PKL 11: Will Ajay Thakur become Puneri Paltan's next head coach? Team CEO's big statement

Puneri Paltan are in the seventh spot in the PKL 11 table.

Dabang Delhi K.C. edged out Puneri Paltan in a thrilling encounter in match 102 of Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) at the Balewadi Stadium.

Dabang Delhi coach Joginder Narwal and captains Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar followed by Puneri Paltan captain Akash Shinde alongside Puneri Paltan CEO and newly appointed assistant coach, Ajay Thakur shared their views on the PKL 11 match.

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Ashu Malik was the star of the night, delivering a commanding performance with 13 points, including his 14th Super 10 of the season. This crucial victory moved Dabang Delhi to fourth place in the PKL 11 standings.

On Ajay Thakur’s return to PKL 11 as Puneri Paltan’s assistant coach

The match started on an even note, with both teams matching each other in intensity. However, Ashu Malik’s brilliance gave Dabang Delhi an early edge. However, the highlight of the match was the return of legendary Ajay Thakur on the sidelines.

“Ajay Thakur and I have shared some good moments together, we have played for years together in national, and other tournaments. He is an amazing player and a person. It was very good to see him on the sidelines and he should be here because he has the capability, ” said Dabang Delhi coach.

Puneri Paltan relied heavily on their defence to stay in the contest, but their raiding unit struggled to make a significant impact. By halftime, Dabang Delhi held a slim 12-10 lead, thanks to a key tackle by Yogesh on Akash Shinde.

“It feels very good to be back here. I have been a part of this team as a player too. I feel really good to be a part of the champion team and we have champion players with us too, I am sure we will make a great comeback, ” said Ajay Thakur.

“Joginder Narwal was a very good player and he has a long legacy, we have played together for years, ” he added.

The second half saw Ashu Malik turn the game with a stunning five-point Super Raid, reducing Puneri Paltan to just two players.

On why Puneri Paltan appointed Ajay Thakur

Despite a spirited comeback led by Pankaj Mohite and Abinesh Nadarajan, Dabang Delhi held their nerve. In the final minutes, they inflicted the game’s only ALL OUT on Puneri Paltan, sealing a hard-fought win in one of the closest matches of PKL 11.

“We wanted to build the team for the long term, so we thought if we get Ajay early into the team and give him a long tenure that would help us get back on the podium, ” said Puneri Paltan CEO.

“We haven’t decided about him being the head coach yet, there is still a long time to go, we have four matches and we believe Ajay with his experience can help us get back on track, ” he concluded.

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