers in PKL 7

Pardeep Narwal displayed his lethal raiding performance for Patna Pirates in their last league match of the PKL 7 against Bengal Warriors. With key players rested, Warriors were relatively weak, but they took control early on. However, Pirates were soon in the driver's seat as Narwal took control of the match.

The 26-year-old did the bulk of the raiding for Pirates. He almost scored at will and even had a Super Tackle to his name. Narwal's real heroics were in the closing minutes of the game, where he produced two stunning Super Raids, inflicting more all-outs on the opposition and eventually winning the game by a 69 - 41 margin.

2. Manjeet Chhillar picking up a tally of 11 tackle points vs Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 7

Known for his sheer strength and tackling skills, Manjeet Chhillar produced his career-best defensive performance in PKL Season 4 when his Puneri Paltan took on Bengaluru Bulls in a league match. Playing in the cover position, Manjeet gave a tough time to the duo of Rohit Kumar and Pawan Kumar Kadian with his trademark blocks and dashes. The all-time highest-scoring defender in PKL history picked up a tally of 11 tackle points in 12 attempts. 

1. Pawan Kumar Sehrawat's record-breaking (39 Points) raids vs Haryana Steelers in PKL 7

Pawan Kumar Sehrawat, the main man of Bengaluru Bulls, tops the list of top 5 individual performances in tournament history. His record-breaking 9 raid points effort against Haryana Steelers in PKL Season 7 rightly deserves it. A win against Steelers will guarantee a playoff berth for Bulls. They were without their regular captain Rohit Kumar and it was Sehrawat who stepped up to take the charge for his side. 

The most expensive player in the history of PKL collected consecutive points to overcome the momentum of rival raiders, Prashant Kumar Rai and Vikash Kandola. Steelers were unable to stop Sehrawat, resulting in four All-outs in the match. The New Delhi star broke Pardeep's record in the final minutes of the match. He finished with 34 points and 5 bonus points to get the win and secure a playoff spot for Bulls.