Pro Kabaddi League 2024: A Look at All-Time Playing 7 of Haryana Steelers

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The Haryana Steelers have consistently been one of the standout franchises in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), making playoff appearances in seasons five and seven.

Despite finishing at the bottom of the table in season six, their steady performances in recent seasons have cemented their reputation as a team to watch.

The Sonipat-based franchise, guided by mentors like Rambir Singh Khokhar, Surender Nada, and former Patna Pirates captain Rakesh Kumar, has fielded several star players who have left a lasting impact on the league.

In the previous season, they came close to winning their maiden PKL title. They made the finals but eventually lost to Puneri Paltan. Here's a look at the all-time best playing seven of the Haryana Steelers, who have shaped the team's journey in PKL history.

Center - Vikash Kandola

Vikash Kandola was the heartbeat of the Haryana Steelers' raiding unit from PKL season six to eight. Starting as a secondary raider, Kandola made his presence felt in season five by scoring 58 points in just nine matches. However, it was in the following three seasons where he truly evolved into a dominant force, amassing 552 points for the franchise.

Kandola's best performance came in season seven when he bagged 190 raid points in 20 matches, which included 11 Super 10s. Although he has since moved on to play for the Bengaluru Bulls, Kandola's legacy with the Haryana Steelers remains iconic, and fans will remember him for his consistent match-winning raids.

Left Cover - Jaideep Dahiya

Jaideep Dahiya debuted in season eight and quickly became a key player in the Steelers' defense. In his first season, Dahiya accumulated 66 points from 22 games and followed up with another impressive 57 points in season nine from 21 matches.

Overall, Dahiya has tallied 192 points in the league, with 188 of those points coming from defense. With 17 super tackles and nine High 5s to his name, Jaideep's solid presence in the left cover position has made him one of the best defenders to ever don the Haryana Steelers jersey.

Right Cover - Mohit Nandal

Joining the team in season eight, Mohit Nandal made an instant impact in the right cover position. In just three seasons, Nandal has managed to accumulate 156 tackle points in 67 matches, proving himself as a dependable defensive asset for the Steelers.

Nandal's defensive acumen is reflected in his statistics, with an average of 2.33 successful tackles per game. His tally also includes 13 super tackles and 9 High 5s, making him one of the standout defenders in the team's history.

Left In - Manjeet Dahiya

Manjeet Dahiya only played one season for the Haryana Steelers, but his impact was undeniable. Signed for season nine, Manjeet led the team's raiding efforts with 149 raid points in 22 matches, averaging 6.77 points per game.

In addition to his raiding skills, Manjeet contributed defensively with 14 tackle points, including a super tackle. Despite moving to Patna Pirates in season 10, Manjeet's all-around performance in his brief stint with the Steelers left an indelible mark on the team.

Right In - Vinay

Vinay has been a loyal servant to the Haryana Steelers, representing the team for four consecutive seasons. Although his raiding form has fluctuated, Vinay made a strong debut in 2019, earning 129 points in 23 matches.

Over the course of four seasons, Vinay has accumulated 372 raid points in 76 matches, with 9 Super 10s and 14 super raids. Vinay's role as a supporting raider has been crucial to the team's overall balance.

Left Corner - Surender Nada

A legendary name in the PKL, Surender Nada played for the Steelers in seasons five, six, and eight, establishing himself as one of the finest left corner defenders in the league. Nada's best season came in season five, where he was crowned the Best Defender after scoring 80 tackle points in 21 matches.

Though he was sidelined for most of season six with an injury, Nada returned in season eight to contribute another 48 tackle points in 21 games, bringing his total tally to 132 points across three seasons. His famed ankle holds and leadership qualities have left a lasting impact on the Haryana Steelers.

Right Corner - Sunil

Sunil was the standout performer for the Haryana Steelers in season seven, finishing as the team's top defender with 55 tackle points in 21 matches. His consistent performances earned him a place in the top 15 defenders of the season.

Sunil had previously played for the Steelers in season six, where he earned 41 points in 22 matches. After season seven, Sunil moved to the Patna Pirates and continued to impress, solidifying his status as one of the most reliable right corner defenders in the league.