PKL 11: Devank issues open challenge to Haryana Steelers [Exclusive]

Devank also talked about the controversial umpiring decision.

Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) is nearing its business end and except for a few teams, almost everyone is still alive in the playoffs race. One of the highlights of the season has been three-time champions Patna Pirates and their young and dynamic raiding unit led by Devank Dalal. The raider is playing his debut PKL season, but he has hardly looked out of confidence.

Devank is the leading scorer this season with 244 raid points at the time of writing. His exceptional and aggressive raiding skills coupled with his consistency make him a unique player. 

Devank was kind enough to take some time aside from his hectic schedule and give an exclusive interview to Khel Now, where he spoke on several topics including his dispute with Haryana Steelers.

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Performance in PKL 11

The dynamic raider has been on fire this season. Speaking about his performance, Devank thanked the team management and his teammates for trusting and supporting him throughout.

“I’m feeling good and enjoying myself to the fullest. Firstly, I want to thank everyone at Patna Pirates who believed in me and then my friends Ankit (Jaglan), Deepak (Singh), and Ayan (Lohchab). They supported me and I couldn’t have come so far without their support. There is a bit of pressure and therefore I’m able to score points” he asserted.

On Umpiring decisions

When asked about his thoughts on the controversial umpiring decisions that the Patna Pirates have faced this season, Devank said that whatever is happening is there for everyone to see, but the players can’t do anything about it.

“Yes, the world can see what’s happening. But, we can’t do anything about it. We can only show our performance on the mat,” he quipped.

On controversy with Haryana Steelers

Patna Pirates have lost both the league games against the Haryana Steelers. The game produced some controversial decisions from the officials and now Patna Pirates are keen to settle scores with the Steelers. Speaking about the same, Devank added, “I can’t wait to play against the Haryana Steelers again. We’ll turn the tables around,” 

The raider also further spoke about Haryana Steelers’ head coach Manpreet Singh’s aggression during the game. He said, “We are also aggressive and everyone is hot-blooded. We show them in the next match.”

Watch the full Interview here:

Narender Redhu’s contribution

Patna Pirates have exceeded all expectations this season and have emerged as one of the title contenders. The Pirates head coach Narendra Redhu has done all the right things and has built a well-thought-out team. Devank was all praise while speaking about his head coach and gave him all the credit for the team’s success so far.

“He handled everything and assembled such a good team. No one believed in us, but now the team is performing well and everyone is becoming our fan. Our coach deserves all the credit and he is doing everything and believes in all of us,” he added.

On Pardeep Narwal’s record

Devank is being compared to Patna Pirates’ all-time top scorer Pardeep Narwal. When asked about if he can break Pardeep Narwal’s record of 369 points in a season. He said that it is tough, but not impossible.

“It’s difficult, but it’s possible because we have 22 matches and if we directly play the semi-final, then it will be a total of 24. Pardeep Narwal played 26 matches. There’s no pressure and I feel we should not compare anyone. Everyone is of a different level and we should respect that,” he said.

On Chemistry with Ayan Lohchab

Devank has formed a formidable partnership with Ayan Lohchab upfront. They have formed the most lethal attacking duo in the league this season and have scored more than 390 raid points combined. The raider threw some light on his partnership with Ayan Lohchab and said that he loves playing with him.

“I’m having a lot of fun playing with him. It seems we both are just practicing. Neither he stops nor I do. When I get out, he brings me in and when he gets out, I bring him in,” he mentioned.

Message for the fans

While sharing a message for the fans, the young raider expressed his gratitude and thanked the fans for their relentless support.

“I’m very thankful to the fans from the bottom of my heart for their support. We will bring the trophy home this season. We will take revenge against the Haryana Steelers in the next game,” he concluded.

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