PKL 2019 | How Dabang Delhi KC stopped Jaipur Pink Panthers' juggernaut
PKL
Dabang Delhi KC have now climbed up to the top of the points table as they managed to stop the rampaging Jaipur Pink Panthers on Monday. A combined effort by Naveen Kumar, Chandran Ranjit, and Ravinder Pahal ensured an emphatic 35-24 win against the inaugural champions.
Naveen Kumarās zero unsuccessful raids
Naveen Kumar has been the primary raider of the Delhi unit from the previous edition and had played a great role in taking them into the playoffs for the first time ever in the franchiseās history as well. He had gone off the mat yesterday against Jaipur for only once and that too, while attempting a tackle. Not a single defender managed to catch hold the youngster and it was another evening where Naveen remained unbeaten in the 18 raids and collected 12 points, which played a great part in the win for Dabang Delhi.Ā
He started off on a great note by getting a toe touch on Vishal in the very first raid for him in the game. But, he played an important part in the second half of the game. After Deepak Hooda had put the pressure back on Delhi with a Super Raid and then Delhi were starring at an all-out, Naveen went for a raid and got Sandeep Dhull and Amit Hooda. He not only completed his fourth Super 10 of the season but also ensured that Delhi were right on track for their fourth win this year. This raid also ensured that the two corner defenders, who had played some important roles in the wins for Jaipur in the last few matches of the tournament, stay off the mat.
Ā Ā©PKLChandran Ranjit starred in the second halfĀ
After having a terrible start to the game as he got tackled in the very first raid by Deepak Niwas Hooda, Ranjit had a poor first half in the raiding department. However, he came out all guns blazing in the second half and a power-packed performance by the raider also was crucial in the win against Jaipur. Out of his total of 10 points in the match, seven were touchpoints, and his raids were vital in the second half.
After Naveen had put Delhi in a comfortable position with the two-point raid, Ranjit went on to strengthen the lead soon. With four defenders on the mat, Ranjit had stepped on for a raider and came back with four touchpoints which also resulted in the opposition getting all-out in that raid. Pavan TR, Vishal, Deepak Hooda and Deepak Narwal all got out in the Super Raid and Delhi got a 12-point lead.
Ā Ā© PKLFinally a decent outing for Ravinder Pahal in the defence
Ravinder Pahal and Joginder Pahal are the two stars of the Delhi defence. However, with Joginder going strong at the left corner in the first few games for the team, Pahal looked lacklustre most of the times. But, Monday was different for the team from the national capital as the right corner went on to score three tackle points and also played a good supporting role for other players in the defence as well.Ā
Ajinkya Pawar was sent for a Do or die raid in the first half with 11:44 minutes remaining on the clock. Pahal blocked the path of Pawar and when the raider tried to go over him, he pulled him down with an ankle hold. This tackle move showed the sheer power that he has and also highlighted his importance in the team. In the second half of the game, Pahal blocked Deepak Narwal in another Do or die raid and in the same way, he did against Pawar in the 37th min of the match. He only got out once in the match and his presence on the mat mattered for Delhi. Apart from all that, the senior defender also helped Chandran Ranjit in getting rid of Deepak Hooda when there were eight minutes on the clock and the Panthers were trying to bring the lead down to less than 10.
