Will Dabang Delhi retain Naveen Kumar for PKL 12? Exploring the possibilities

Delhi’s star raider has a lot to offer, but injuries have become an obstacle.

Dabang Delhi has a huge decision on its hands ahead of the auction for the 12th season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). The outfit must decide whether to retain or release their skipper and high-profile raider, Naveen Kumar. The decision is not an easy one, as Kumar was a key figure in the side’s only PKL triumph. Overlooking the recent bad luck with injuries, he still brings a lot to the table.

Kumar’s injury record in the past couple of PKL seasons has been worrying. Delhi reached the semi-finals in the 11th edition of the tournament last year and must challenge for the trophy once again in the next. To do that, the side needs all players to contribute consistently and well.

The decision looms large on the side in their preparation for the upcoming season. As the auction for the PKL 12 approaches, here is a look at the potential possibilities of Dabang Delhi’s decision to retain or release Naveen Kumar:

Also Read: Players Dabang Delhi should retain for upcoming Pro Kabaddi season

Retaining Naveen Kumar

Naveen Kumar undoubtedly brings a lot of quality. His presence alone inspires the rest of the team and his leadership makes a huge difference in tight situations. If the outfit decides to retain Kumar, then it will ensure more quality in the raiding department. Most of the positives of retaining Kumar depend on his ability to stay fit. 

In that case, his presence on the mat will give Delhi’s raiding a huge boost and relieve some of the pressure from Ashu Malik’s shoulders. Despite being on the sidelines for a major chunk of the 11th season of the PKL, Kumar’s instructions from the bench and his experience took the side into the semi-finals of the competition.

If Naveen Kumar remains fit and re-discovers his form from season nine and before, and with Ashu Malik raiding as well, then there would be no stopping Dabang Delhi. Retaining Kumar would be a great measure of faith shown by the management in a player who was instrumental in their first-ever PKL glory.

Also Read: Will Bengaluru Bulls retain Pardeep Narwal for PKL 12? Exploring the possibilities

Releasing Naveen Kumar

The general expectation is that Dabang Delhi is likely to retain Naveen Kumar for the 12th season of the Pro Kabaddi League. Ashu Malik is going to be a priority, and Kumar could be part of a core group of players who would be retained going into the auction.

However, in a scenario where Delhi releases Naveen, it would send a strong statement of intent. His injury record is poor, and it made the franchise rely solely on Ashu Malik for raid points last term. They need a reliable, high-profile raider to partner with Malik.

Furthermore, Ashu Malik has grown into the role of a leader and can be a decent captain for the Dabang Delhi in season 12. Therefore, releasing the Naveen Express would not cause the team a shortage in terms of leadership.

Also Read: A look at Naveen Kumar’s journey in Pro Kabaddi League

Naveen Kumar scored 100 points in 16 matches in the 11th edition. Despite recovering from his injury, the “Naveen Express” looked like lacking fitness and usual sharpness. It was easy for the opposition defenders to read his movements and stop him from stealing points.

Dabang Delhi would be looking for a new raider in the auction after releasing him. A figure who can consistently score points and is not an injury prone player would be a suitable candidate for the side. Having said that, releasing Kumar would allow other teams to recruit him which can backfire in the long run.

Judging by the pros and cons of retaining or releasing Naveen Kumar for PKL 12, the general idea is that Delhi may continue to put its faith in their skipper. The fans absolutely adore him, and they are excited to see him on the kabaddi floor wearing the franchise’s colours. However, if they decide to release him, then finding an able replacement could be a huge task.

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