PKL 12 Auction: Top 5 Players Dabang Delhi Can Target
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 auction, scheduled for May 31 and June 1, 2025, in Mumbai, is a major event for kabaddi fans, and Dabang Delhi is ready to make waves. With a massive purse of ₹4.56 crore, the highest among all 12 teams, Dabang Delhi has the financial power to bid for top players in the PKL 12 auction. After releasing key players like Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik, the team, led by coach Joginder Narwal, is looking to rebuild a strong squad to compete for the Season 12 title.
Dabang Delhi has been a consistent performer in recent PKL seasons, reaching the playoffs multiple times and winning the Season 8 title. However, their Season 11 campaign showed weaknesses, especially after losing key players in the auction pool. With their ₹4.56 crore purse, Dabang Delhi has the largest budget in the PKL 12 auction, giving them the chance to sign star players and build a balanced squad. The team is likely to use their Final Bid Match (FBM) card to retain players like Ashu Malik or Yogesh Dahiya while targeting new talent to strengthen both raiding and defense.
Top 5 Players Dabang Delhi Can Target in PKL 12 Auction
1. Ashu Malik
First on the list is Ashu Malik, a star raider for Dabang Delhi in recent seasons. Known for his speed and ability to score bonus points, Ashu has over 1100 raid points in his PKL career. After being released for the PKL 12 auction, he’s expected to attract bids over ₹2 crore. Delhi can use their FBM card to match any bid and bring him back, ensuring continuity in their raiding unit. Ashu’s familiarity with the team’s strategies and his ability to perform under pressure make him a top priority. With their ₹4.56 crore purse, Delhi can afford to secure him, making him the cornerstone of their attack in Season 12..
2. Mohammadreza Shadloui
Next up is Mohammadreza Shadloui, the Iranian all-rounder nicknamed the “Showstopper.” Shadloui has been a standout performer, fetching ₹2.35 crore with Puneri Paltan in Season 10 and ₹2.07 crore with Haryana Steelers in Season 11. His ability to raid and defend makes him a perfect fit for Dabang Delhi, who need a versatile player to balance their squad. Shadloui’s tackling skills could anchor the defense, while his occasional raids add flexibility. With the highest purse in the PKL 12 auction, Delhi can outbid teams like Bengaluru Bulls (₹4.12 crore) to sign him.
3. Yogesh Dahiya
Defense is a key area for Dabang Delhi, and Yogesh Dahiya is a prime target. A reliable defender for the team in past seasons, Yogesh is known for his strong tackles and calm presence on the mat. His skills in executing ankle holds and chain tackles make him a valuable asset. Since Dabang Delhi released him for the PKL 12 auction, they can use their FBM card to bring him back if another team bids high. Yogesh is likely to attract bids over ₹1 crore, which is well within Delhi’s budget.
4. Guman Singh
Guman Singh, a rising star raider, is another player Dabang Delhi should target. With over 600 raid points for U Mumba and Jaipur Pink Panthers, Guman has shown he can lead a raiding unit. His agility and ability to score in clutch moments make him a great fit for Dabang Delhi, especially if they pair him with Ashu Malik. Guman’s price is expected to be around ₹1 crore or more in the PKL 12 auction, which Dabang Delhi can easily afford. His youth and consistency would add depth to Delhi’s raiding department, giving them multiple attacking options in Season 12.
5. Vaibhav Garje
Finally, Vaibhav Garje, a promising defender, is a smart pick for Dabang Delhi. Known for his tackling skills with Bengal Warriorz, Vaibhav has emerged as a reliable player in recent seasons. His ability to support lead defenders and execute timely tackles makes him a great addition to Dabang Delhi’s defense. With a price likely around ₹1 crore, Vaibhav fits perfectly into Dabang Delhi’s budget. Pairing him with Yogesh Dahiya or a veteran like Mohammadreza Shadloui would create a strong defensive wall, helping Delhi stop top raiders in Season 12.
How Dabang Delhi Can Use Their Purse
With ₹4.56 crore, Dabang Delhi has the largest purse in the PKL 12 auction, giving them unmatched flexibility. They can bid for high-value players like Ashu Malik and Mohammadreza Shadloui, who could cost over ₹2 crore each, while still having funds to target defenders like Yogesh Dahiya and Vaibhav Garje. Additionally, Delhi can save some money to pick up young players in Categories C and D (base prices ₹13 lakh and ₹9 lakh) to build squad depth. Their strategy will likely focus on securing one or two star players and complementing them with reliable role players.
Moreover, Dabang Delhi can use their FBM card strategically. For example, they could use it to retain Ashu Malik or Yogesh Dahiya if other teams bid high. Alternatively, they might save the card for a surprise pick like Guman Singh. Coach Joginder Narwal’s experience will guide Delhi to make smart choices in the PKL 12 auction, ensuring a balanced and competitive squad.
Each of these players brings unique strengths to Dabang Delhi. Ashu Malik and Guman Singh offer dynamic raiding, addressing the gap left by Naveen Kumar’s release. Mohammadreza Shadloui’s all-round abilities would add versatility, allowing Dabang Delhi to adapt to different opponents. Yogesh Dahiya and Vaibhav Garje would strengthen the defense, which struggled at times in Season 11. Together, these players could form a well-rounded squad capable of challenging top teams like Haryana Steelers and Patna Pirates. Delhi’s massive purse gives them the chance to sign at least two of these stars while filling out the roster with young talent.
What to Expect from Dabang Delhi in PKL 12 Auction
The PKL 12 auction is a crucial moment for Dabang Delhi. After a mixed Season 11, fans are excited to see the team rebuild. With over 500 players available, including domestic and overseas stars, Dabang Delhi has a chance to create a championship-contending team. Delhi is expected to make bold bids, and players like Ashu Malik, Mohammadreza Shadloui, and Guman Singh could be game-changers for the team.
Dabang Delhi is in a strong position for the PKL 12 auction with their ₹4.56 crore purse. By targeting players like Ashu Malik, Mohammadreza Shadloui, Yogesh Dahiya, Guman Singh, and Vaibhav Garje, they can build a squad that competes for the Season 12 title. The auction will test their strategy, but with smart choices, Delhi could return to their winning ways and thrill their fans.
FAQs
1. Who are the top players Dabang Delhi can target in the PKL 12 auction?
Dabang Delhi can target Ashu Malik, Mohammadreza Shadloui, Yogesh Dahiya, Guman Singh, and Vaibhav Garje in the PKL 12 auction.
2. How much money does Dabang Delhi have for the PKL 12 auction?
Dabang Delhi has the highest purse in the PKL 12 auction, with ₹4.56 crore available to spend.
3. Why can Dabang Delhi use their FBM card on Ashu Malik and Yogesh Dahiya?
Dabang Delhi can use their FBM card on Ashu Malik and Yogesh Dahiya because both players were part of their squad in previous seasons and were released for the PKL 12 auction, allowing the team to match bids to retain them.
