Going into Season 9, Dabang Delhi K.C. opt for a defence heavy team

Banking on the services of Sandeep Dhull, Amit Hooda and Ravi Kumar, Dabang Delhi K.C. went for a defender-heavy contingent in the vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 9 Player Auction. The defending champions who beat heavyweights Patna Pirates 37-36 in the final will want to make sure that the trophy wasn’t just a one-off chance glory but they do have the mettle for a second one.

 

 

 

 

 

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The gamble with Attack

Dabang Delhi K.C. retained five raiders from their squad of Season 8 and chose not to bid for new ones this Player Auction. They’ll be relying heavily on the services of Naveen Kumar who was last season’s MVP (Most Valuable Player). Over the seasons, the Dabang has a total of 680 raid points and remains a staggering 83.53% Not Out. A lot would be expected from New Young Players (NYP) Suraj Panwar, Manjeet and Ashish Narwal to boost the attack. Ashu Malik who collected 51 Raid Points in Season 8 is touted to be Naveen Kumar’s raiding duo.

A veteran of 85 matches, Vijay will be crucial in the Dabang Delhi K.C. lineup. The all-rounder was the team’s top point scorer in 9 games last season. Assisting him would be Tejas Patil and the young Iranian Reza Katoulinezhad; both of whom would be looking to make their debuts.

The Mighty Defense

With as many as 12 defenders, Dabang Delhi K.C. has invested immensely to make the team ultra- formidable. Getting Sandeep Dhull for ₹40 lakhs from his base price of ₹30 lakhs was nothing short of a steal deal for the management.

 

 

 

 

 

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They also left no stone unturned to bid successfully for Ravi Kumar. The right-cover specialist was snapped for ₹64.10 lakhs; up from his base price of ₹10 lakhs after an intense bidding war. Ravi Kumar who has also been a star in the Senior National will be important for the team to make it big. For left-cover, they secured Vishal who earlier plied his trade for Jaipur Pink Panthers. With retained defenders Dipak, Vijay and Krishan, it looks to be seen if Md. Liton Ali from Bangladesh would get a chance. Fortifying the team would be Anil Kumar, Aakash and Amit Hooda; all of whom were picked at their base price.

Though Dabang Delhi K.C. opted not to use any of their FBM cards in their quest for back-to-back crowns, their approach in Season 9 would be as undaunting as the season before.

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