PKL team of the year | Maninder Singh to lead, Naveen Kumar misses out

There have been innumerable instances of individual brilliance, that have wowed the crowds till now. So SportsCafe takes a look at the players who have shone the brightest this season, and also make it to the starting seven of the PKL team of the year.

Raiders

Arjun Deshwal - 21 matches - 269 points

Bharat - 20 matches -240 points

Maninder Singh - 20 matches - 222 points

Arjun Deshwal has to be the best raider in the tournament if one sees the last two tournaments. Of course, he has big numbers to show as well, but what really works in his favour also is the fact that he isn't injury-prone and has played tirelessly in the last two seasons. He can get points up front and is not afraid to take on the opposition's defence.

Bharat is somewhat similar in his approach too. With his long reach, he has managed to tackle strong defensive teams like Haryana and Patna. As a second raider in the team, he would be mighty effective, and could also be lethal during do-or-die raids. Meanwhile, Maninder Singh, Bengal's most-trusted man would double up as the team's skipper and third raider.

The strong lad definitely has a presence on the mat, and sometimes that is a bonus on the court. On his day, he could decimate the opposition single-handedly. Meanwhile, Naveen Kumar loses out since he has a knack for getting injured and doesn't have the strongest mat presence.

Defenders

Ankush - 21 matches - 72 points

Jaideep Dahiya - 20 matches - 48 points

Sagar - 17 matches - 45 points

Ashu - 20 matches - 42 points

If there is one player who has impressed the most this year, it has to be Ankush Rathee. The slightly built defender packs a punch and has been one of the main reasons why Jaipur has performed so well. He makes it to the team without the blink of an eye. He will make the left corner. Meanwhile, last year's hero, Sagar will be in the right corner, where he has been tormenting the raiders. On the left cover will be Jaideep and Ashu at the right cover.