PKL 12 Predictions: Can Dabang Delhi KC win Second PKL Title after Season 8?

The Pro Kabaddi League is all set to start from 17th August 2025 where 12 franchise will compete against each other for the coveted crown.

Dabang Delhi KC is certainly one of the most decorated franchise in the World, with revamp side and Ashu back in the squad as FBM(Final Bid Match) Card would be looking to make an impact in the Upcoming edition.

They have won title in PKL Season 8 under Joginder Narwal as Leader and Krishan Kumar Hooda, as coach along with some of the stalwarts of the game like Manjeet Chhillar(Who is probably regarded as one of the best defenders ever) to play PKL.

Dabang Delhi KC did well last season where they reached at the Playoffs couldn’t substantiate further, this time around they would be look to rewrite their performances and do wonders in the Upcoming Edition.

In PKL Season 11, they had an astounding performance, where they won 13 games out of 22 league stage matches they played in last edition.

They finished at 2nd spot in last edition, where they failed in the semifinal against Patna Pirates in PKL 11.

When it comes to PKL Season 12, they have picked few players in their squad which cover most bases.

Let’s look at the Strength, Weakness and Predictions for them in the Upcoming Marquee event to be shared in the below format:

Strengths:

When it comes to understanding their strengths, there is a quality in experience to all Defenders and Raiders in the squad.

The Pro Kabaddi Season 8, winners used their final bid match card to retain Ashu Malik in their squad for 1.90 Crore.

Dabang Delhi KC have added Neeraj Narwal in their squad for 32.60 Lakhs along with acquiring the services of another star raider Ajinkya Pawar for INR 13 Lakhs.

Dabang Delhi have additionally roped in Fazel Atrachali, another successful defender of Pro Kabaddi League History at Season 12 auction with the base prize of 30 lakhs which in itself is pretty low as per Atrachali’s standard considering his long legacy in the league.

The Iranian Defender became the first player in the history of PKL to score more than 500 Tackle Points where he has clocked so far 545 Points in 188 games he has played in PKL so far.

They have also roped in another experience defender Surjeet SIngh for 20 Lakhs, and they have added Amir Hossein Bastiami for 30 Lakhs and they signed Left Saurabh Nandal for 13 Lakhs to booster their defensive Unit.

Weakness:

When it comes to understanding their weakness, they have released another experienced Raider Naveen Kumar from their squad, and he was integral member of Dabang Delhi KC Squad from 2018 onwards, where he guided his team towards winning their first PKL title in Season 8.

Naveen Performance was exceptional as he became Most Valuable Player for Season 7 and Season 8 Respectively so his absence will widely impact Dabang Delhi in PKL Season 12.

In last few season his partnership with Ashu Malik will be widely missed, it as these two complemented each other brilliantly from both ends.

Dabang Delhi KC may lack quality all rounders in their squad as the players like-Amit, Ashish Kumar Sangwan, Naveen and Arkam Shiekh need to deliver big in the crunch phase of the game.

Predictions:

When it comes to Predictions for Dabang Delhi KC in PKL 12, they will have great opportunities for players like Ajinkya Ashok Pawar, Neeraj Narwal, Anil Gurjar, Mohit, Vijay and Akshit to step up and make the most chances which will be displayed on the table.

There will be huge pressure on Ashu Malik, to deliver the needful when it mattered the most, they will need support form other raiders, to clinch PKL Season 12 title.

The Injury Prospect from Ashu Malik might dent their chances, in the long run to do the needful in order to extract best Performance in the need of the final.

You can catch all the actions live on Star Sports Channel for next edition and the same will be streamed on Jiohotstar app.

Dabang Delhi have inexperienced raiders, apart from Ashu Malik so collectively they need to come on the shores to win Pro Kabaddi League Next Season.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: How will Dabang Delhi KC’s performance in PKL Season 12 be affected by Naveen Kumar’s departure, and why is it considered a significant setback for the team?

Answer: Since joining in 2018, Naveen Kumar has served as the face of Dabang Delhi KC in addition to being a standout player. Particularly during their title-winning campaign in Season 8, his steady performances—which included winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in PKL Seasons 7 and 8—were crucial to Delhi’s ascent to prominence.

He was indispensable because of his capacity to perform well under duress, lead pivotal raids, and motivate teammatesHis exit creates a huge leadership and raiding firepower gap that may impact the team’s morale and rhythm.

Q2: Can Ashu Malik manage the extra responsibilities, and who are the main players for Dabang Delhi KC this season?

Answer: Now that Naveen is gone, Ashu Malik is anticipated to assume command of the team’s overall performance and lead the raiding squad.

Although Ashu has demonstrated potential and leadership, this season will put his capacity to function reliably under duress—particularly in close games—to the test. To prevent injury, he will need to carefully regulate his workload.

The team will also depend on players like Anil Gurjar, Vijay, Akshit, Neeraj Narwal, and Ajinkya Pawar in addition to him. If Delhi wants to stay competitive, these young and comparatively inexperienced players need to step up.

Q3: How well-rounded is Dabang Delhi KC’s roster, and how likely are they to win PKL Season 12?

Answer: The depth and balance of the team are questioned, especially in light of the dearth of seasoned all-rounders. Although new players like Arkam Shiekh and Naveen, a youthful raider, and defenders like Mohit provide promise, their capacity to function well under duress has not yet been put to the test.

Now, it is up to these up-and-coming players to leave their imprint. Dabang Delhi could be this season’s dark horses if they can handle the pressure.

Despite not being the clear favorites, they might contend for a postseason berth and possibly even the championship with a great team effort and fearless leadership from Ashu Malik.