Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5 : Dabang Delhi predicted starting line up

A bottom of the table season sandwiched between two editions during which they finished a lowly seventh, no other team is as desperate as Dabang Delhi to get things on track. When their raiders have clicked, their defenders crumbled and when their defenders were on point, their raiders just didn’t show up.

Season after season, the capital side have been humbled by almost every single team in the Pro Kabaddi League. This time around, they seem to have an ideal balance and shouldn’t be regarded as perennial pushovers.

That being said, let’s take a look at Dabang Delhi’s predicted starting line-up.

#1 Meraj Sheykh

As I write this piece, Meraj Sheykh was announced as the captain of Dabang Delhi for season 5. A fitting title for a man who time and again bailed out his side from embarrassing situations in season 4.

Meraj was the only foreign raider to feature among the top 10 raiders of last season. It speaks volumes about his ability to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings. All said and done, his teammates will once again largely rely on his raiding exploits.

#2 Nilesh Shinde

Nilesh will play a pivotal role for Delhi

The former Bengal Warriors right corner will play a pivotal role and ensure Delhi don’t wither away like in previous seasons. His ability to control over-enthusiastic and inexperienced players will come in handy. Whatever happens on the mat, one thing is for sure – Nilesh Shinde will not lose his cool.

This trait of his will be vital if and when Dabang Delhi are at the receiving end of a heavy loss. As a leader, he will be keen to bounce back from a poor season 4.

#3 Ravil Dalal

The competition for places in the raiding department is heavy. Former U Mumba man, Suresu Kumar is an agile and quick raider but Ravi Dalal should edge past him courtesy his experience in the league.

Dalal has 33 matches under his belt compared to Suresu’s 18. This is not to say that Ravi’s position in the team will be guaranteed. If and when he slacks off, Delhi can bank on Suresu to come in and deliver at any given point.

#4 Bajirao Hodage

Bajirao will form a potent partnership with Nilesh

If veteran Nilesh Shinde is to be at his peak, he’ll require the man next to him to be equally alert. Which is why Dabang Delhi picked up Bajirao Hodage at the auction. The both have formed a potent partnership at the back and will in all likelihood, start together in every single match.

As a right cover, they don’t get much better than Bajirao. Athletic, fearless and strong, Hodage is a versatile defender who will be the lynchpin of this Delhi side.

#5 Sunil Kumar

By acquiring the services of Sunil Kumar, Delhi have added some much-needed depth to their side’s defence. Unlike previous seasons where they desperately lacked options at the back, Delhi have multiple defenders who can stand and perform on any given day.

Sunil Kumar happens to be one of them. The left corner was a regular starter at U Mumba last time and will continue to play a crucial role for his new team.

#6 Abolfazl Maghsoudlou

Abolfazl has a real shot at the starting line up

Since the inception of the league, rarely has a team fielded two foreign exports in their starting line-up. Abolfazl has a real chance at reversing this trend. He spent last season with Patna Pirates and was largely used as a do or die raider.

In the limited opportunities that he had, the raider displayed his speed, reach and poise during pressure situations. The Iranian has a real shot at breaking into the starting line-up this time around.

#7 Rupesh Tomar

With three solid defenders at their disposal, Dabang Delhi have four specialised defenders who will be part of the league for the first time ever. Which is why all-rounder, Rupesh Tomar will in all probability be tasked with the role of the fourth defender in this team.

The new defenders will no doubt have their chances and will be eased into the team but for now, Rupesh will start and combine with Sunil, Nilesh Shinde and Bajirao at the back.