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Dabang Delhi haven’t had the most auspicious of starts to the 2nd edition of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League, losing 36-27 in what was their opening match of the tournament at Mumbai’s NSCI indoor stadium. As they arrived in Kolkata for what will be their 2nd match of the season, it’s worth recalling that last year too, their opponents after a loss on the opening night were the team from Pune.
The result then – a narrow 35-31 win for the team from the capital. While it’s unfair to compare situations spread over a year, coach Honnappa C Gowda and his team definitely have a reason to be optimistic. India international Surjeet Narwal had topscored with 13 points and from what we hear, he is supposed to return from a recurring injury and lead his team on the 24th.
Talking about the team’s chances, he seemed upbeat and said, “We will hit back, the first match will prove to be just an aberration.”
The biggest concern for the team though has been his own absence. Playing it down, he added, “It’s a team sport anyway; even if I don’t make it, there is Kashi and Rohit- they shall take care of raiding. We have a strong defense anyway.”
Also inspite of beating the Puneri Paltans both times last season (aforementioned and then in the final group match), he refused to be over confident; “Pune are a really good team, with Wazir (Shah) leading them, they can turn around their fortunes any given day. We can’t afford to be complacent.”
Talking about history, Kolkata wasn’t a happy hunting ground for team from Delhi last year; Surjeet and co. seem determined to change that though.
Here is a look back at how Delhi fared vs the Puneri Paltans and in Kolkata last season:
31st July, 2014 at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Indoor Stadium, Kolkata
MATCH 10: Bengal Warriors 42- 40 Dabang Delhi
Against Puneri Paltan:
28th July, 2014 at National Sports Club of India, Mumbai
MATCH 5: Puneri Paltan 31-35 Dabang Delhi
25th August, 2014 at Sree Kanteerava Stadium, Bengaluru
MATCH 52: Dabang Delhi 45-42 Puneri Paltan
