Dabang Delhi K.C had an unfortunate edition 3 of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League where they managed just a single win from their 14 league games. However, their raiding department showed great promise and composure to trouble the opponents’ defensive structure on a regular basis throughout the campaign.
The Eagles’ raiding department comprises of their star Kashiling Adake, Surjeet Singh, Rohit Kumar Chaudhary, Anil Nimbolkar and Selvamani K. When in form, these 5 raiders can create havoc inside the opposition half, making the opposition defenders tremble in their boots.
The 25-year old Kashiling Adake has been consistent with his performances throughout his PKL career and stands 3rd on the all-time highest raid points scorers list. He is also one of only 3 players with more than 300 raid points to their name.
In season 3, despite Delhi’s shortcomings as a team, Kashi had an impressive average of 5 successful raids per match. Adake excels as a raider who gets points in spurts, as he uses his explosiveness very well, combining speed and strength.
Both Selvamani and Surjeet have shown themselves to be accomplished raiders. The two of them use body feints a lot, and use sharp changes in position to get crucial touches.
Though Selvamani was injured for some part of the tournament, he came back well to showcase his talent. Surjeet is an experienced raider and used his knowledge to perfection, knowing just when to change the pace and position of his body.
Anil Nimbholkar did not get chances in many matches, but the one match in which he shone through with his 14-point effort against Jaipur Pink Panthers showed how he could be a powerful raider in future seasons.
Even Ravinder Pahal who did not have a comfortable season 3 defensively, showed himself to be good in do-or-die raid situations or when he is the last player left on the mat.
One such moment came against Jaipur Pink Panthers at the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indoor Stadium, Kolkata, when Pahal was the last player left from the Eagles’ squad. He went up and got a touch point, saving his team from getting an all-out.
Clearly, the Dabangs have a very strong raiding department, and the next season will only see them exerting an even stronger influence and pushing their team to the top.