Dabang Delhi’s dismal run at home from last edition continued in the second season too as they went down 17-20 to Bengal Warriors in the group stages of Pro Kabaddi league (PKl) at the Thyagraj Stadium on Saturday.
However, despite the result, Delhi (with 18 points from 9 games) stay above Bengal Warriors in 6th position. Bengal have 16 points having played 10 games.
To add to their woes, Delhi’s star defender Amit Chillar seemed to have aggravated his injury during Saturday’s loss and is doubtful for the next game.
Despite being cheered on by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi failed to capitalise on their slight lead (9-8) at halftime.
Delhi’s run of not making their lead count continued in this game too. The hosts built up a gap of 12-10 at the start of the second half but from then on, Bengal took control.
Starting with, the Warriors successfully defended a do-or-die raid from the hosts to grab two points and even matters.
Thereafter, Bengal continued to build their lead as indiscipline creeped into Delhi’s play with captain Ravinder Pahal getting a green card.
Even though Kashiling Adake finished with three successful raids — most in the match — his teammates didn’t reciprocate to help the team’s cause.
With two minutes to go, Warriors led 18-15 when Delhi created a moment of hope for themselves with a two-point raid.
However, the visitors didn’t allow pressure to get to them as they first had a successful raid and then defended their area as the buzzer ended Delhi’s hopes.
Speaking after the game, Delhi coach Honnappa C Gowda attributed the loss to his team conceding multiple points on super tackles. “We did well and it could’ve been closer if we hadn’t conceded as many points as we did on supertackles. There were at least four points conceded on supertackles,” he said. He also stated that the team needs motivation to perform better at home.
Pirates cull the Bulls
The day’s more exciting of the two matches was reserved for later with Patna Pirates beating Bengaluru Bulls 30-28 in a free flowing match full of perfect raids. There were as many as four all point raids — two apiece.
With the win, Jaipur remained at fourth place with 25 points from 9 games and Bengaluru also maintained their fourth position with 31 points after equal number of games.
At the break, Bengaluru led 12-9 but Patna turned things around beautifully in the final 20 minutes.
Interestingly, Pirates earned 16 points from tackles as against just five by the Bulls.
leading from the front, Patna captain SandeepNarwal grabbed nine points with two coming from touch and seven from a supertackle. Giving great support was Suresh Kumar who also stepped in with a supertackle of his own.
There was a moment of controversy too in the 38th minute when Patna led 28-26 and ManjeetChhilar’s raid was deemed a foul by the referee even though the replays suggested otherwise.
After the match, he seemed a bit peeved with the decision. “I think the decision was incorrect and it wasn’t right refereeing. I was told that I had pushed but as far as I understand, you need to touch your opponent and that’s what I did,” said Bulls captain.