Arjun Deshwal, Ankush emerge as best players in PKL 2022

MUMBAI: Jaipur Pink Panthers' raider Arjun Deshwal was adjudged the Most Valuable Player of the vivo Pro Kabaddi League Season 9.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Bulls' Bharat and Jaipur Pink Panthers' Ankush won the Best Raider and Best Defender respectively. Tamil Thalaivas' Narender won the New Young Player of Season 9 Award.

The PKL 9 came to a glittering end at Dome, NSCI SVP Stadium, here on December 17. The Jaipur Pink Panthers continued their magnificent form and defeated Puneri Paltan 33-29 in the final to clinch their second PKL title.

A look at the top raiders and defenders in Season 9.

Top raiders:

1. Arjun Deshwal (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
   Arjun Deshwal was the backbone of the Jaipur Pink Panthers' raiding unit throughout the vivo Pro Kabaddi League Season 9. He scored a whopping 296 raid points in 24 matches.

2. Bharat (Bengaluru Bulls)
   Bharat has been one of the biggest finds in the vivo Pro Kabaddi League Season 9. The raider took on the responsibility of leading the Bulls' raiding unit and helped his side win several close contests during the season. Bharat scored a total of 279 raid points during the course of the season.

3. Naveen Kumar (Dabang Delhi K.C.)
   Naveen Kumar had another brilliant season at the vivo Pro Kabaddi League, picking up 254 raid points in Season 9. Naveen also emerged as a terrific leader this season and guided his team to a Playoffs spot after a topsy turvy season for Delhi.

   Top defenders:

4. Ankush (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
   Ankush played his first season of vivo PKL this year, but he seamlessly led the charge for Jaipur's defense unit in Season 9. He played a vital role in his team's victorious campaign with 89 tackle points in the season.

5. Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh (Patna Pirates)
   Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh grew as a defender during the course of vivo Pro Kabaddi League Season 9. Chiyaneh, who scored 84 tackle points, registered the record for the most tackle points in one match (16 points) during the season.

6. Saurabh Nandal (Bengaluru Bulls)
   While Bharat ensured that the Bulls picked up raid points successfully, Saurabh Nandal took on the raiders from the opposition. Nandal's 72 tackle points helped the Bulls register a semi-final finish in the Season 9.