PKL 11: Naveen Kumar blames himself for defeat to Patna Pirates in semifinal

Dabang Delhi had finished second in the PKL 11 table booking direct semifinal spot.

Dabang Delhi’s Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) campaign ended in heartbreak as they fell short against the Patna Pirates in Semi-Final 2, losing 32-28 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.

Despite a valiant effort from Naveen Kumar, Ashu Malik, and Mohit, Delhi couldn’t overcome Patna’s resolute defence and clutch raiding. Dabang Delhi’s captain Naveen and coach Joginder Narwal addressed the media after their loss in PKL 11.

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Naveen Kumar takes responsibility for loss in PKL 11 Semifinals

The match began with Patna Pirates storming ahead, thanks to Devank’s early dominance. However, Dabang Delhi K.C. kept themselves in the hunt through a determined defensive effort, with Rahul and Yogesh standing tall. Mohit’s timely Super Raid gave Delhi a much-needed lifeline, but an ALL OUT inflicted by Patna put them on the back foot, trailing 17-10 at halftime.

“The defence played really well today and even Ashu did but somewhere I could not support them like I should have. I was the captain and it was my responsibility and I could not do that. So I think it is all my fault, ” said Naveen Kumar.

In the second half, Dabang Delhi found their rhythm. Ashu Malik and Mohit chipped away at Patna’s lead, reducing the deficit to a single point as the clock ticked down. Rahul’s crucial tackle on Devank, followed by an ALL OUT, levelled the score at 25-25. However, the Pirates regrouped in the dying moments, with Shubham Shinde’s High-5 and Ayan’s decisive raid sealing the game.

“Over the season our team played very well. They did the same today too. They made some minor mistakes today in defence and offence today so we lost the match, and we have accepted that, ” concluded Delhi coach.

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