Shrikant Tewathia- in pursuit of opportunities

Action from a match involving the Dabang Delhi

While Surjeet Narwal and Kashiling Adake amassed 113 points each to finish amongst the Top Raiders in the inaugural season of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League, one man who proved to be an ideal foil for them was Shrikant Tewathia. The 23-year-old shone in defence and was remarkable as the 3rd raider for the Dabangs.

Thus at the beginning of this season, with Surjeet nursing a knee injury, it was deemed that the youngster from Pakharpur would be handed out a regular place in the starting 7 but that hasn’t quite happened. Rohit Chowdhury, the new signing from Bijnor, was made to step in and he has been phenomenal so far, relegating Tewathia to a much subdued role.

Upon being asked about his position and role in the team, he said, “I am happy with whatever opportunities I have bestowed with. The coaches have worked very hard with us and I am sure whatever decision they take is for the best.”

Asked about how the Dabangs have approached raiding differently this year, he added, “Last year, we had Surjeet and Kashi in top form, so there was little or nothing to worry about in raiding. That however isn’t the case this year and although we still have done decently, there is scope for improvement.”

The team management has tinkered with various combinations in the last few games, first bringing in Tewathia for the experienced Jasmer Gulia and then handing Dadaso Awad a game in his place. The frequent shuffling might be an attempt to find the right balance but it just seems unfair on Tewathia who impressed thoroughly last year. Hopefully that appearance against U Mumba in Patna wouldn’t prove to be a one off and as he hoped, there will be other opportunities for him to leave his mark on the canvas that Season 2 is.