Dabang Delhi KC have been a resurgent side over the past few years. The main reason behind this is their star raider, Naveen Kumar Goyat. Naveen has changed the fortunes of this franchise, ever since his debut in 2018.
While Naveen has been prolific, the team has done their bit as well. Dabang has recruited some youngsters over the years, and groomed them into PKL stars -- Ashu Malik and Manjeet to name a few.
As we head into season 10, and beyond the Krishan Kumar Hooda era, will we see a different Dabang Delhi? Will Naveen Kumar have to carry the team on his shoulders once more?
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As the Dabang Delhi K.C. aim for their second PKL title, The Sporting News analyses their team for Season 10:
Dabang Delhi KC full squad for PKL Season 10
Raiders:
- Naveen Kumar (Right Raider)
- Ashu Malik (Right Raider)
- Meetu Sharma (Right Raider)
- Manjeet Sharma (Right Raider)
- Suraj Panwar (Right Raider)
- Ashish Narwal (Right Raider)
- Manu Deshwal (Left Raider)
Defenders:
- Vishal Bharadwaj (Left Corner)
- Vijay Kumar (Left Corner)
- Sunil Narwal (Right Corner)
- Nitin Chandel (Right Corner)
- Bala Sahib Jadhav (Right Cover)
- Yuvraj Pandyan (Right Cover)
- Himmat Antil (Left Cover)
- Felix Lee (Left Cover)
- Yogesh Dahiya (Right Corner)
- Ashish Malik (Left Corner)
- Mohit (Right Cover)
- Vikrant Khokhar (Left Cover).
All Rounders:
- Akash Parashar
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Who is the head coach of Dabang Delhi KC for season 10?
Rambir Singh Khokhar is the head coach of the Dabang Delhi KC. Khokhar joined the squad ahead of season 10.
Dabang Delhi appointed Khokhar in place of the outgoing Krishan Kumar Hooda, who brought success to the franchise in season 8. As Khokhar, who was earlier with Haryana Steelers, makes his PKL return he has his task cut out with a young squad.
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Who are the Dabang Delhi KC players to watch out for in Season 10?
Naveen Kumar Goyat: Naveen Kumar has been on the rise, ever since his PKL debut in season 6. Having beein brought into the Delhi team as the NYP (New Young Player) in 2018, the speedy raider has been a revelation.
Naveen has scored 934 raid points in just 85 matches, averaging 11 points per game. Now the more experienced player in his team, 'The Naveen Express' will be hoping to lead the team to another title triumph.
Meetu Mahender: Meetu Mahender earned his big-money move (Rs 93 lakhs) from Haryana Steelers to Dabang Delhi at the season 10 auction. The Dabang fans should watch out for their new man, picking up touch points at will.
Meetu had a stellar season with the Haryana Steelers in the last edition, scoring 137 raid points in 20 matches.
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Ashu Malik: Ashu Malik was retained by the Dabang management through Final Bid Match (FBM) Card.
Ashu really came into his own in the last edition. He will be the one to watch out for, as he climbs up the pecking order in absence of Vijay Malik in PKL season 10.
What are the strengths of Dabang Delhi KC ahead of Season 10?
Firepower in raiding department: Dabang Delhi has a formidable raiding arsenal in PKL 10. Naveen has been one of the stronger raiders in the league over the past few seasons. Adding Meetu, Manjeet, and Ashu to that list will only be beneficial for the Delhi franchise.
Experienced Corner Defenders: Dabang Delhi acquired the services of the experienced campaigner Vishal Bharadwaj towards the end of the auction. Delhi also bought the experienced Sunil Narwal at base price on Day 1 of the auction.
Vishal plays at the left-corner, while Sunil will be seen guarding the right corner position and they are two of the best in the business.
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What are the weaknesses of Dabang Delhi KC ahead of Season 10?
Lack of variety as a raiding unit: Manjeet, Meetu, Ashu, and Naveen are right-sided raiders. Just like last season, Dabang Delhi lack the presence of an authoritative left raider.
The lack of variety in raiding had seen them struggle to get touch points in the second half of season 9. The raiders relied mainly on bonus points, and played on the second or the third raid.
Inexperienced Cover defenders: While Delhi took care of the corners, they failed to bring in experienced cover defenders for their Season 10 squad. This could prove to be their biggest weakness in the decennial edition of the Pro Kabaddi League.
After a glorious run to the championships in 2021, Dabang Delhi weren't at their best as they defended the title in season 9. Unburdened of the pressure, can they make a run for the trophy yet again?
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