Dabang Delhi, champions of the 2021 edition of the Pro Kabaddi League eye their second title. Having reached the playoff consistently in the last four seasons, the team aim to better their last year’s performance, where they finished sixth.
The team parted ways with illustrious coach Krishan Hooda ahead of the auction this year. Rambir Singh Khokahar is the new coach of the side. Former India captain Ajay Thakur meanwhile is the assistant coach.
The new coaches retained the team’s core but made some big changes to the squad. InsideSport takes a complete look at the team’s performances over the years and their squad for the upcoming season.
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Dabang Delhi performance over the years
Dabang Delhi have been one of the most consistent sides in the Pro Kabaddi League over the last few editions. The team reached the playoffs in the last four successive seasons, including a title triumph in 2021.
Last season they made it to the playoffs but couldn’t go past the eliminator. Under a new coach Rambir Singh Khokhar the team aim to better the show in the upcoming season.
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Retained Players
Having changed the coach, the team management opted to revamp the side completely. Naveen Kumar, who has been the backbone of the team’s success was the only big name retained ahead of the auction.
Two more raiders in Manjeet, Ashish Narwal and Suraj Panwar were also retained. While Vijay is the only retained player in the defence.
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How the team fared at the auction?
In the last few seasons, the one big miss for the team was a raider who can lend a solid support to Naveen. This year, it looks like the team has finally addressed the issue by acquiring Meetu Sharma.
Meetu played for Haryana Steelers last year and picked up 107 raid points. He was bought for 93 lakhs at the auction. Ashu Malik, who was the second best raider for Delhi last season was also picked at the auction for 96.25 lakhs.
Dabang Delhi’s defence has been bolstered by acquiring the services of the experienced Vishal Bhardwaj and Sunil Narwal from the auction this year. Youngsters Nitin Chandel, Balasaheb Jadhav, Vikrant and England defenders Felix Lee and Yuvraj Pandeya were also added from the auction.
Dabang Delhi – Squad
Raiders – Naveen Kumar, Manjeet, Ashu Malik, Meetu, Suraj Panwar, Ashish Narwal
Defenders – Vishal Bhardwaj, Sunil, Vijay Kumar, Nitin Chandel, Balasaheb Jadhav, Vikrant, Felix Li, Yuvaraj Pandeya, Mohit
All-Rounder – Akash Prasher
