Ahead of Dabang Delhi’s 2nd match of the ongoing Star Sports Pro Kabaddi season 2, there was much disquiet in their camp and around. India international and marquee signing Surjeet Narwal had been injured and the Delhi attack had looked spineless without him in their opener. There was this urgent need for someone to rise to the occasion and a young 24-year-old from Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh did just that.
Last night against the Puneri Paltans, Rohit Kumar Choudhary did just that. Tallying 11 points and centric to the two all outs that the team from Maharshtra conceded, he supported Kashiling Adke remarkably. Exhibiting remarkable footwork and tremendous presence of mind, it was only fitting that he was bestowed with both ‘Audience ki Wish Player of the Match’ and ‘Big Impression Player of the Match’ awards.
Talking exclusively to SportsKeeda after the game, Rohit conceded the relief, “It feels amazing to perform and contribute to a win. I have been working really hard throughout the off season and to see that finally they are paying dividends is satisfying.”
Asked about how he feels about filling in Surjeet’s shoes, he said, “It’s obviously a big task, but I am trying my best. He is an absolute legend; to just be in the same team as him is an honour. As and when he returns though, I am sure the three of us (including Kashi) will do really well. We can be a threat to any defense and if we click like we did last night, it would be really difficult to beat us.”
Surjeet won’t be around tonight either as Delhi square off against the Bengal Warriors. That shouldn’t concern the management much though, because as Rohit showed last night, he and Kashi can tear defences apart and lead them down glory road all on their own.