Latest news with #Devank
NDTV
09-08-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Stacked With Top Defenders And Quality Raiders, Patna Pirates Eye Fourth PKL Trophy
Patna Pirates will be aiming for a record-extending fourth Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) title in the upcoming Season 12. The three-time champions stormed into their fifth PKL final last season, only to go down to the Haryana Steelers, according to a release from PKL. After missing out on their fourth PKL trophy, the Pirates released former head coach Narender Redhu just a few hours afterw the Season 11 final. Ahead of Season 12, the Pirates appointed former India Kabaddi team captain Anup Kumar as their new head coach, replacing Narender Redhu. Anup was a member of the Indian national Kabaddi team that clinched Asian gold medals in 2010 and 2014, the South Asian gold medal and the Kabaddi World Cup in 2016. The Arjuna Award winner guided U Mumba to Pro Kabaddi League finals in the first three seasons, including claiming the coveted PKL title in Season 2, before concluding his illustrious PKL career with the Jaipur Pink Panthers. Having retained their core from the previous campaign, the Pirates signed eight new players at the PKL Season 12 Player Auction to assemble a strong squad that covered most of the bases for a total amount of INR 4.966 crore. Let's have a closer look at the Pirates' strengths and weaknesses ahead of the new season. One of the Pirates' biggest strengths heading into PKL Season 12 will be their formidable defensive unit. After retaining their defenders Hamid Mirzaei Nader, Thiyagarajan Yuvaraj and Navdeep, the Pirates used their Final Bid Match (FBM) option at the Player Auction to retain their star left corner Ankit Jaglan for INR 1.573 crore for one season to strengthen their defence. With 79 tackle points in 25 games, Ankit played a pivotal role in guiding the Pirates to the final last season. The Pirates also exercised their FBM card to reacquire the right cover Deepak Singh for INR 86 lacs for two seasons. Deepak emerged as one of the top right covers in the league last season with 64 tackle points in 25 matches. Furthermore, the three-time PKL winners bolstered their defence by signing right corners Sombir Gulia and Amin Ghorbani for INR 13 lacs each. Sanket Sawant (left cover), Saurabh, Prianshu, Balasaheb Shahaji Jadhav (right cover), and Deepak Rajender Singh (right cover) are their other defensive options in Season 12. Even though the Pirates retained rising star Ayan Lochab and signed veteran raider Maninder Singh for INR 20 lacs at the PKL Season 12 Player Auction, one area of concern for the Pirates will be the departure of their former raider Devank, who was instrumental in their success last campaign. Devank took the league by storm and emerged as the standout raider of PKL Season 11, helping the Pirates to qualify for the final. With a staggering 301 raid points in 25 games, Devank claimed the coveted Best Raider award for his consistent performances throughout the season. Additionally, the Pirates will miss the services of their former captain and right corner Shubham Shinde, who joined Telugu Titans for INR 80 lacs at the recently concluded auction. With 56 tackle points in 22 matches, Shubham was one of the standout defenders for the Pirates last season. With the departure of Devank Dalal, Pro Kabaddi Season 12 will offer the perfect opportunity for someone like Ayan Lochab to stake his claim as the lead raider of the Patna Pirates. Rising star Ayan hogged the limelight in PKL Season 11 to earn the coveted New Young Player Award for his brilliant debut campaign. Ayan accumulated 184 raid points in 25 games for the Pirates, including four Super Raids and seven Super 10s. He also contributed with nine tackle points. After a quiet season with 100 raid points in 15 matches, Maninder Singh's addition to the Pirates brings valuable depth and experience to the squad. The spotlight, however, will be on Anup Kumar, PKL's most successful captain, who returns as head coach after his stint with Puneri Paltan in Season 8. His unparalleled game sense and player-first mindset could be the X-factor, enabling him to connect with the team in ways few other coaches can and potentially shape a new era for the Pirates in Season 12. Despite qualifying for the PKL Season 11 final, the Pirates parted ways with former head coach Narender Redhu and roped in Anup Kumar as their head coach for Season 12. After finishing his PKL career with 527 raid points and 69 tackle points in 91 matches as a player, Anup was appointed the head coach of the Puneri Paltan in Season 7. Under his guidance, Puneri Paltan failed to qualify for the Playoffs after finishing 10th in the 12-team competition. Hence, it is difficult to say how the Pirates will perform under Anup and his inexperience as a head coach could be one of the threats for the Pirates heading into the new season. Apart from Ankit Jaglan, the Pirates lack quality all-rounders in the squad, which could pose a significant area of concern to the team's fortunes in Season 12.
Business Standard
07-08-2025
- Sport
- Business Standard
Devank Dalal to Pawan Sehrawat: Top 5 raiders to watch out for in PKL 2025
Season 12 of India's franchise-based Kabaddi tournament, i.e., Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025, is all set to commence on Friday, August 29, with the match between Tamil Thalaivas and Telugu Titans at Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag. Every new season of PKL brings us a new superstar who, out from the shadows, from being an unknown at the start of the season, becomes a household name by the end of the season, but it's the known stars who actually excite the fans before the start of the season. Now, whenever someone talks about PKL, the first thing that comes to mind is the flamboyant raiders who lit up the tournaments with their record-shattering performances. So who are some of the top raiders for PKL 2025 who are expected to keep fans on the edge the most this season? Take a look. Top five raiders under spotlight for PKL 2025 Devank Dalal (Bengal Warriors) When PKL 2024 started, no one gave the three-time champions Patna Pirates any chance of qualifying for the playoffs, let alone reaching the final. They started that way too, losing their first two games by huge margins. But everything changed when Devank Dalal picked up the pace and started to rack up point after point. The tall raider topped the raiders' chart for the season with 301 points before eventually missing out on the title in the final against Haryana Steelers. However, despite losing the final, Devank became one of the most sought-after names after the end of the season. When Patna released Devank despite his heroics, everyone was left in shock. But so is the format of PKL auctions. One team that did not complain was Bengal Warriors, who picked the Haryana-based raider for Rs 2.205 crore with hopes of finally winning their second PKL trophy. Ayan Lohchab (Patna Pirates) While Devank did most of the work and racked up most points in PKL 2024, he was not the only reason for Patna's success. The young raider Ayan Lohchab was there as the possible support Devank could have asked for. Ayan, in the season, picked up 186 points, which might not look impressive in front of other raiders, but they were all crucial and match-turning points. He even won Patna matches all on his own on many occasions. Now, after the departure of Devank, Ayan is trusted by the Patna-based franchise to lead their raid department and finally win them their fourth PKL title. Pawan Sehrawat (Tamil Thalaivas) No name is bigger than Pawan Sehrawat at the moment in PKL or the Indian kabaddi circuit overall. Pawan, although seen by many as a player whose prime is now behind him, has time after time proved why he is one of the best around by racking up point after point. Even in PKL 2024, he recorded 207 raid points and 5 tackle points to fight like the legend he is in a rather disappointing season for his team, Telugu Titans. But in PKL 2025, Pawan is now part of the Tamil Thalaivas squad and will have some big names backing him up on the mat, which means PKL 2025 can very well be the season where Pawan rediscovers himself to cement his position in the league of legends. Arjun Deshwal (Tamil Thalaivas) Arjun Deshwal enters PKL 2025 as one of the league's most dynamic and consistent raiders. Previously the talisman for Jaipur Pink Panthers, Arjun brings a reputation for high strike rates and clutch performances to the Tamil Thalaivas, who signed him for Rs 1.405 crore in this year's blockbuster auction. Arjun is a natural leader who likes to lead his team from the front and has the capability to change the tides of the match all on his own, which is why Thalaivas decided to break the bank for him. Arjun will partner up with Pawan in the new season and fans can expect some serious fireworks from them, making them two of the most anticipated raiders of the season, both as a pair and individually. Naveen Kumar (Haryana Steelers) The 'Naveen Express' is now gearing up for a new chapter with Haryana Steelers after a marquee transfer from Dabang Delhi. Naveen Kumar, already a PKL legend at just 25, is among the fastest players ever to amass 1,100+ raid points, and boasts a reputation for both scoring consistency and dynamism on the mat. Naveen built his legacy with Delhi, winning back-to-back MVP seasons, a PKL title in Season 8, and the rare distinction of scoring 22 Super 10s in a single campaign. For PKL 2025, he returns to his home state, acquired for Rs 1.20 crore by the defending champions. Naveen's determination is matched by his explosive play: his signature swift 'running hand touch' and deceptive footwork often stun even the best corner defenders.
United News of India
02-07-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
There is no pressure, it is my responsibility: Bengal Warriorz's Devank Dalal
Kolkata, July 1 (UNI) The Bengal Warriorz, owned by Capri Sports, have begun preparing for what is expected to be an exciting season of the Pro Kabaddi League. Season 12 of the PKL will see the Bengal Warriorz, who were the champions in Season 7, showcase new talent with fresh faces, and a renewed determination, in their quest for glory. The Bengal Warriorz made a statement at the PKL Player Auction with the acquisition of the very talented raider Devank Dalal. The young raider, who was bought for INR 2.205 crore, was the most expensive Indian player at the Auction. But that doesn't worry him at all. 'I am feeling very good that the Bengal Warriorz & Capri Sports has placed so much faith in me, at the Auction. I feel happy and nice about the fact that I got the top bid amongst the Indian players in the PKL Auction. Bengal Warriorz team is a new team and hence this season will be a fresh start. The Bengal Warriorz team will do everything to have a successful season,' said Devank Dalal. Season 11 was the big breakthrough year for the dynamic Devank Dalal, as he set the mat on fire with his fast and agile raiding. Devank ended the season with 301 points which included 18 Super 10sand was by far the most impressive raider during the course of the season. Earlier in the year, the young raider was crowned the 'Best Player' in the 71st Senior National Men's Kabaddi Championship. Looking towards the upcoming season, Devank believes there is no pressure. 'Last year, I was unsure how the season would play out. But eventually it worked out well. Now I know that I will play for sure, and there is a responsibility on my shoulders, but I am confident about doing well. I don't see this is as pressure. I see it as my responsibility towards my team, the Bengal Warriorz fans, and I enjoy fulfilling my responsibilities in my own way,' he added. When asked about the team's bonding in pre-season, since the auction, Devank said, 'The team is a healthy mix of youth and experience. We are constantly speaking with each other, the players, coaches and even the management. And it has been quite enjoyable so far, which is good for the team.' For Devank, this is a huge moment in his career. There was a time when a head injury almost brought his career to a screeching halt. However, the Army man, who had led his team to the final of the PKL last season, is grateful for the change of fortune in his life. 'I am grateful for where I am now and I feel very good. In Kabaddi, there will be tough times, but I never thought of walking away from the sport. I always felt, we should face the challenges and work hard in training, and not take too much pressure during the tough times. With God's blessings, I just continued to practice hard and I am glad it worked out,' the raider said. Before signing off, Devank had a message for the Bengal Warriorz fans, and the people of Bengal. 'I request the fans of Bengal Warriorz to keep supporting and cheering for us, and would like to request all the Kabaddi fans to watch us and support us. The fans support and love really motivates us as a team.' UNI RKM
United News of India
01-07-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
There is no Pressure, it is my responsibility towards the Team: Bengal Warriorz's Devank Dalal
Kolkata, July 1 (UNI) The Bengal Warriorz, owned by Capri Sports, have begun preparing for what is expected to be an exciting season of the Pro Kabaddi League. Season 12 of the PKL will see the Bengal Warriorz, who were the champions in Season 7, showcase new talent with fresh faces, and a renewed determination, in their quest for glory. The Bengal Warriorz made a statement at the PKL Player Auction with the acquisition of the very talented raider Devank Dalal. The young raider, who was bought for INR 2.205 crore, was the most expensive Indian player at the Auction. But that doesn't worry him at all. 'I am feeling very good that the Bengal Warriorz & Capri Sports has placed so much faith in me, at the Auction. I feel happy and nice about the fact that I got the top bid amongst the Indian players in the PKL Auction. Bengal Warriorz team is a new team and hence this season will be a fresh start. The Bengal Warriorz team will do everything to have a successful season,' said Devank. Season 11 was the big breakthrough year for the dynamic Devank, as he set the mat on fire with his fast and agile raiding. Devank ended the season with 301 points which included 18 Super 10sand was by far the most impressive raider during the course of the season. Earlier in the year, the young raider was crowned the 'Best Player' in the 71st Senior National Men's Kabaddi Championship. Looking towards the upcoming season, Devank believes there is no pressure. 'Last year, I was unsure how the season would play out. But eventually it worked out well. Now I know that I will play for sure, and there is a responsibility on my shoulders, but I am confident about doing well. I don't see this is as pressure. I see it as my responsibility towards my team, the Bengal Warriorz fans, and I enjoy fulfilling my responsibilities in my own way,' he added. When asked about the team's bonding in pre-season, since the auction, Devank said, 'The team is a healthy mix of youth and experience. We are constantly speaking with each other, the players, coaches and even the management. And it has been quite enjoyable so far, which is good for the team.' For Devank, this is a huge moment in his career. There was a time when a head injury almost brought his career to a screeching halt. However, the Army man, who had led his team to the final of the PKL last season, is grateful for the change of fortune in his life. 'I am grateful for where I am now and I feel very good. In Kabaddi, there will be tough times, but I never thought of walking away from the sport. I always felt, we should face the challenges and work hard in training, and not take too much pressure during the tough times. With God's blessings, I just continued to practice hard and I am glad it worked out,' the raider said. Before signing off, Devank had a message for the Bengal Warriorz fans, and the people of Bengal. 'I request the fans of Bengal Warriorz to keep supporting and cheering for us, and would like to request all the Kabaddi fans to watch us and support us. The fans support and love really motivates us as a team,' he added. UNI BM
NDTV
01-07-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
"There Is No Pressure": Bengal Warriorz's Devank Dalal
The Bengal Warriorz have begun preparing for what is expected to be an exciting season of the Pro Kabaddi League. Season 12 of the PKL will see the Bengal Warriorz, who were the champions in season 7, showcase new talent with fresh faces and a renewed determination in their quest for glory. The Bengal Warriorz made a statement at the PKL Player Auction with the acquisition of the very talented raider Devank Dalal. The young raider, who was bought for over Rs 2 crore, was the most expensive Indian player at the Auction. But that doesn't worry him at all. "I am feeling very good that the Bengal Warriorz and Capri Sports has placed so much faith in me, at the Auction. I feel happy and nice about the fact that I got the top bid amongst the Indian players in the PKL Auction. Bengal Warriorz team is a new team and hence this season will be a fresh start. The Bengal Warriorz team will do everything to have a successful season," said Devank Dalal. Season 11 was the big breakthrough year for the dynamic Devank Dalal, as he set the mat on fire with his fast and agile raiding. Devank ended the season with 301 points which included 18 Super 10s and was by far the most impressive raider during the season. Earlier in the year, the young raider was crowned the 'Best Player' in the 71st Senior National Men's Kabaddi Championship. Looking ahead towards the PKL Season 12, Devank believes there is no pressure. "Last year, I was unsure how the season would play out. But eventually it worked out well. Now I know that I will play for sure, and there is a responsibility on my shoulders, but I am confident about doing well. I don't see this is as pressure. I see it as my responsibility towards my team, the Bengal Warriorz fans, and I enjoy fulfilling my responsibilities in my own way," he added. When asked about the team's bonding in pre-season, since the auction, Devank said, "The team is a healthy mix of youth and experience. We are constantly speaking with each other the players, coaches and even the management. And it has been quite enjoyable so far, which is good for the team." For Devank, this is a huge moment in his career. There was a time when a head injury almost brought his career to a screeching halt. However, the Army man, who had led his team to the final of the PKL last season, is grateful for the change of fortune in his life. "I am grateful for where I am now and I feel very good. In Kabaddi, there will be tough times, but I never thought of walking away from the sport. I always felt, we should face the challenges and work hard in training, and not take too much pressure during the tough times. With God's blessings, I just continued to practice hard and I am glad it worked out," the raider said. Before signing off, Devank had a message for the Bengal Warriorz fans, and the people of Bengal. "I request the fans of Bengal Warriorz to keep supporting and cheering for us, and would like to request all the Kabaddi fans to watch us and support us. The fans support and love really motivates us as a team."
