WATCH | Fazel Atrachali's 'spear' to Chandran Ranjit reminds fans of former WWE star Goldberg
In many ways, kabaddi and wrestling are similar sports; both require athletes to be extremely strong, and fit to be able to get past raiders or defenders. In fact, a lot of the players in the PKL started out as wrestlers initially, and their moves on the mat coincide with those from wrestling.
There is hardly any doubt that Puneri Paltan skipper, Iranian Fazel Atrachali is the world's best defender. Also, in addition to that, he is the league's most successful defender too. On Tuesday, his team might have gone down to Gujarat Giants 39-51, but it was still a solid performance from Paltan, where Atrahcali was in full swing.
There was a moment in the first half when the scores were almost level, Atrachali produced a moment of individual brilliance, one that reminded fans of former WWE superstar Goldberg. TheĀ ones familiar with this legendary name would remember how he would just 'spear' his opponents in the mat, and it was impossible for them to get up after that.
Atrachali did something similar to Gujarat Giants raider Chandran Ranjit, during the latter's raid. He entered from the left side of the mat and then moved around swiftly looking for a point. In the meantime, Atrachali waited for the raider to come close to him, lunging forward. Somehow Ranjit found a way to run into the defender, and Atrachali just speared him onto the ground.
One man army!
ā MINI BUS 2022 (@minibus2022)Ā November 30, 2022
Aye captain
Fazel: Circle around him boys šŖ
ā ProKabaddi (@ProKabaddi)Ā November 29, 2022
Teammates: Aye aye captain! š#vivoProKabaddiĀ #FantasticPangaĀ #PUNvGGĀ pic.twitter.com/6lMMy9phsy
What a captain
A tap on the chest, ruffle of the hair and a warm hug from skipper Fazel Atrachali for eachĀ @PuneriPaltanĀ player before they take on Gujarat today.
ā Prasen Moudgal (@Prasen_m4299)Ā November 29, 2022
What a captain!Ā #vivoProKabaddiĀ pic.twitter.com/thhkfPZBrD
Contender
As of now looking likeĀ #PuneriPaltan,Ā #JaipurPinkPanthers,Ā #BengaluruBullsĀ &Ā #UPYoddhasĀ almost qualify for the playoffs & they are fighting for TOP 2 spot. 6 teams are in contender for last two spots. Who will make it through?Ā #PKL2022Ā #vivoProKabaddiLeague
ā Mayank (@wrestlekeed)Ā November 30, 2022
Fumbling bag
Classic Puneri Paltan, fumbling the bag to give themselves space at the top of the table.
ā Maadda (@TheMaadda)Ā November 29, 2022
Good wake up call
It's a good wakeup call before playoffs... figure out what went wrong and improve on the shortcomings...@PuneriPaltanĀ should lift the trophy this season...all the best!
ā It's Me (@pritam057)Ā November 29, 2022
Fazel rocks
Finals madi gheun jaanar amcha Paltan cha Sultan Fazel!ššš§”Ā @PuneriPaltan
ā Ruvindra judeja || š¦PUNERI PALTAN (@imjedeja)Ā November 29, 2022
Puneri power
Puneri Paltan Fazel Atrachali comes to every PC with his best friend - a hot, sugary cup of coffee! š
ā Prasen Moudgal (@Prasen_m4299)Ā November 29, 2022
I asked him what he loves about the coffee -
"I like the amount of sweet in it, makes me feel good! There's also no other option" š#vivoProKabaddiĀ pic.twitter.com/liyubwkatV
Go all on!
Its okĀ @PuneriPaltan. You go all on theiršÆ
ā ABHIJIT TIPUGADE (@TipugadeAbhijit)Ā November 29, 2022
It is Part Gameš
We Won Together, We Lose Togetherš¤
We will surely Comeback stronger than never beforešÆš#Gheuntak#Puneripaltan
Stronger
Come back stronger paltan šŖ
ā SAI DHFM š„ (@MbGodavari)Ā November 29, 2022