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Much like the proverbial sine curve in science, the performances of the Dabang Delhi team have so far been mercurial. The thumping of hosts Bengal Warriors and the narrow win over Puneri Paltans don’t quite narrate the entire tale, one which encompasses huge losses to the Telegu Titans and then to the Bengaluru Bulls last night.
While the defence has looked solid throughout, they often have found themselves wanting in raiding. And as we have noticed over 2 seasons of PKL, without a formidable line up of raiders, it’s difficult for teams to establish themselves as a force to reckon with. With the experienced Surjeet Narwal still missing, it seems unlikely that their woes have any immediate remedy.
To be fair to their other 2 raiders – Rohit and Kashiling, they have been decent but much like the team, their form has swayed too. Tonight as they prepare to take on defending champions and hosts Jaipur Pink Panthers host in Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Stadium, the mood in the camp seems to be upbeat.
Talking ahead of the game, Amit Chillar rued decisions from the game against Bengaluru and how the team’s shaping up ahead of tonight’s match, “We have been doing really well. In fact if a couple of decisions had gone our way, we would have won the last game too.”
Asserting how they have the necessary momentum on their side, he added, “During practice today, our coached emphasized on maintaining our cool and staying focused on the games to come.We won’t let the loss deter us.”
Coach Honnappa, who received an honorary doctorate from a Malaysian University for his contribution to the game 2 days back, emphaisised on the same, “We can’t change what happened, but tonight will be different. Our raiders have done really well in the last few games and if they can continue in the same rich vein of form, the Pink Panthers shall pose little or no problem for us.We are pretty upbeat. As I said the last match was an aberration and I am sure we will bounce back immediately.”
It would be interesting which Dabang Delhi outfit steps on court today, because if it’s the one which thrashed the Warriors, the hosts are in for a surprise, else coach Honnappa’s pupils might be in for the long haul again.
