As the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) gears up for Season 11, Dabang Delhi KC, the champions of Season 8, are eyeing another title. After a disappointing exit in the playoffs last season, the team hopes to bounce back under the leadership of newly promoted head coach, Joginder Narwal.
With a solid raiding unit but questions around their defence, here’s a SWOT analysis of Dabang Delhi KC ahead of the upcoming PKL 11 season.
Strengths: Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik lead fearsome raid
Dabang Delhi KC boasts one of the strongest raiding duos in the league. Naveen Kumar, a two-time MVP with 1005 raid points, is a dominant force, while Ashu Malik finished as the joint top-scoring raider in Season 10 with 276 points. This partnership promises to keep opposition defences on their toes. Additionally, the team has strengthened its attack with the acquisition of Siddharth Desai, who has 693 raid points to his name, and the versatile Ashish, who has proven his ability to contribute in offence.
This depth in attack gives Dabang Delhi KC the luxury of backup firepower, even if one of their star raiders has an off day.
Weaknesses: Defensive Inexperience cause for concern
While their raiding unit is formidable, Dabang Delhi KC’s defence could be their Achilles heel. Yogesh, who led the team’s defence last season with 74 tackle points, is relatively inexperienced, and the same can be said about Ashish, who is entering only his second PKL season. Relying on these young players could prove risky, especially against more experienced attacking units.
Though the team added Rinku Narwal, a seasoned defender, during the player auction, his inconsistency in past seasons and absence from the league last year may impact his contribution. The defence will need to step up, especially if the raiders don’t fire on all cylinders.
Opportunities: Young Talents ready to shine
Dabang Delhi KC’s younger players, including Ashish, Nitin Panwar, and Brijendra Chaudhary, have the opportunity to step up this season. Ashish and Panwar, in particular, will aim to improve their tackle points tally and fill any gaps in defence. Additionally, Vikrant, who earned 25 tackle points in his debut season, will be keen to build on his performances and establish himself as a key defender for the team.
With a relatively young defensive squad, there is significant room for these players to grow and make an impact on the mat.
Threats: Injuries could derail PKL 11 campaign
Injuries remain one of the biggest threats to Dabang Delhi KC’s Season 11 hopes. Both Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik have had fitness issues in the past, with Naveen missing most of last season due to injury. Similarly, Ashu Malik has previously suffered from a rotator cuff tear. If either of these key raiders were to sustain injuries, the team’s raiding balance could be severely disrupted.
While Siddharth Desai is a capable raider, he has struggled to carry the load as the main raider in recent seasons. If the star raiders are sidelined, the team may find it difficult to keep up with their opponents.
Conclusion: Strong offence but defence must step up
Dabang Delhi KC enters PKL Season 11 with one of the most potent raiding units in the league, but their defence remains a potential weakness. With young and relatively inexperienced defenders, the team will need to rely heavily on their attack to carry them through.
Injuries to key players like Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik could pose serious challenges, making it essential for the team to maintain fitness and consistency throughout the season.
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