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Across 5 host cities so far, the home franchises have won 8 games, lost 7 and drawn 2. While that statistic has a lot to do with U Mumba’s incredible run to kick start Star Sports Pro Kabaddi Season 2, it does give us an idea of how it’s not too definitive an advantage to play at home. With 3 losses out of 4 matches played, the performances of Bengal Warriors at Netaji Subhash Chandra Indoor Stadium and defending champions- Jaipur Pink Panthers at Sawai Man Singh Stand stand testimony to the same.
So today, as the Dabangs from Delhi reached the city after a two and a half weeks hiatus, there was this sea of nervousness which engulfed them. Not only have they lost 3 games on the trot, but now they will have to do what Kolkata and Jaipur couldn’t do reach the play off’s.
Talking to the media right upon their arrival, Coach Honnappa C Gowda played down the issue though, “It’s great to be back. We aren’t really edgy as it might appear. In fact, the team is pretty happy to be back to familiar territory.
There will be friends and families of all the players here and that will serve as a major boost. That is precisely what home advantage is all about and we will try and make full use of it.”
Asked if they are going to utilize the 2 days to devise some strategies and inculcate them in their game, he added, “We are trying out new things. Like last night, we might introduce some new players too.”
While their performances in both their last 2 games were commendable, the Dabangs would need to do better with finishing off games if they intend to make it to the Top 4.
Either way though, we will have a clearer picture about big the ‘home factor’ really is.
Dabang Delhi’s results from last year’s home leg:
TELUGU TITANS BEAT DABANG DELHI BY 4 POINTS
PATNA PIRATES BEAT DABANG DELHI BY 5 POINTS
JAIPUR PINK PANTHERS BEAT DABANG DELHI BY 9 POINTS
DABANG DELHI BEAT BENGAL WARRIORS BY 10 POINTS
