PKL 2023 Weekly Round Up: Best Raider, Best Defender, PKL Key Stats, Winners, Points Table

PKL 2023 Weekly Round-Up: After the first nine days of PKL 2023, we have properly got the first week of the tournament this year. The tournament started on December 2 (on a Saturday), and after Sunday (December 10), all the teams have played at least two matches in the group stages.

PKL 2023 is being played across all 12 cities, and the first leg started in Ahmedabad, which has been concluded and the juggernaut has now shifted to Bengaluru. Both Gujarat Giants and Bengaluru Bulls have played four matches each, whereas Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, Tamil Thalaivas and Jaipur Pink Panthers have only played two matches so far.

And as the first proper week of this season is done and dusted, let us look at some of the key components so far-

PKL 2023 Points Table on December 10

PKL 2023 1st Week Key Facts

• UP Yoddhas managed a 30-point victory over Haryana Steelers (57-27), whereas Patna Pirates won over Telugu Titans by 22 points (50-28). Both matches took place in Ahmedabad on December 6.
  
  
• Bengal Warriors and Jaipur Pink Panthers played out the only tie of this season so far.
  
  
• Bengaluru Bulls have lost all of their first four matches in the season, which is their worst start in PKL history.
  
  
• Telugu Titans have now lost 9 PKL matches in a row, which stretches from last season.

PKL 2023 1st Week Stats and Records

Here are the notable stats and records from the first week of the PKL.

Most Raid Points (Player)

1. Naveen Kumar (Dabang Delhi) - 43
2. Bharat (Bengaluru Bulls) - 39
3. Sonu Singh (Gujarat Giants) - 35
4. Surender Gill (UP Yoddhas) - 34
5. Pawan Sehrawat (Telugu Titans) - 33

Most Tackle Points (Player)

1. Shubham Shinde (Bengal Warriors) - 15
2. Sumit (UP Yoddhas) - 14
3. Sombir Sekhar (Gujarat Giants) - 13
4. Mohit (Haryana Steelers) - 10
5. Nitesh Kumar (UP Yoddhas) - 10

Most Super 10s

Naveen Kumar, Sonu Singh, Pawan Sehrawat - 3

Most High 5s

Rakesh HS (Gujarat Giants) - 3
Vinay (Haryana Steelers) - 3
Ashu Malik (Dabang Delhi) - 2

PKL 2023 1st Week Hits - Top 3 Players

In the first week of the PKL, we have seen some stellar performances from some excellent players. Although numbers may tell a different story, here are the three best players in the PKL 2023 for the 1st week-

Ajinkya Pawar (Tamil Thalaivas): Ajinkya Pawar has lifted the fans with his swashbuckling raiding prowess this season. The Tamil Thalaivas player has showcased his array of dynamic skills, from jump to dubki - he has shown everything. He secured 18 raid points in the win over Dabang Delhi and looks like a star in the making.

Shubham Shinde (Bengal Warriors): Bengal Warriors' right corner Shubham Shinde has been a class apart in their first three matches. He has pinned down raiders with assured ankle hold, back hold and is looking like a key player for the Warriors. He secured 11 tackle points in the Warriors' win over Thalaivas, which is the second-most tackle points in a match by a defender in PKL history.

Sonu Singh (Gujarat Giants): Gujarat Giants raider Sonu Singh has stormed into this season and is looking a class apart. He has been with the Giants since 2019 but Season 10 has been a mighty success for him. With 35 points in three matches, the lanky raider has stamped a place in the Gujarat setup and looks certain to thrill more in the coming weeks.

PKL 2023 1st Week Flops

Vikash Kandola (Bengaluru Bulls): Vikash Kandola has been a disappointment so far. The coveted raider has struggled to express himself on the mat and has been far from his best. Bulls have lost their first four matches and Kandola's contribution has been minimal thus far this season.

Surinder Singh (U Mumba): U Mumba captain Surinder Singh has had a torrid first week in this season. U Mumba have lost two of their first three matches, and the defender has had a similar outing. He managed only 5 tackle points in the first three matches, with an accuracy of around 36 per cent. The experienced campaigner will have to step up for his team in the coming weeks.