Dabang Delhi KC, a consistent performer in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 2025), is setting its sights on reclaiming the PKL title in Season 11. Champions of PKL Season 8, they have managed to reach the playoffs for five consecutive seasons, demonstrating their tenacity and ability to compete at the highest level. After their disappointing exit in the playoffs last season, Dabang Delhi KC aim to capitalize on their revamped squad and new head coach, Joginder Narwal, to go the distance and lift the trophy once again.
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Dabang Delhi KC’s Journey in PKL
Since the inception of the PKL, Dabang Delhi KC has been a consistent presence in the league. The team’s greatest achievement came in Season 8 when they clinched their maiden PKL title. Known for their spirited performances, they have continually reached the playoffs over the past five seasons. However, despite their strong showings, they fell short of the final stages last season. With a history of resilience and competitiveness, the franchise is hopeful that their strategic adjustments for Season 11 will lead them to another championship run.
Coaching and Leadership – Joginder Narwal
Ahead of PKL Season 11, Dabang Delhi KC promoted former defender and captain Joginder Narwal to head coach. Joginder, who played a pivotal role in guiding the team to their PKL Season 8 title as captain, brings valuable experience and leadership to the role. As an assistant coach under Rambir Singh Khokar in Season 10, he gained further coaching insight and now aims to use his winning mentality and tactical understanding to elevate the team’s performance.
Joginder’s coaching philosophy emphasizes aggressive raiding and a cohesive defensive structure. His familiarity with the players and his own history as a successful captain makes him a strategic fit for the team, and his presence may be the catalyst needed to reclaim PKL glory.
Squad Overview for Season 11
Dabang Delhi KC retained the core of their squad ahead of Season 11, focusing on stability and continuity. Naveen Kumar, Ashu Malik, and all-rounder Ashish remain central to their plans. In the auction, they made a strategic move by acquiring Siddharth Desai, a seasoned raider with 693 raid points. The team also secured defender Rinku Narwal to add experience to their defence.
Dabang Delhi full squad
Ashu Malik, Naveen Kumar, Vikrant, Ashish, Himmat Antil, Manu, Yogesh, Mohit, Sandeep, Ashish Narwal, Siddharth Desai, Md. Mijanur Rahman, Mohammad Baba Ali, Nitin Panwar, Brijendra Singh Chaudhary, Gaurav Chhillar, Himanshu, Rahul, Parveen, Rinku Narwal, Vinay.
The emphasis on continuity while bringing in selective reinforcements shows Dabang Delhi KC’s confidence in their core players. This blend of familiarity and new energy could be the formula needed for a successful campaign.
Dabang Delhi SWOT Analysis
Strengths of Dabang Delhi KC
Dabang Delhi KC’s most significant strength lies in their raiding unit, headlined by Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik.
- Raiding Duo: Naveen Kumar, a two-time MVP and one of the league’s all-time top raiders with over 1,000 raid points, is crucial to the team’s offence. Alongside him, Ashu Malik, who finished as the joint top-scoring raider last season with 276 raid points, adds formidable firepower. This raiding duo provides a balanced mix of experience, agility, and scoring ability that makes Dabang Delhi KC’s attack one of the most potent in the league.
- Depth in Attack: The addition of Siddharth Desai gives the team an extra edge in attack. Desai’s experience and scoring consistency will be vital, especially if any of the primary raiders are unavailable. Ashish, who has 184 career raid points, offers further depth and versatility as an all-rounder who can contribute both in raids and defence.
Weaknesses of Dabang Delhi KC
While their attack is a major strength, Dabang Delhi KC’s defence could be a potential Achilles’ heel.
- Inexperienced Defensive Lineup: Yogesh, their primary defender who finished third in tackle points last season, and Ashish, who scored 48 tackle points, are relatively inexperienced. Their ability to consistently perform at the highest level remains untested. The lack of a seasoned defensive leader could prove costly, especially in crucial matches.
- New Additions Under Scrutiny: Although Rinku Narwal brings experience, his inconsistency in previous seasons raises questions. With 148 career tackle points but limited recent activity, it remains uncertain if he can anchor the defense effectively.
Opportunities for Emerging Players
The new season offers opportunities for young talents to shine.
- Ashish and Nitin Panwar: These all-rounders have shown potential in past seasons, and they will aim to improve their defensive stats this time around. Ashish, in particular, will be crucial in covering any defensive gaps.
- Brijendra Chaudhary and Vikrant: Both players will be eager to make their mark when called upon. Vikrant, who accumulated 25 tackle points in his debut season, has the chance to build on his performance and contribute more significantly.
Threats and Challenges in PKL Season 11
The biggest threat to Dabang Delhi KC’s campaign is the risk of injuries, especially to their star raiders Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik. Both have experienced injuries in previous seasons, affecting their availability and performance. Siddharth Desai, while a capable raider, has struggled when tasked with being the main raider, making it critical for the team to keep their primary raiders fit.
Performance Recap from PKL Season 10
Dabang Delhi KC’s playoff exit last season highlighted both strengths and areas needing improvement. The offensive unit showed promise, but defensive inconsistencies and reliance on key players exposed vulnerabilities. Addressing these weaknesses is essential for a successful Season 11.
Dabang Delhi KC’s Strategy for PKL Season 11
The team’s strategy will focus on their offensive strengths, leveraging the raiding duo of Naveen and Ashu while utilizing Siddharth Desai as a secondary option. Defensively, the emphasis will be on improving consistency through players like Yogesh and integrating Rinku Narwal effectively into the setup.
Fan Support and Popularity
Dabang Delhi KC. enjoys a loyal fanbase that has grown significantly over the years. Their social media presence and community engagement have created a solid support system, motivating the team. Fan enthusiasm and support could be the morale booster needed for them to overcome challenges in Season 11.
Dabang Delhi KC’s Roadmap to Victory in PKL 11
To secure a second PKL title, Dabang Delhi KC must maintain the health and form of their star raiders while developing a reliable defensive strategy. If they can achieve this balance and avoid injuries, their path to the playoffs—and potentially the title—looks promising.
Dabang Delhi PKL 2025 Full Schedule
Date | Day | Team A | Team B | City | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
18-Oct | Friday | Dabang Delhi KC | U Mumba | Hyderabad | 21:00 |
21-Oct | Monday | UP Yoddhas | Dabang Delhi KC | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
26-Oct | Saturday | Telugu Titans | Dabang Delhi KC | Hyderabad | 21:00 |
28-Oct | Monday | Haryana Steelers | Dabang Delhi KC | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
29-Oct | Tuesday | Bengaluru Bulls | Dabang Delhi KC | Hyderabad | 21:00 |
31-Oct | Thursday | Patna Pirates | Dabang Delhi KC | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
05-Nov | Tuesday | U Mumba | Dabang Delhi KC | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
07-Nov | Thursday | Bengal Warriorz | Dabang Delhi KC | Hyderabad | 21:00 |
08-Nov | Friday | Dabang Delhi KC | Tamil Thalaivas | Hyderabad | 21:00 |
11-Nov | Monday | Dabang Delhi KC | Puneri Paltan | NOIDA | 21:00 |
16-Nov | Saturday | Dabang Delhi KC | Bengaluru Bulls | NOIDA | 21:00 |
20-Nov | Wednesday | Dabang Delhi KC | Gujarat Giants | NOIDA | 20:00 |
22-Nov | Friday | Jaipur Pink Panthers | Dabang Delhi KC | NOIDA | 20:00 |
26-Nov | Tuesday | Dabang Delhi KC | Patna Pirates | NOIDA | 20:00 |
01-Dec | Sunday | Tamil Thalaivas | Dabang Delhi KC | NOIDA | 20:00 |
05-Dec | Thursday | Dabang Delhi KC | UP Yoddhas | Pune | 20:00 |
09-Dec | Monday | Puneri Paltan | Dabang Delhi KC | Pune | 21:00 |
12-Dec | Thursday | Dabang Delhi KC | Telugu Titans | Pune | 20:00 |
14-Dec | Saturday | Dabang Delhi KC | Haryana Steelers | Pune | 21:00 |
16-Dec | Monday | Dabang Delhi KC | Bengal Warriorz | Pune | 20:00 |
21-Dec | Saturday | Dabang Delhi KC | Jaipur Pink Panthers | Pune | 21:00 |
23-Dec | Monday | Gujarat Giants | Dabang Delhi KC | Pune | 20:00 |
FAQs
Naveen Kumar, Ashu Malik, and Siddharth Desai are the key raiders, while Yogesh and Rinku Narwal will be crucial in defence.
The team boasts one of the strongest raiding units in the league, with depth and experience led by Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik.
Defensive inexperience and the risk of injuries to key raiders like Naveen Kumar are major challenges for the team this season.
Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar will both lead the team in PKL 2025.