PKL 8: Dabang Delhi create history through combination of youth and experience

The outfit became the winners of Season 8 thanks to exceptional performances from several individuals. 

Dabang Delhi have been performing brilliantly in the past few seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). Those consistent performances led to the team finally becoming champions in the eighth season of the tournament. In Season 7, Delhi suffered a loss in the final and the team reached the playoffs in the campaign prior. However, learning from their mistakes, the outfit finally became the champion of the PKL.

The winners of the season played 22 matches in the league stage, where they won 12, lost six and tied the other four fixtures. They secured the second rank in the points table and got a direct place in the semi-finals. If one looks at the overall performance of the team, then the brilliant combination of youthful exuberance and experience comes to mind.

The chemistry between youngsters & experienced players

Dabang Delhi had young players like Naveen Kumar, Vijay Malik and Ashu Malik. However, they also had players with experience such as Joginder Narwal, Jeeva Kumar, Manjeet Chillar and Sandeep Narwal. The total count of matches exceeds 500 if the experienced players are concerned. This mixture of young players and experienced figures was key to Delhi’s success.

Players like Manjeet Chillar and Joginder Narwal gave a lot of guidance to the team, leading by example. Naveen Kumar expressed how Chillar was crucial in giving him advice during matches. Having players with experience helped Dabang Delhi in pressure situations.

"Naveen Express” was once again unstoppable

Naveen Kumar has been incredible and delivering record-setting performances in the PKL. However, winning the title was one feat he was desperate to achieve. That elusive feat was finally achieved latest season. Naveen scored 210 points in 17 matches and was key in Delhi's 414 successful raids throughout the season. 

Having said that, injuries played a role in Naveen’s performance, keeping him out for some matches. Despite the setback, Kumar gave a good account of himself after recovering, collecting 12 Super 10s in the process of winning the title. 

The emergence of Vijay Malik

Vijay Malik impressed one and all with his performances. The all-rounder filled in brilliantly for the injured Naveen Kumar. Vijay made sure that the team did not feel Naveen’s absence and his performances in the knockout rounds were particularly noteworthy. He managed 162 points in 23 matches and gave Naveen good support.

The defence lacked sharpness

Dabang Delhi’s defensive lineup was perhaps the strongest on-paper. Despite having a lot of experience, the defenders did not perform to the best of their abilities. Manjeet Chillar was the highest scorer in defence, getting 52 points in 24 matches. Apart from him, Sandeep Narwal managed only 38 points in 24 outings. On the other hand, the skipper Joginder Narwal managed only 31 tackle points. 

In the forthcoming season of the Pro Kabaddi League, Dabang Delhi must work on the defence. The team needs young defenders who are quick to stop the opposing raiders and score points for the team. 

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