PKL 11: Dabang Delhi coach shares major update on Naveen Kumar return timeline in Pro Kabaddi 2024

Dabang Delhi moved to the third position in the PKL 11 points table with the win over Tamil Thalaivas.

Dabang Delhi K.C. looked unstoppable in Pro Kabaddi League 11 (PKL 11), sweeping aside the Tamil Thalaivas 39-26 at the GMCB Indoor Stadium.

Speaking to the media Dabang Delhi Captain Ashu Malik and coach Joginder Narwal followed by Tamil’s coach, Dharmaraj Cheralathan, and captain, Sahil Gulia shared their thoughts on the PKL 11 match.

It was a standout defensive showcase, with Yogesh and Ashish Malik both recording High 5s, while Ashu Malik continued his exceptional PKL 11 form with yet another Super 10—his eighth in just nine matches.

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On Naveen Kumar’s impact and return to PKL 11

The match began as a tight, defence-driven contest, with both sides testing each other in the opening exchanges. Dabang Delhi’s defenders were on point, keeping the Thalaivas in check and helping their team edge out an early two-point lead. Delhi are still without Naveen Kumar and the coach shared his thoughts on his impact.

“Naveen is one of the best raiders of the tournament and it is always a miss to not have him on the mat. So I am hoping he will be back in the next match, ” said Dabang Delhi coach.

“I believe when Naveen comes back Ashu will perform even better. Because he has a lot of responsibilities for himself alone now,” he added.

While Ashu Malik and Narender Kandola chipped in a few points, the Thalaivas briefly fought back with Moein Shafagi levelling the match through a two-point raid. Tamil Thalaivas’ Sachin Tanwar then gave his team a narrow advantage. However, Yogesh’s clutch Super Tackle on Sachin quickly swung the momentum back in favour of Dabang Delhi.

As PKL 11’s action continued, Dabang Delhi began to pull away. Yogesh, who had been a rock in defence, completed his High 5 with two Super Tackles, opening up a comfortable lead. Manu’s timely two-point raid just before halftime added to the pressure on Thalaivas, sending Dabang Delhi into the break with a solid 16-10 advantage.

The second half saw Dabang Delhi K.C. accelerate even further, stretching their lead to 10 points by enforcing an ALL-OUT on Tamil Thalaivas. Ashu Malik, in red-hot form, completed another Super 10, while Ashish Malik joined in with his own High 5, showcasing Dabang Delhi’s defensive strength.

On facing U Mumba next in PKL 11

By the end, Dabang Delhi K.C. walked away with a dominant 13-point win, securing their fourth victory of PKL 11 and reinforcing their reputation as a top defensive unit this season. Tamil Thalaivas will now go on to face U Mumba in the second leg of PKL 11.

“All matches from now on until the last are important. U Mumba is a team with good defence and we have good raiders, so it will be a good match,” said Tamil Thalaivas coach.

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