PKL 9: Struggling Jaipur Pink Panthers, Dabang Delhi to face-off

The two started the season on a high note but have been disappointing in recent games.

Jaipur Pink Panthers and Dabang Delhi will be up against each other in match 76 of the Pro Kabaddi League PKL season 9 on Saturday, November 12. Delhi got their first win in 5 games when they defeated Telegu Titans while the Panthers after a bit of stutter seem to be getting back to their best. The last time these two teams met in the season Jaipur defeated the defending champions.

Team News

Dabang Delhi KC

Raiders: Naveen Kumar, Manjeet, Ashu Malik, Ashish Narwal, Suraj Panwar

Defenders: Ravi Kumar, Sandeep Dhull, Amit Hooda, Vishal, Anil Kumar, Monu, Dipak, Krishan, Vinay Kumar, Vijay, Mohammad Liton Ali, Aakash

All-rounders: Vijay, Tejas Patil, Reza Katoulinezhad

Jaipur Pink Panthers

Raiders: Ajith V Kumar, Arjun Deshwal, Devank, Rahul Chaudhari, Nitin Panwar, Navneet, Bhavani Rajput

Defenders: Sunil Kumar, Abhishek KS, Ashish, Ankush, Sahul Kumar, Deepak, Woosan KO, Lucky Sharma, Reza Mirbagheri, Nitin Chandel

All-Rounder: Rahul Gorakh Dhanawade

Head-to-Head

Dabang Delhi KC and Jaipur Pink Panthers have faced each other 19 times in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Delhi have won seven times, while Jaipur came out victorious on ten occasions. Two matches ended in a tie.

Players to watch

V Ajith Kumar of the Jaipur Pink Panthers has been a disappointment this season. However, this is an excellent opportunity for Ajith to regain his confidence and form against Dabang Delhi, whose defence has repeatedly surrendered points. This will allow Arjun Deshwal to play freely and without feeling pressed.

Ashu Malik has been the most improved raider for Dabang Delhi, replacing Manjeet as the backup raider. The kid had a sluggish start to the season but has scored points comparable to Naveen Kumar in the last week. Ashu must maintain his form without putting too much pressure on Naveen.

Key to Success

Dabang Delhi KC has lost games because of a porous defence. Krishan Dhull and Ravi Kumar got the season off to a good start, not allowing opposing raiders to score freely. However, the combination has been ineffectual since the setback against Patna Pirates, frequently putting in poor tackles that resulted in tremendous raids.

For the Jaipur Pink Panthers, Ajith Kumar and Rahul Chaudhari must regain their form and assist Arjun Deshwal in raiding. Arjun Deshwal recently missed the start of a match against Tamil Thalaivas due to an injury but had to be replaced due to the ineptitude of the team's backup raiders. With Dabang Delhi KC's defence in disarray, now is the opportunity for the secondary raiders to regain their confidence.

Did you know?

Naveen Kumar has got the most raid points for Delhi since making his debut for them.

Broadcast – PKL 9