PKL 12: Players Dabang Delhi should retain for upcoming Pro Kabaddi season

Dabang Delhi has a host of decent players who can make a difference.

Dabang Delhi is a strong outfit that regularly competes for the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) title, and it proved its mettle during season 11 of the competition too. While the outfit failed to win the title after losing in the semi-final stage, its record-breaking undefeated streak won the hearts of its fans and the neutrals. 

Delhi’s 15-match unbeaten streak was one of the highlights of the 11th edition of the PKL. They dethroned Puneri Paltan’s previous record of going 14 matches without a defeat. The winners of the eighth edition of the PKL relied on a core group of players who delivered regularly for the outfit.

Also Read: Top three teams with longest unbeaten streak in PKL history

Going into the 12th season of the Pro Kabaddi League, the franchise can bet on these proven stars and retain them ahead of the auction, which is set to take place later in May 2025. As the teams prepare for the upcoming auction, here is a list of players that Dabang Delhi should retain going into the next season:

Ashu Malik ought to be the biggest priority

Ashu Malik is a one-man army. His performances for the Dabang Delhi have been breathtaking over the last three seasons, scoring 158, 280 and 265 points in seasons nine, 10 and 11, respectively.

Dabang Delhi must not let Ashu Malik slip out of their hands. He single-handedly carried the outfit across the finish line on multiple instances during the 11th season of the PKL. His points total of 262 (raid points) was the second highest in the competition last term.

Also Read: PKL 12: Players Haryana Steelers should retain for upcoming Pro Kabaddi season

Retaining Yogesh is a no-brainer

Yogesh was a rock in Dabang Delhi’s defence last term, building on his impressive performances in season 10 of the PKL. He executed 10 Super Tackles in the league last term, the highest for a defender. His advanced tackles saved the outfit on several occasions. 

Judging by the past performances, Yogesh’s graph only seems to be going up, which makes him a priority for the Dabang Delhi when it comes to potential retainers.

Naveen Kumar must get another opportunity

Naveen Kumar blew hot and cold during the 11th season for the Dabang Delhi. He battled injuries and struggled to perform at the levels expected of him. However, the skipper’s presence on the bench when unfit and on the mat when fit made a difference. Even though he featured in 16 matches in a limited capacity, his presence allowed support for Ashu Malik, who shouldered the bulk of raiding responsibilities.

His leadership and the ability to take bold calls under pressure could help Dabang Delhi in the upcoming season, and that is why the outfit must put its faith once again in the “Naveen Express”.

Dabang Delhi was unlucky to come away from the 11th season without the PKL trophy. They must follow the “if it isn’t broken, it doesn’t need fixing” philosophy and trust their core group of players who almost guided the side to the title.

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