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Season 5 of the Pro Kabaddi League has handsomely rewarded those individuals who have managed to display consistency and grit. But at the same time, the league has been merciless towards those players who haven't managed to bring their A game to the table.
With games coming in thick and fast, it's getting dangerously easy for players to slip into a downward momentum and the road back to the top is arduous, to say the least. Let's take a look at five players who have so far failed to hit top form this season.
#1 Rajesh Narwal
UP Yoddha have has to endure a torrid time in their home leg. With four losses on the trot, the PKL debutants have been poor in recent times. A large part of this downfall could be attributed to Rajesh Narwal's poor form.
Prior the to the tournament, he was pipped as an all-rounder who would play a vital role for his team. But in nine matches so far, Rajesh has managed just 22 points in total. Add to that, he's been petulant on the mat, arguing needlessly with the referees.
#2 Kashiling Adake
A raider who has consistently dug his previous team out of trouble, Kashiling has been a shadow of his former self for U Mumba. Scoring just 13 raid points in 6 matches, the former Dabang Delhi star has found it extremely tough to build any sort of momentum. Unlike previous seasons, Adake seems hesitant to go for the kill every time an opportunity presents itself. Instead, he's chosen to plays safe and it has cost him dearly.
#3 Deepak Niwas Hooda
Puneri Paltan haven't been performing too badly so far. After six rounds of matches, they sit in third position in the Zone A table. But the fact is, they were touted as one of the favourites before the tournament began. The likes of Sandeep Narwal and Dharmaraj Cheralathan have been solid and ensured things don't get out of control.
Their captain, however, hasn't hit top form yet and has managed to score just 29 raid points in six matches so far. That's an average of less than five points per match. For a man who scored more than 100 raid points last season, Hooda will need to buck up before the going gets even tougher.
#4 Mohit Chhillar
Haryana Steelers have lost just one match so far in six games. This becomes even more impressive when you consider the fact that their star defender, Mohit Chhillar has had a poor outing so far.
11 tackle points in six games is a measly return for a corner defender who has always been among the top three defenders in the league. At times, Mohit has found it hard to keep up with the pace and intensity of the game.
He's been caught slacking on multiple occasions. But if there's one man who can spring back to life, it's Mohit. Except a strong return from him sooner rather than later.
#5 Ajay Kumar
Hailed as one of the best do-or-die raiders in the game, Ajay Kumar has failed to aid his captain, Rohit Kumar in the raiding department this season. The Bengaluru Bulls have won just three of their nine matches so far and part of that is due to their over reliance on Rohit.
Ajay has managed to score a mere 32 raid points in those nine games, at a disappointing average of just over three raid points per match. His coach, Randhir Singh has been vocal about Ajay lacking confidence not skill.
And whilst he is not being able to his teammates need him to deliver consistently before it gets too late for the Bulls.
