“ASHU MALIK WILL BE REMEMBERED FOR YEARS, HE SCRIPTED HISTORY WITH PRO KABADDI LEAGUE’S FIRST-EVER GOLDEN RAID”: SUNIL TANEJA

Day seven of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 saw Telugu Titans stunning Jaipur Pink Panthers with a spirited win in the first match, powered by Bharat Hooda’s all-round brilliance. Fireworks followed in the second clash, where Dabang Delhi K.C. edged out Puneri Paltan in a nail-biting tiebreaker that ended with Ashu Malik scripting history by pulling off the league’s first-ever Golden Raid. The thriller was replete with drama, as refereeing decisions and Puneri Paltan Head Coach Ajay Thakur’s rare display of frustration became major talking points. Speaking exclusively on KBD Live, JioStar expert Sunil Taneja shared his thoughts on it all.

Speaking exclusively on KBD Live, JioStar expert Sunil Taneja reflected on the historic Golden Raid:
“I remember a Golden Raid happening once in the Khelo India Games, but never before in Pro Kabaddi. Ashu Malik will be remembered for years, he scripted history with the league’s first-ever Golden Raid. He crossed the baulk line twice, took a bonus, and then secured the touch point on Gaurav Khatri to seal the match. Even if the referees hadn’t awarded the bonus, that touch confirmed it. But I was disappointed with Gaurav Khatri, instead of retreating, he should have stepped forward and tried to tackle Ashu. If he had managed that, the scores would have been level at one-all, and Puneri Paltan would have got their chance at the Golden Raid.”

Taneja lauded Ajay Thakur’s composure despite a few concerns:
“We’ve known Ajay Thakur since Season 1, and he has never lost his cool. He’s played under captains like Manjeet Chhillar, and maybe that discipline comes from there. But this time, he had every reason to be furious, it wasn’t a close call, it was a clear bonus point. I’m glad Ajay took a stand, and even the Technical Director Prasad Rao was forced to step in. The replay proved the error, and the point was awarded at halftime. Good that the officials corrected themselves”

On Fazel Atrachali’s vintage defensive brilliance against Puneri Paltan:
“That was OG (Atrachali’s original) defence. I saw the Fazel Atrachali of Season 3 and 4. Yes, he made a couple of silly mistakes at the end, but those ankle holds — when he went deep, baited the raiders, and snapped them — reminded me of Joginder Narwal. Fazel is currently in his prime and he was even having fun mocking the raiders. Two seasons ago, in a live chat, he told me he’d play only two-three more years. But on this form, he can easily go on for three more seasons. Fazel, please don’t retire — kabaddi still needs you on the mat.”

On Bharat Hooda’s underrated brilliance in Telugu Titans’ win over Jaipur Pink Panthers:
“Bharat Hooda is an underrated all-rounder. Whenever we talk about all-rounders, names like Manjeet Chhillar or Anup Kumar come up, but Bharat deserves to be in that conversation. Tonight, he showed it — once from the left, once from the right — ankle holds on Nitin that turned the game. The support he gives is unique, and his defensive awareness was top class. Yes, new players like Avi Duhan, Shubham Shinde, and Ajit Pawar all contributed, but Bharat Hooda’s impact went unnoticed on the scoresheet. Credit to him for motivating this defense to counterattack so fiercely — that’s why Telugu Titans won tonight.”