Pro Kabaddi 2024: Dabang Delhi's all-time PKL 7

Dabang Delhi KC’s journey in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) was a rollercoaster, especially during the early seasons, when they struggled to find their footing. In the inaugural season, they finished sixth, but their performances declined in the following seasons.

They dropped to seventh in season two, then eighth, and narrowly escaped last place in season four. The team hit rock bottom in season five, managing just five wins in 22 matches and finishing last.

However, the team’s fortunes took a turn when Naveen Kumar joined them in season six, marking the start of a new era. Since then, Dabang Delhi KC have undergone a remarkable resurgence, securing their first PKL championship in season eight after finishing as runners-up the previous season.

Their consistency in qualifying for the playoffs has improved significantly since Naveen’s arrival, signaling a bright future for the team. They made the playoffs last season as well, but bowed out in the eliminator.

Dabang Delhi's all-time PKL 7

Naveen Kumar

At the heart of Dabang Delhi KC’s revival is Naveen Kumar, popularly known as the "Naveen Express." Ever since he made his PKL debut in season six, Naveen has become the team’s standout player.

His incredible tally of 1,005 points from 91 matches speaks for itself, with an astounding 63 Super 10s to his name and an average of 11.04 raid points per match. Naveen has also recorded 11 super raids and 2 super tackles, making him an indispensable part of the team’s raiding setup. His consistency and skill have been instrumental in Dabang Delhi's success in recent seasons.

Sachin Shingade

Though his time with Dabang Delhi was brief, Sachin Shingade’s impact in season four cannot be overlooked. In just 14 matches, he accumulated 44 tackle points, placing him fifth on the defenders’ leaderboard.

Shingade’s defensive showing that season included four High 5s and five super tackles, making him one of the standout defenders in Delhi’s history, even though he played for just a single season.

Vishal Mane

Veteran defender Vishal Mane cemented his place in Dabang Delhi’s all-time lineup with his solid performances in the right cover position. Over two seasons with the team, Mane recorded 38 points in 22 matches during season six, followed by 28 points in 23 games in season seven.

His strong defensive presence played a key role in helping Dabang Delhi reach the playoffs during his tenure, proving that he was a reliable force in defense.

Vijay Malik

Vijay Malik was a crucial supporting raider for Dabang Delhi, particularly alongside Naveen Kumar. After moving from Patna Pirates ahead of season seven, Vijay made an immediate impact, scoring 62 points in his debut season for Delhi.

His contributions became even more significant in season eight, where he amassed 162 points, playing a pivotal role in the team’s historic PKL title win. Malik’s ability to complement Naveen in the raiding department made him a valuable asset for the team.

Ashu Malik

Ashu Malik has been instrumental in Dabang Delhi's rise in the PKL. Joining the team in season 8, he has been a consistent performer, even shouldering the responsibility during Naveen Kumar's absence.

He scored only 51 raid points in his first season but took his game to another level in the seasons to follow. He scored 141 raid points in season nine and 276 raid points in the previous season. In all, he has already amassed 497 points for Delhi from just 68 games in his career so far.

Joginder Narwal

Joginder Narwal captained Dabang Delhi during some of the team’s most successful seasons, establishing himself as a key defender at the left corner position. Across seasons six, seven, and eight, Narwal scored a total of 132 points.

His leadership and defensive capabilities were integral to Dabang Delhi’s rise in the league standings, guiding the team to its first PKL title. Narwal’s calm presence on the mat and his ability to deliver crucial tackles when needed earned him the respect of his teammates and fans.

Ravinder Pahal

Ravinder Pahal is widely regarded as Dabang Delhi’s most successful defender. Over his five seasons with the franchise, Pahal racked up an impressive 249 points, cementing his place in the team’s all-time lineup. He was a dominant force in defense, and his performances were key to Delhi’s early success in the league.

In season two, Pahal was awarded the Best Defender title after scoring 60 tackle points in just 14 matches, displaying his ability to contain opposition raiders and lead from the front in defense.

Edited by Sankalp Srivastava