Delhi Dynamos sign I-League winning defender Gaurav Bora

The 20-year-old was one of the best defenders in the top flight last season.

Delhi Dynamos have roped in former FC Pune City and Chennai City FC defender Gaurav Bora on a three-year contract. The 20-year-old was part of Chennai City's maiden I-League title triumph last season and established himself as one of the best defenders in the league.

Bora made 20 appearances for the southerners last season, scoring two goals in the process. Both of his goals came ON the final day of the league against Minerva Punjab, helping his side to take the lead against the northerners and win the title in the process.

The Assam-born player, although used extensively as a centre-back by Akbar Nawas in the last campaign, has also played as a defensive midfielder in his Pune City days, which will make him an important asset for Josep Gombau.

The Dynamos recently parted ways with their Dutch defender Jianni Zuiverloon, who signed for league rivals Kerala Blasters for the upcoming season. Apart from Zuiverloon's departure to the Blasters, another Lions' defender, Rana Gharami was handed a suspension by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) after he tested positive for a banned substance. These events have left two vacant slots in the heart of the Lions' defense, which promises a starting slot for Bora under Gombau next season.

One of the Dynamos' weakest spots last season, the back four conceded 27 goals, the fourth most in the league. However, with the signing of Bora, next season could see the Dynamos become a steady defensive unit under Gombau.

Bora becomes the second Indian signing and fourth overall signing for the capital-based side ahead of the upcoming campaign, after Jerry Mawihmingthanga, Diawandou Diagne and Xisco Hernandez. With more signings expected to take place, the Dynamos could yet turn out to be the team to watch next season.