Dabang Delhi: PKL History, Achievements, Social Media and Many More

Dabang Delhi is regarded as one of the most talked about franchise in PKL and credit should be given to all stakeholders who will work hard behind the scenes to make this entity extremely successful.


Here in this article we will talk about defending Champions Dabang Delhi where they were absolute powerhouse in last year marquee event by beating Puneri Paltans.


Let’s Talk about some of the high moments, low moments, achievements, PKL history over the years to be shared in the detail:


Season 1 : Not A Great Beginning:


In the inaugural season, Dabang Delhi KC fielded a squad with a mix of experienced raiders and strong defenders. However, they struggled to find their rhythm right from the start. The competition was fierce, with teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers, U Mumba, and Bengal Warriors dominating the early phases.


Delhi finished 7th out of 8 teams, managing only 4 wins from 14 matches. The team lacked a standout raider who could consistently deliver. Their defensive unit, although spirited, couldn’t convert close matches into wins. But the franchise remained optimistic, believing that foundational years often involve experimentation and learning.

Season 2 : Strive for improvements:


Season 2 was an opportunity for Dabang Delhi KC to correct their mistakes, but despite showing flashes of improvement, results didn’t dramatically change. They still couldn’t break into the top four required for playoffs due to inconsistent performances.


The team finished 7th again, ending with just 3 wins, the lowest among all franchises that season.


The inability to retain momentum, especially in second halves, hurt them.

However, the season was notable for the emergence of a fighting mentality, and individually, a few players showed promise—something Delhi would build on in the coming years.

Season 3- Process where they were trying to rebuild themselves:


Season 3 marked the beginning of Delhi’s rebuilding journey. They brought in fresh talent, revamped strategies, and tried to form a more balanced unit. However, the season was again underwhelming in terms of results.
Delhi finished last (8th place), securing only 4 wins in 14 matches.


Despite the challenging outcome, this season played a significant role in Delhi’s long-term growth. They started identifying gaps—particularly in raiding depth and corner defense—that needed strengthening.

The management also became more proactive about scouting young talent and planning for future seasons.

Season 4 – They Experimented with Changes but result remain the same:


Season 4 saw Delhi attempting drastic changes once again. The team experimented with new combinations but couldn’t find the right formula. Their campaign remained inconsistent, and close defeats continued to haunt them. The defensive unit lacked coordination, and the raiding department did not have a dependable match-winner.


Delhi again finished 8th, repeating their position from the previous season.


Although they brought in players with potential, the team still struggled to convert opportunities in crunch moments. Yet, Delhi’s fanbase appreciated their resilience. The franchise was slowly transforming its mindset from short-term fixes to long-term planning.

Season 5 – New Talent Introduced in the Marquee Event:


Season 5 brought a major reshuffling across all franchises due to the introduction of four new teams, leading to the biggest PKL season ever. Dabang Delhi KC approached the auction differently—they went for young, dynamic talents and began building a core that could mature together.


This season marked a subtle turning point. Delhi finished 6th in Zone Their performance, although not extraordinary, was considerably more competitive than previous years.


Key highlights included:

  1. Emergence of Young Raiders
    Delhi began nurturing young prospects who showed fearlessness on the mat. The raiding unit finally looked capable of taking on top defenders.
  2. A More Cohesive Defense
    Although not dominant, the defense was more structured. The corners and covers looked better coordinated, leading to tighter matches.
  3. Signs of Revival
    The franchise clearly indicated that better days were coming. They were no longer the bottom-table team everyone expected them to be. Their performances deserved more credit than what the points table suggested.

Season 6 (2018) should be reaffirmed as Comeback Season for them:


Season 6 is widely regarded as the transformative season for Dabang Delhi KC—the year the franchise finally rose from the shadows and announced itself as a serious contender in the league.


This season saw the arrival of Naveen Kumar, a teenager who would redefine Delhi’s identity for years to come. His speed, footwork, and hunger set him apart from other young raiders across the league. Naveen quickly became Delhi’s go-to raider, scoring raid points with consistency beyond his age.

  1. The Rise of “Naveen Express”
    Naveen Kumar delivered sensational performances throughout the season. His ability to secure quick bonus points and escape defenders with swift movement provided Delhi with much-needed raiding stability.
    This was the birth of a superstar—one who would later win MVP, shatter PKL records, and become the face of the franchise.
  2. Strong Defensive Backbone
    Delhi built a solid defensive unit under the leadership of captain Joginder Narwal, an experienced left-corner known for his calm leadership and well-timed ankle holds.
    He was supported by Ravinder Pahal “The Hawk”, one of the most dangerous right-corner defenders in PKL history. The duo’s presence gave Delhi a balance they had been missing for years.
  3. Tactical Maturity
    Unlike previous seasons, Delhi showed tactical discipline. Their game plans were more structured, and coach Krishan Kumar Hooda played a big role in shaping the team’s mindset. He backed young players like Naveen and gave them confidence to express themselves on the mat.
  1. First-Ever Playoff Qualification
    For the first time in PKL history, Dabang Delhi KC reached the playoffs—an achievement that changed the narrative around the team.
    They finished 3rd in the league table, defeating top sides and proving they belonged among the elite.
    Although they lost in the qualifier stages, the season was a monumental success. Delhi transformed from underachievers to playoff-worthy contenders, making fans believe in the franchise like never before.

Season 6: A complete Journey where they are looking for Transformation:


Between Season 1 and Season 4, Dabang Delhi struggled with identity, consistency, and leadership. But from Season 5 onwards, they began rebuilding with a long-term vision—one rooted in youth development, defensive leadership, and tactical clarity.


By Season 6, they had:
• A superstar raider in Naveen Kumar
• A veteran defensive leadership core (Joginder Narwal + Ravinder Pahal)
• A confident, aggressive playing style
• A belief that they could challenge the biggest teams
Their Season 6 playoff qualification marked the beginning of a golden era that would eventually lead to their championship glory in later seasons.

Low Moments
• Inexperience in crunch moments: Despite reaching the playoffs, nerves showed when facing seasoned teams.
• Over-reliance on Naveen: Secondary raiding support was inconsistent.
Season Summary
Delhi ended this season with belief — they could compete against the best. The foundation for future success was laid.

SEASON 7 (2019) – Dominance, Consistency & A New Superstar:


Season 7 was the season of Naveen Kumar, who delivered one of the greatest individual PKL seasons ever.
High Moments
• Naveen Kumar’s 22 Consecutive Super 10s: An all-time PKL record.
• Final Appearance for the First Time: Delhi reached their maiden PKL final.
• Balance in Squad: Chandran Ranjit supported Naveen well, while Ravinder Pahal (“The Hawk”) and Joginder Narwal formed a strong defensive unit.
Low Moments
• Loss in the Final vs Bengal Warriors: Despite dominating the league stage, Delhi failed to grab the title.
• Defensive lapses in crucial stages: They struggled against do-or-die raids in the final.
Season Summary
Delhi had clearly become an elite PKL team, ending the season as runners-up, but the hunger for a title grew stronger.

SEASON 8 (2021-22) – The Champions Rise:


Season 8 was the most glorious chapter in Delhi’s PKL history.
High Moments
• Winning Their First PKL Title: Delhi defeated Patna Pirates in a tense final to be crowned champions.
• Naveen Kumar – Most Valuable Player (MVP): Despite injuries, he delivered match-winning performances.
• All-round defensive brilliance:
o Joginder Narwal led from the front.
o Manjeet Chhillar added world-class experience.
o Jeeva Kumar strengthened cover defense.
o Sandeep Narwal added versatility and aggression.
Low Moments
• Naveen’s mid-season injury: He missed several matches, leaving Delhi under pressure.
• Team dipped in momentum: Without their star raider, they struggled to maintain consistency.
Season Summary
Despite challenges, Delhi’s unity, depth, and adaptability helped them overcome all odds to become PKL Champions — their greatest achievement.

SEASON 9 (2022) – The Fall After Glory:


After becoming champions, Delhi entered Season 9 with huge expectations. However, the season turned out to be turbulent.


High Moments
• Naveen Kumar remained unstoppable: Another strong season with multiple Super 10s.
• Youngsters stepped up: Ashu Malik and Vinay showed potential.


Low Moments
• Failure to make the Playoffs: An unexpected dip in form pushed them out of the top 6.
• Weaker Defense Without Chhillar & Sandeep: Their exits left a huge void.
• Inconsistency in raiding support: Over-reliance on Naveen hurt the team again.
• Injuries and tactical confusion: Frequent lineup changes reduced stability.
Season Summary
Season 9 was disappointing — the champions failed to defend their crown and looked far from their title-winning form.

SEASON 10 (2023-24) – A New Beginning, A New Core:


Season 10 was about rebuilding with youth and developing a fresh identity.


High Moments
• Rise of Ashu Malik as a Leading Raider: He delivered several match-winning performances and proved he could lead the raiding department in Naveen’s absence.
• Defensive Promise: Young defenders like Vishal, Yogesh, and others showcased strong performances.
Low Moments
• Naveen Kumar Missing the Season: A major setback — the team lacked its superstar raider.
• Failure to Qualify for Playoffs: Inconsistency again haunted them.
• Close Matches Lost in Last Minutes: Poor decision-making cost them multiple games.
Season Summary
Season 10 was a transition year where Delhi tested young talent but couldn’t convert good performances into results.

SEASON 11 (2024) – Fightback but Still Short:


Delhi entered Season 11 with a mission: to reclaim their lost dominance. The season saw improvement but not enough to reach their old heights.
High Moments
• Balanced Squad Formation: Better mix of youth and experience.
• Ashu Malik’s continued growth: He emerged as a leader and consistent raider.
• Improved Defensive Chemistry: The defense looked more organized compared to the last two seasons.
Low Moments
• Not reaching playoffs once again: Despite improvements, Delhi fell short.
• Mid-season dip in intensity: Inconsistency continued to hurt.
• Lack of a strong secondary raider: Once again, raiding lacked depth.
Season Summary
Delhi showed glimpses of their old self but still lacked the killer instinct that made them champions in Season 8.

SEASON 12 (2025 – Ongoing) – A Crucial Turning Point:


Season 12 is still underway, but it is already shaping up to be one of the most important seasons for Delhi’s future.
Best Moments
• Better team cohesion: Early signs show improved chemistry between raiders and defenders.
• Ashu Malik + Young Raiders Combo: A strong raiding rotation providing flexibility.
• Defensive resurgence: Tackling efficiency has gone up; covers and corners are more disciplined.
Worst Moments
• Pressure of expectations: The team is still looking to overcome the shadow of their championship era.
• Close losses: Some matches slipped away in the final few minutes.
• Still searching for the dominance of old: The team plays well but hasn’t reached its Season 7-8 peak.
Season 12 Outlook
Delhi is fighting hard to return to the playoffs. With strong team chemistry and a more balanced lineup, this season could mark the beginning of their resurgence.

Key Talking Points In Delhi’s Journey Over the Years:

  1. The Rise of Naveen Kumar – The Franchise Icon
    From a rookie to the face of PKL, Naveen transformed Delhi completely. His consistency and dominance made Delhi a powerhouse.
  2. Leadership Matters
    Joginder Narwal’s captaincy and defensive guidance created discipline and belief inside the squad.
  3. Defense Creates Championships
    Delhi’s title win in Season 8 was heavily powered by an experienced defensive wall — something they struggled to recreate later.
  4. Youth Development
    Delhi has invested in young players like Ashu Malik, Vinay, Vishal, and others — which is crucial for long-term success.
  5. Inconsistency After the Title
    Post Season 8, Delhi faced instability due to injuries, departures of senior players, and over-reliance on 1–2 raiders.

Final Perspective: The Evolution of a Modern PKL Giant:


From underdogs in Season 6 to finalists in Season 7, champions in Season 8, and rebuilding phases in Seasons 9–11, Dabang Delhi has experienced every emotion possible. As Season 12 continues, the franchise stands at a crossroads — blending young talent with experience to climb back to the top.


What remains undeniable is that Delhi has built a strong identity, a loyal fan base, and a legacy powered by passion, youth, and a fighting spirit. Their journey is still unfolding, and the next chapters promise even greater drama and excitement.

Dabang Delhi Journey from Journalistic Perspective:

If you look at Dabang Delhi Journey so far from Journalistic perspective, it should be decoded in such a way where it talks about franchise journey throughout the marquee event.

Dabang Delhi Journey, have been phenomenal where in 18 league stage matches they played where they won 15 games losing only 3 which speaks a volume about assertiveness based on how well they played.

Their offence and defence have been exceptional throughout the marquee event credit should be given to coach joginder narwal who assembled a rock solid team which is a perfect amalgamation of youth and experience players.

Dabang Delhi, have been phenomenal and credit should be given to all the sports staff working behind the scenes to bring out the best performances from the franchise.

Dabang Delhi offense led by Ashu Malik along with Neeraj Narwal and Akshit when it comes to defense led by Fazel Atrachali, Saurabh Nandal and Surjeet Singh Narwal have been phenomenal.

Dabang Delhi have played amazing attacking Kabaddi, and credit should be given for amazing consistency and skills on the fore.

Overall, Delhi deserve credit for bringing their A game on their fore.

The way they played in PKL 12, there was no other team who deserved to win the recently concluded marquee event.

When we discuss about their Journey in Playoffs, it is one of its Kind, where they completely dismantled, where initially they defeated Puneri Paltans initially and winning that encounter they qualified for the final.

Overall in the night of the final once again they defeated Puneri Paltans by 31-28 and credit should be given to entire team and some of the players including the likes of Neeraj Narwal who did justice on both occasion , when Ashu wasn’t at his A game, he came up with the bang for top notch skills, and ensured to add points in their kitty whenever it was needed the most.

Overall, defensive experience which include- Surjeet and Fazel and together these powerful duo brought wealth of experience and dismantled opposition to the best of their ability.

DABANG DELHI KC – SEASON-WISE PERFORMANCE TABLE

SEASON 1 – Not a Great Beginning

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryInaugural season with mixed squad but lacked rhythm.
Position7th out of 8 teams
Wins4 wins from 14
High MomentsCompetitive spirit despite losses
Low MomentsNo standout raider; close matches slipping
Key IssuesInconsistent defense, no match-winning raider
TakeawayLearning year & foundation building

SEASON 2 – Strive for Improvements

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryImproved intent but not results
Position7th place
Wins3 wins (lowest among all teams)
High MomentsFighting mentality emerged
Low MomentsFailure to keep momentum in 2nd halves
Key IssuesInconsistency & lack of finish
TakeawayIndividual talents emerged; base for future seasons

SEASON 3 – Rebuilding Phase Begins

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryMajor restructuring and youth introduction
Position8th place
Wins4 wins
High MomentsIdentification of gaps in defense & raiding
Low MomentsWeak corner defense & lack of depth
Key IssuesNo balance in squad
TakeawayLong-term planning begins

SEASON 4 – Experiments Continue

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryFrequent changes but same results
Position8th place
High MomentsPotential talent inducted
Low MomentsPoor coordination in defense, no lead raider
Key IssuesCrunch-time failures
TakeawayShift to long-term strategy

SEASON 5 – New Talent & Revival Signs

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryFocus on young, dynamic players
Position6th in Zone
High MomentsYoung raiders showed fearlessness
DefenseMore structured and coordinated
Low MomentsInability to win crucial games
TakeawayDelhi no longer bottom-table — rise begins

SEASON 6 – The Comeback Season

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryDelhi transformed into contenders
BreakthroughArrival of Naveen Kumar (Naveen Express)
PositionPlayoff Qualification (3rd place overall)
High MomentsStrong defense of Joginder + Ravinder Pahal
Low MomentsOver-reliance on Naveen
Coach ImpactKrishan Kumar Hooda shaped mindset & tactics
TakeawayFirst-ever playoffs → Foundation for golden era

SEASON 7 – Dominance & First Final Appearance

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryNaveen’s record-breaking season
PositionRunners-up
High Moments22 consecutive Super 10s by Naveen
Secondary RaiderChandran Ranjit’s support
Low MomentsLoss in final vs Bengal Warriors
Key IssuesDefensive lapses in crunch time
TakeawayDelhi became PKL elite force

SEASON 8 – The Championship Season

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryDelhi wins first PKL title
FinalBeat Patna Pirates
StarNaveen Kumar – MVP
Defense UnitJoginder, Manjeet, Jeeva, Sandeep Narwal
High MomentsTactical maturity & depth
Low MomentsNaveen injury mid-season
TakeawayGreatest achievement in franchise history

SEASON 9 – Post-Glory Decline

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryExpectations high, performance low
PositionFailed to qualify for playoffs
High MomentsNaveen still dominant
YoungstersAshu Malik, Vinay showed spark
Low MomentsDefense weakened after senior exits
Key IssuesInjuries & lack of raiding depth
TakeawayReality check after title win

SEASON 10 – Rebuilding with Youth

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryFresh identity under young leaders
High MomentsRise of Ashu Malik
DefensePromising performances (Vishal, Yogesh, etc.)
Low MomentsNaveen’s absence
Close LossesMultiple games lost in final minutes
PositionMissed playoffs
TakeawayLearning year; new core formed

SEASON 11 – Fightback but Not Enough

CategoryDetails
Season SummaryBetter squad, better chemistry
High MomentsAshu Malik’s leadership rise
DefenseMore organized than previous 2 seasons
Low MomentsFailed to reach playoffs again
IssuesNo strong secondary raider
TakeawayImprovement, but no return to elite form

SEASON 12 (Ongoing) – A Crucial Turning Point

CategoryDetails
Season SummarySeason shaping up as a revival stage
High MomentsCohesion, disciplined defense, strong raiding rotation
Key PlayersAshu Malik, Neeraj Narwal, Akshit, Fazel, Saurabh Nandal
Low MomentsClose losses & pressure of expectations
TakeawayDelhi pushing hard for playoff comeback

JOURNALISTIC PERSPECTIVE – VERTICAL TABULAR FORMAT

DELHI: PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS (MEDIA VIEW)

CategoryDetails
Match Stats18 league matches → 15 wins, 3 losses
DominanceOne of the strongest attacking + defensive teams
Coaching ImpactJoginder Narwal created disciplined, winning environment
Staff ContributionAnalysts, physios, and trainers ensured peak performance
Raiding UnitAshu Malik, Neeraj Narwal, Akshit – explosive trio
Defensive UnitFazel Atrachali, Saurabh Nandal, Surjeet Singh – elite wall
Style of PlayAggressive, high-tempo attacking kabaddi
VerdictNo team deserved the title more in PKL 12

PLAYOFF JOURNEY – VERTICAL VIEW

StageDetails
EliminatorBeat Puneri Paltan convincingly
FinalBeat Puneri again (31–28)
Key PlayerNeeraj Narwal – stepped up when Ashu struggled
DefenseSurjeet + Fazel → dismantled opposition raiders
OutcomeOne of the most dominant playoff runs

KEY TAKEAWAYS – FRANCHISE EVOLUTION

ThemeSummary
Franchise IconNaveen Kumar transformed Delhi forever
LeadershipJoginder Narwal created championship mindset
StrengthChampionship-winning defense (Season 8)
Youth FocusAshu, Vishal, Vinay, Yogesh emerging stars
ChallengeInconsistency post Season 8
Current StatusSeason 12 showing signs of major resurgence

Dabang Delhi Social Media: Dabang Delhi is also one of the most followed franchise in PKL and credit should be given to all players, support staff and coaches who have worked hard behind the scenes to make it a formidable side.

After winning Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 trophy the numbers would exponentially rise also current branch of players along with typical brand of Kabaddi they have played they deserve all he credit for rapid rise in all these years.

Their journey have been full of ups and downs where and but they ensured excellence should come at the forte, based on how well they have played over the years.

Dabang Delhi have 266k followers on Instagram where they keep sharing stuff related to Franchise on regular basis.

They have 53.6K subscribers on Youtube where they share achieving stuff related to the franchise.

Dabang Delhi Instagram Profile Link: https://www.instagram.com/dabangdelhikc/

Dabang Delhi Youtube Channel Link: https://www.youtube.com/@DabangDelhiKabaddiClub

Overall, Dabang Delhi Franchise looks like will retain their core group of players barring couple of changes even if they keep their core intact with the Kind of players they have in their arsenal, they could easily pose threat against any team in the franchise it would be interesting to see how will they fare considering Season 13 in existence.

Dabang Delhi, as a franchise have played outstanding Kabaddi and the attacking style of Kabaddi is the need of an hour as the league has progressed over the years need players in both offense and defense where they could challenge opposition players whenever it is needed the most.

Dabang Delhi KC as defending champions would be looking to stamp their authority to make them one of the most formidable side.

Dabang Delhi – Social Media & Franchise Overview (Vertical Table Format)

CategoryDetails
Franchise ReputationOne of the most followed and talked-about teams in PKL; credit to players, coaches, and support staff working hard behind the scenes.
Season 12 AchievementWon Pro Kabaddi League Season 12; success expected to boost popularity exponentially.
Playing StyleKnown for a strong, attacking brand of Kabaddi; current crop of players deserves credit for consistent rise.
Journey SummaryFull of ups and downs but always ensured excellence remained at the forefront.
Instagram Followers266K followers; regularly shares franchise-related updates.
Instagram Profilehttps://www.instagram.com/dabangdelhikc/
YouTube Subscribers53.6K subscribers; posts achievement-based and team-related videos.
YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@DabangDelhiKabaddiClub
Squad OutlookLikely to retain core group heading into Season 13, with minor changes expected.
Threat PotentialWith a strong core and quality players, the team can pose a threat to any PKL side.
Season 13 ExpectationsAs defending champions, they aim to stamp authority once again and remain one of the league’s most formidable teams.

Overall, it has been lovely ride for the franchise and they are keen favorites to win PKL 13, if they manage to keep their core retained.

Dabang Delhi Franchise have been phenomenal, also behind the scenes work whether it is related to mental shift, game wise skill set or overall demography of the game have brought them, in this recently concluded event it would be interesting to see how well they played and could change the crux of the game.

Dabang Delhi KC have been an interesting to see how well they perform to the best of the ability.

Dabang Delhi KC played on unique lines which is playing attacking from of Kabaddi, that in itself is a hallmark for their Kabaddi testament in future.

Dabang Delhi KC – Additional Insights (Vertical Table Format)

CategoryDetails
Overall JourneyIt has been a lovely ride for the franchise, emerging as one of the strongest sides in PKL.
PKL 13 ExpectationsKeen favorites to win PKL Season 13, provided they retain their core group of players.
Behind-the-Scenes GrowthPhenomenal improvement driven by mental shift, enhanced skill sets, and evolving game demography.
Recent PerformancesTheir display in the recently concluded event shows how well they played and how they could redefine the crux of the game.
Team PotentialDabang Delhi KC remains an interesting franchise to watch, capable of performing to the best of their ability.
Playing IdentityPlays a unique, attacking style of Kabaddi — a hallmark of their Kabaddi philosophy and testament to their future ambitions.

Overall Dabang Delhi Biggest strength lies in identifying the strength of weakness of their players and making sure they are employed to the best of their ability.

Dabang Delhi Coach Joginder Narwal played an important role in making sure players are selected based on their merit and also based on situations he fielded players and ensured right players are fielded who could do justice based on the scenario of the game.

Overall Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, have been wonderful based on new rules where no match was played for tie instead it was played to result basis only.

Dabang Delhi have been part of such interesting games in the marquee event and it all happened based on the Kind of Kabaddi they have played over the years.

Dabang Delhi KC – Strengths & Season 12 Insights (Vertical Table Format)

CategoryDetails
Core StrengthTheir biggest strength lies in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of players and utilizing them to the best of their ability.
Coaching ImpactCoach Joginder Narwal played a vital role in selecting players based on merit and match situations.
Tactical DecisionsEnsured the right players were fielded according to game scenarios to maximize performance.
Season 12 EnvironmentPro Kabaddi League Season 12 introduced new rules where matches were played strictly for results, with no ties.
Participation in Key MatchesDabang Delhi KC played several interesting games in the marquee event, driven by the brand of Kabaddi they have showcased over the years.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *