PKL 2019 | Dabang Delhi didn’t raid or defend properly, believes Joginder Narwal

After topping the table in the league stage and getting the better of defending champions in the semifinal, Dabang Delhi expected to have a great outing in the final. They started off on a great note as well and managed to inflict an all-out early in the first half. However, a good team effort by the Warriors helped them win the title by beating Delhi 39-34.

Delhi skipper Joginder Narwal is of the belief that Delhi made mistakes in both the departments and that was the reason for the loss. Joginder also spoke about Delhi’s overall performance in the league and was satisfied with the way the team played.

“Look, both teams that are in a final have to be good sides. Bengal Warriors have good players and so do we. In semi-finals and finals, what generally tends to happen is that the side which makes fewer errors tends to win. We made mistakes both, while raiding and in defence. We had the lead at the start and, just as our coach said, we lost because we didn’t raid or defend properly,” Joginder was quoted as saying by PKL.

“But our team has played well over the course of the season and we are a super side. Yes, we made mistakes tonight and lost the final, but we still played well all season and, as you all have seen, not many youngsters can perform like our main raider Naveen Kumar. So, I’m proud of the boys and I’m satisfied. Tonight, was the final and we made more errors, which is why we lost.”

Young raider Naveen Kumar was the star for the Delhi side as he scored a total of 301 raid points which also included 22 super 10s in the season. He was awarded the Most valuable Player (MVP) of the season for his consistent show in the seventh edition of the PKL. Naveen explained about his experience in the league in his second successive season.

“I have learned a lot over the course of the season. The coach’s advice and the experience of playing has helped me improve. The advice I received regarding decision-making was a big help, and the faith shown in me by the staff never allowed any pressure to mount on me,” explained Naveen.