Best debutants of PKL 7
Sumit: U.P Yoddha have a knack of unearthing big defensive talents and Sumit was the latest teenage sensation to stun the Pro Kabaddi League viewers with his defensive skills. The left corner was initially overlooked in favour of the experienced Sachin Kumar, but after a horror start U.P Yoddha coach Jasvir Singh gave the 19-year old a chance to shine. Young Sumit grabbed the opportunity with both hands ending the campaign with 77 tackle points, the most by an Indian in Pro kabaddi Season 7. Sumit’s tally 7 High 5s were the joint most in Pro Kabaddi Season 7 along with veteran Surjeet Singh.
V.Ajith Kumar: The Tamil Nadu youngster was an unknown going into the PKL 7 season. With Tamil Thalaivas possessing the likes of Ajay Thakur, Rahul Chaudhari, Shabeer Bappu and the retained Victor Obiero Ajith was not expected to get many chances. But after Ajay Thakur, Rahul Chaudhari and Shabeer Bappu failed the 21-year old was given the chance and the youngster the grabbed the opportunity with both the hands. Possessing lightning quick speed and brilliant escaping ability, Ajith Kumar scored 121 raid points at an impressive raid strike rate of 55.76. In a disappointing season the local boy is a great find for the Tamil Thalaivas.
Pankaj Mohite: Puneri Paltan possessed on paper one of the most experienced raiding units of Pro Kabaddi Season 7. The likes of Nitin Tomar, Pawan Kadian, Darshan Kadian and the emerging star Manjeet meant few if anyone thought Pankaj Mohite would emerge as the star of Puneri Paltan’s raiding. The youngster impressed with his fearlessness and speed and was the go-to man for Anup Kumar along with Manjeet. The local boy ended the Pro Kabaddi Season 7 campaign with 110 raid points at a raid strike rate of 53.14, the best by a Puneri Paltan raider.
Saurabh Nandal: Bengaluru Bulls struggled with their right corner position for years and at the start of the Pro Kabaddi Season 7 Bulls coach started with tall Vinod Kumar in the right corner position. But after Vinod struggled Bulls head coach Randhir replaced him with Saurabh Nandal and the youngster was a revelation for the Bengaluru Bulls. The 19-year old scored 56 tackle points among NYP players only U.P Yoddhas Sumit scored more tackle points highlighting his immense potential. The Haryana youngster possesses a deadly ankle hold and is also good with chain tackles and thigh holds.
