Dabang Delhi K.C. seek elusive win over Haryana Steelers

The action continues in the festive period as Haryana Steelers face a skirmish against Dabang Delhi K.C. for the second time in VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 6 at the Shaheed Vijay Pathik Sport Complex in Greater Noida on Thursday. The two teams previously faced off in a thriller of a contest in the Sonepat leg that went the way of Haryana Steelers by a narrow scoreline of 34-31.

Haryana Steelers’ raiding trio of captain Monu Goyat, Vikash Khandola and Naveen combined to score 19 points for their team in that match. But the star of the night for them was Parveen who scored six vital tackle points, including a Super Tackle in what a towering performance from the Left Cover.

For Dabang Delhi K.C., their corner duo of captain Joginder Singh Narwal and Ravinder Pahal managed nine tackle points amongst themselves, with the latter getting a High 5. Raiders Pawan Kadian and Chandran Ranjit combined to score 15 raid points as Dabang Delhi K.C. fell just short in the match.

Match 52 (Zone A): Haryana Steelers vs. Dabang Delhi K.C.

 

Head-to-head: Haryana Steelers 4-0 Dabang Delhi K.C.

Having won just three of 10 games in Season 6, Haryana Steelers are in need of a few victories under their belt to keep hopes of a Playoff appearance alive. Despite their form, they will be confident heading into the next game against Dabang Delhi K.C., having won every game they have played against them. They will also draw confidence from their match against the reigning champions Patna Pirates, where they beat them by a scoreline of 43-32. Vikash Khandola managed a Super 10 and ably supported by Naveen who managed nine raid points to go with his three tackle points.

After their impressive victory over Bengal Warriors, Dabang Delhi K.C. succumbed to three straight defeats and need a win to keep pace with the three teams that currently occupy the Playoff spots in Zone A. Their previous game was a high-scoring affair against Gujarat Fortunegiants that ended in 38-45 defeat for Dabang Delhi K.C. Despite the loss, the team had multiple positives, especially the performance of raider Chandran Ranjit, who managed 11 raid points at his season-best strike rate of 78.57. Naveen Kumar continued his stellar rookie campaign scoring eight raid points, the second-best tally for his team in the match. The two players will have to repeat or even better those performances if their team are to score that first ever victory over Haryana Steelers.

The big battle

Naveen Kumar vs. Naveen

Both, Dabang Delhi K.C. and Haryana Steelers, are blessed with rookie raiders that have performed well beyond their years in the debut campaigns for their respective sides. And coincidentally, both are named Naveen.

Naveen Kumar and Naveen started out the season as the third-choice raiders in their respective teams but have delivered quality performances for their sides. Dabang Delhi K.C.’s Naveen Kumar trails Ranjit, who leads the team from the capital in scoring, by just a solitary point, whereas Haryana Steelers’ Naveen trails captain Monu Goyat -- who is second in scoring for his side -- by just two points.

Despite being in their maiden campaigns, both players have been vital for their respective teams and the battle of the rookies promises to be an interesting watch and might even decide the outcome of this contest.   

Key Khiladi

Vikash Khandola – Haryana Steelers

Haryana Steelers’ leading scorer this campaign with 79 total points, Vikash Khandola has led his team by example and was also handed the captaincy in the absence of Monu Goyat, showing just how much coach Rambir Singh Khokhar values the 20-year-old. Khandola starred in his side’s previous outing against the Dabang Delhi K.C. where he managed nine raid points, the most by any player in the match, helping his side to a victory.

Chandran Ranjit – Dabang Delhi K.C.

Chandran Ranjit was outstanding in Dabang Delhi K.C.’s previous match, scoring a season-high 11 raid points in his team’s loss. The raider is the leading scorer for Dabang Delhi K.C. with 55 and has been vital to his side’s fortunes. In Dabang Delhi K.C.’s previous matchup against Haryana Steelers, Ranjit led his side in scoring with eight and will be hopeful of another big performance this time around.