The Dabang Delhi KC Pro Kabaddi League team is owned by Radha Kapoor’s DoIT Sports Management (India) Pvt. Ltd. Despite having one of the best raiders, defenders and all-rounders in the PKL in the form of Kashiling Adake, Ravinder Pahal and Meraj Sheykh, Delhi have struggled to translate individual brilliance into team success in the past and are yet to finish above 6th in points table.
Kashiling Adake will no longer represent the franchise, having been snapped up by U Mumba, but they have trusted their Iranian all-rounder Meraj Sheykh. Except the Iranian, Dabang Delhi reshuffled their entire squad for VIVO Pro Kabaddi Season 5.
Meraj Sheykh is the key player for Dabang Delhi KC, and is the second highest overseas scorer with 161 points to his name. He was the leading overseas points scorer of PKL 4 with 75 points. Delhi have also roped in the highly experienced right corner defender, Nilesh Shinde, to strengthen their defence.
Squad Profile
Transfers
Strength – Defence
With the presence of Nilesh Shinde, Bajirao Hodage, Sunil and Meraj Sheykh, Dabang Delhi have a formidable defensive combination which can take on any raiding unit.
Bajirao, Sunil and Nilesh have a tackle strike rates above 40 per cent in each of their last 3 PKL seasons.
Weakness – Proven Raiders
Except Meraj Sheykh, Dabang Delhi are lacking individual match-winners in their squad. Meraj Sheykh is not a primary raider and would require support from other players. The lack of alternatives seems to be a weak point for Delhi.
Opportunity – Raiders Look to Take the Centre Stage
The absence of a star raider for Delhi will give the likes of Suraj Desai, Rohit Baliyan and Ravi Dalal enough play time to impress on the mat.
They will be staking claims to become the lead raider and the competition might get the best out of a relatively weak raiding unit.
Threat – Past Record
Delhi’s past record is woeful: they have won just 14 matches across 4 seasons (Least by a team). They are also the only team yet to play a single PKL play-off game.
There will be the pressure of expectation from various stakeholders to correct this dismal record this season.
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