PKL 12: Dabang Delhi Squad Analysis for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is approaching fast, and Dabang Delhi K.C. is ready to make a strong impact. As the Season 8 champions and consistent playoff contenders, Dabang Delhi has built a reputation for their disciplined gameplay and balanced squad. After finishing third in Season 11 with 74 points, the team is eager to go further in PKL 12. With a strong mix of experienced players and young talent, along with the leadership of head coach Joginder Narwal, Dabang Delhi is aiming for the title.
Dabang Delhi K.C. has made strategic moves for PKL Season 12 to strengthen their squad. Under the guidance of head coach Joginder Narwal, a former PKL champion, the team has retained key players and made smart additions during the PKL 12 Player Auction. Notably, they secured Fazel Atrachali, one of the most successful defenders in PKL history, for INR 50 lakh, and Amir Hossein Bastami for INR 26 lakh. The team also parted ways with some players, including former captain Naveen Kumar, to bring in fresh talent. With a balanced squad, Dabang Delhi is focused on maintaining their reputation as a top team in PKL 12.
The Dabang Delhi squad for PKL Season 12 includes 20 players, featuring a strong raiding unit, a solid defensive lineup, and versatile all-rounders. Let’s dive into the Dabang Delhi squad analysis.
Dabang Delhi Full Squad for PKL 12
The Dabang Delhi squad for PKL Season 12 is a blend of youth and experience. Here is the complete list:
- Raiders: Ashu Malik, Mohit, Ajinkya Pawar, Akshit, Anil Gurjar, Neeraj Narwal, Vijay
- Defenders: Sandeep, Gaurav Chhillar, Surjeet Singh, Saurabh Nandal, Fazel Atrachali, Amir Hossein Bastami, Raman Singh, Mohit Narwal, Anurag Kumar
- All-Rounders: Amit, Arkam Shaikh, Ashish Sangwan, Naveen
This squad reflects Dabang Delhi’s strategy to balance their raiding and defensive units while leveraging all-rounders for flexibility.

Strengths of Dabang Delhi in PKL 12
One of the biggest strengths of Dabang Delhi for PKL Season 12 is their defensive unit. The team boasts some of the best defenders in the league, including Fazel Atrachali, who has 497 tackle points in 178 matches, making him the most successful defender in PKL history. Alongside him, Surjeet Singh, with 374 tackle points in 150 matches, adds experience and reliability to the right cover position. Saurabh Nandal, a retained player with 159 tackle points in 66 matches, strengthens the left corner. The addition of Amir Hossein Bastami, Gaurav Chhillar, and young defenders like Sandeep, Raman Singh, Mohit Narwal, and Anurag Kumar further bolsters the defense.
Moreover, the raiding unit is led by Ashu Malik, who was a standout performer in Season 11 with 279 raid points in 23 matches. His ability to score consistently makes him a key player. Ajinkya Pawar, with 175 raid points in 43 matches, and young raiders like Mohit, Akshit, Anil Gurjar, Neeraj Narwal, and Vijay provide depth and variety in the attack.
Additionally, the presence of all-rounders like Amit, Arkam Shaikh, Ashish Sangwan, and Naveen adds versatility. These players can contribute in both raiding and defense, giving the team flexibility in their starting seven.
Weaknesses of Dabang Delhi in PKL 12
Despite their strengths, Dabang Delhi faces some challenges in PKL Season 12. One potential weakness is the lack of a second established lead raider alongside Ashu Malik. While Ajinkya Pawar is experienced, the other raiders—Mohit, Akshit, Anil Gurjar, Neeraj Narwal, and Vijay—are relatively young and untested at the highest level. If Ashu Malik faces form issues or injuries, the team may struggle to maintain their raiding output.
Another concern is the integration of new players into the squad. While Fazel Atrachali and Surjeet Singh are experienced, coordinating with younger defenders like Raman Singh, Mohit Narwal, and Anurag Kumar could take time. Any lack of synergy in the defensive unit could be exploited by strong raiding teams.
Opportunities for Dabang Delhi in PKL 12
Dabang Delhi has several opportunities to shine in PKL Season 12. Firstly, their defensive unit, led by Fazel Atrachali and Surjeet Singh, gives them a chance to dominate matches. A strong defense can disrupt opponents’ raiding strategies, allowing Dabang Delhi to control the game’s tempo. Young defenders like Raman Singh and Anurag Kumar have an opportunity to learn from veterans and establish themselves as key players.
Additionally, the raiding unit has potential for growth. Ashu Malik’s leadership in the attack can inspire younger raiders like Mohit, Akshit, and Anil Gurjar. If these players step up, Dabang Delhi could develop a formidable raiding lineup. The inclusion of international talent like Amir Hossein Bastami adds a unique dimension, offering new strategies and adaptability.
Furthermore, Joginder Narwal’s coaching experience is a major opportunity. As a former player and PKL champion, Joginder understands the game deeply and can guide the team to success. His ability to develop young talent and create cohesive strategies will be crucial for Dabang Delhi’s campaign.
Challenges for Dabang Delhi in PKL 12
Dabang Delhi faces several challenges in PKL Season 12. The biggest concern is their reliance on Ashu Malik for raiding points. If he is targeted by opposing defenses or faces injuries, the team may struggle to score consistently. The younger raiders need to quickly adapt to the high-pressure environment of PKL to support Malik.
Another challenge is maintaining defensive coordination. While Fazel Atrachali and Surjeet Singh are experienced, integrating them with younger defenders like Raman Singh and Mohit Narwal will require effort. Any lapses in communication could lead to defensive errors against strong raiding teams.
Additionally, the team needs to find the right balance in their starting seven. With multiple all-rounders, Dabang Delhi must experiment to identify the best combination. If the all-rounders fail to contribute effectively in both roles, the team’s performance could suffer.
Key Players to Watch in PKL 12
Several players in the Dabang Delhi squad are expected to play a big role in PKL Season 12. Ashu Malik is the primary raider to watch, given his stellar performance in Season 11. His ability to lead the attack will be crucial. Fazel Atrachali, with his vast experience, will anchor the defense and guide the younger players. Surjeet Singh and Saurabh Nandal are also key defenders, providing stability in the right and left corners.
Among the younger players, Ajinkya Pawar has the potential to emerge as a reliable second raider. All-rounders like Arkam Shaikh and Ashish Sangwan could also make a significant impact if they contribute effectively in both raiding and defense.
Strategy for PKL 12
Under Joginder Narwal’s leadership, Dabang Delhi is focusing on a defense-first strategy while maintaining a balanced attack. Joginder’s experience as a player and coach will help the team maximize their defensive strength, with Fazel Atrachali and Surjeet Singh leading the backline. The team will likely rely on Ashu Malik to spearhead the raiding unit, with support from Ajinkya Pawar and younger raiders.
The inclusion of all-rounders like Amit, Arkam Shaikh, and Ashish Sangwan suggests a flexible approach. Dabang Delhi may experiment with different combinations to find the best starting seven. Joginder’s tactical expertise will be key in ensuring the team performs consistently throughout the season.
Dabang Delhi K.C. is entering PKL Season 12 with a strong and balanced squad. Their defensive unit, led by Fazel Atrachali, Surjeet Singh, and Saurabh Nandal, is among the best in the league. Ashu Malik leads a promising raiding unit, supported by young talent and experienced all-rounders. However, the lack of a second established raider and the challenge of integrating new players could pose hurdles. With Joginder Narwal’s coaching, Dabang Delhi has the potential to overcome these challenges and make a strong push for the PKL 12 title. Their success will depend on how well their young players step up and how effectively they utilize their defensive strength.
FAQs About Dabang Delhi Squad Analysis
1. Who is the head coach of Dabang Delhi for PKL Season 12?
Joginder Narwal is the head coach of Dabang Delhi K.C. for PKL Season 12, bringing his experience as a former player and PKL champion.
2. Who is the most expensive player in the Dabang Delhi squad for PKL 12?
Fazel Atrachali is the most expensive player in the Dabang Delhi squad, signed for INR 50 lakh at the PKL 12 Player Auction.
3. What is the biggest strength of Dabang Delhi in PKL Season 12?
The biggest strength of Dabang Delhi is their defensive unit, led by Fazel Atrachali, Surjeet Singh, and Saurabh Nandal, who have a combined 1,030 tackle points in their PKL careers.