Players like Jeeva Kumar are rare in India, feels Krishan Kumar Hooda

Dabang Delhi purchased the defender for a whopping Rs 46 lakh.

The long-awaited Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 will finally take place in December 2021. The premier kabaddi competition in India is set to return after a long gap of more than two years due to COVID-19. The player auction for the upcoming season was an entertaining affair, where the participating teams bid for their ideal targets. Dabang Delhi was one of the franchises who were active in the auction as well. The feeling after the auction is positive among the fans, as the team looks stronger than before. 

The head coach of the franchise, Krishan Kumar Hooda believes that their defence was somewhat on the weaker side last season. The auction has been vital to amend that mistake. The incoming players will certainly improve the defensive performance, thereby increasing the team's chances of success. Players like Jeeva Kumar and Sandeep Narwal will help in that regard and cover for the loss of Ravinder Pahal. The former Dabang Delhi player was bought by the Gujarat Giants in the PKL 8 auctions.

“Sandeep Narwal is an exceptional player who likes to dominate the corners. He is in great condition and we are working on his fitness. I was sure he will prove to be a vital player for Dabang Delhi and that’s the reason we have got him from the auction. We looked at Sandeep after Ravinder’s departure to Gujarat and it was a successful strategy,” Hooda said while speaking exclusively to Khel Now. 

Jeeva Kumar: An acquisition to reinforce defence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pbqo6gGW4I

Jeeva Kumar has joined the squad after the outfit paid ₹46 lakhs for his services. His experience could help the team, despite the player reaching an advanced age. Kumar could be the ace up the sleeve for Delhi, according to Krishan Kumar Hooda. The head coach further spoke, “The focus should be on the player’s performance, rather than age. He was exceptional last season and players like Jeeva are rare in India. This is especially because he can play in almost all positions. He is the type of player who can play right cover, left cover, right corner and left corner.”

The approach to an auction

Krishan Kumar Hooda seemed like a satisfied figure post the auction. He talked about his approach to this auction, saying, “We do an analysis of the whole team before going into the auction. Cover, corner, raiding or wherever there is need for improvement, we note it. We also put focus on our bench strength. A long tournament like PKL needs a strong bench to keep up the good performances. There is a discussion between the coach and the franchise and decisions are taken based on it.”

The head coach provided incredible insight into the mindset one goes through during an auction. This would help the fans become more educated in regards to the tactics behind bidding. 

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