Dabang Delhi K.C. is having a phenomenal run in Season 12, currently holding one of the top spots in the league standings.
They went on a dominant winning streak before recently suffering their first close defeat, proving their mettle as strong contenders for the Champions Trophy.
Ashu Malik leads the charge as captain, supported by coach Joginder Narwal and two formidable Iranian international players.
This blog will cover the auction and the full squad list of Dabang Delhi, and even their match list. Along with that, I have also conducted a comprehensive analysis of the team for the season, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
Let’s learn everything we can about Dabang Delhi K.C. in PKL 2025!
Dabang Delhi K.C. PKL 2025 At A Glance
Dabang Delhi K.C. is one of the most successful and feared teams in the PKL, having won their first title in Season 8. They continue ot show great performance each year with consistency and tact.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Captain | Ashu Malik |
| Head Coach | Joginder Narwal |
| Home Venue | Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi |
| Titles | 1 – Season 8 (2022) |
| First Match 2025 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs. Tamil Thalaivas (Sep 02) – Won 41-34 |
| Current Standing | After 7 matches – 2nd position |
| Last Season Recap | Finished 2nd in Season 11 |
In Season 11, Delhi played 23 matches, comprising 13 wins, 6 losses, and 4 draws. They also had a winning or draw streak of 15 matches, but lost the semi-finals.
Dabang Delhi K.C. – Journey to Glory
Delhi entered the Pro Kabaddi League in 2014, and the first few years were not particularly impressive. The team slipped to the lower end of the table more than once and rarely looked capable of troubling the big sides.
They rode this bump out and tried a lot of young talent. This finally worked out in season 8, where they won their first trophy against Patna Pirates by a close 37-36 victory.
The home base in Delhi, the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, has been another driving force. On matchdays ,it feels less like a sporting venue and more like a festival, with drums, chants, and fans on their feet from the first raid. For opponents, the noise and energy often make it a tough ground to handle.
From that title onward, Delhi has been a different team. Five straight playoff finishes underline their newfound consistency. Last season, they even strung together 15 wins on the bounce before Patna once again spoiled the party in the semi-finals.
2025 PKL Season Analysis: Dabang Delhi K.C.
Delhi has established itself as a top contender this season. They started PKL 12 with a six-match unbeaten streak, proving their consistency. The only blemish so far is their first loss (30-33) to Patna Pirates in a high-pressure match.
Captain Ashu Malik is the cornerstone of the campaign and a top performer in PKL 12. He is currently among the league’s leading raiders with 83 raid points in just 7 matches. His consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments are proven by his 15 Do-or-Die raid points, ranking highest in the league.
Veterans like Fazel Atrachali (The Sultan) and Surjeet Singh provide defence stability. Fazel and corner defender Saurabh Nandal have been exceptional, both among the league’s top tackle-point scorers.
Fazel’s recent High 5 and leadership at the left corner have been the backbone of Delhi’s strong run.
The one grey area remains the consistency of their support raiders and all-rounders. While the core unit is strong, the dependence on Ashu Malik has been recently exposed.
His slight dip in form over the last two matches (where he scored only 8 raid points) reinforces the need for players like Neeraj Narwal and the all-rounders to step up and ensure the attack doesn’t become predictable.
Their strong start included key wins against formidable opponents like the Jaipur Pink Panthers (36-35) and the Bengal Warriorz (45-34).
The foundation is set; if they can maintain their defensive solidity and find a consistent supporting raider, their path to a second championship is clear.
Big Money Moves At The Auction For Dabang Delhi K.C.
Dabang Delhi K.C. went all out for Ashu Malik at the auction. They made him their most expensive signing by paying INR 1.9 crore. This made Malik one of the highest-paid raiders in PKL history.
The team also spent well on their defense department. They bought Iranian defender Fazel Atrachali for INR 0.3 crore. Another Iranian defender, Amir Bastami, was also signed for the same amount. Both players bring valuable international experience.
Top acquisitions:
- Ashu Malik – captain and lead raider – ₹1.9 crore
- Neeraj Narwal – supporting raider – ₹0.362 crore
- Fazel Atrachali – Iranian defender – ₹0.3 crore
- Amir Bastami – Iranian defender – ₹0.3 crore
- Arkam Shaikh – all-rounder – ₹0.253 crore
- Surjeet Singh – experienced defender – ₹0.2 crore
Delhi focused on keeping their core team together from last season. Players like Gaurav Chhillar, Saurabh Nandal, and Mohit were all retained at a base price of INR 0.13 crore each. This shows the team believes in continuity.
The budget signings include Anil Gurjar, Vijay, and Amit at INR 0.09 crore each. These players add depth to the squad. There are great options with Coach Joginder Narwal for rotations in the matches.
Dabang Delhi K.C. Full Squad List 2025
Dabang Delhi has a total of 20 players in their squad this season. It is a mixed bag of new talent and experienced players, with two Iranian defenders with their international experience in the mix.
| No. | Player Name | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashu Malik | Raider, Captain |
| 2 | Fazel Atrachali | Defender, Vice-Captain |
| 3 | Sandeep | Defender |
| 4 | Mohit | Raider |
| 5 | Gaurav Chhillar | Defender |
| 6 | Ajinkya Pawar | Raider |
| 7 | Akshit | Raider |
| 8 | Surjeet Singh | Defender |
| 9 | Saurabh Nandal | Defender |
| 10 | Amir Hossein Bastami | Defender |
| 11 | Anil Gurjar | Raider |
| 12 | Neeraj Narwal | Raider |
| 13 | Vijay | Raider |
| 14 | Anurag Kumar | Defender |
| 15 | Mohit Narwal | Defender |
| 16 | Raman Singh | Defender |
| 17 | Amit | All-Rounder |
| 18 | Arkam Shaikh | All-Rounder |
| 19 | Ashish Sangwan | All-Rounder |
| 20 | Naveen | All-Rounder |
With 9 defenders and 7 raiders, this squad has good balance across all departments. The team can rotate players easily while keeping their winning combination from last season.
Why Ashu Malik Is The Perfect Captain For Dabang Delhi K.C.
Dabang Delhi K.C. have named Ashu Malik as their captain for Season 12. The young raider led the team last year and finished Season 11 as the league’s top scorer with the most raid points. They bought him for INR 1.9 crore at the auction, making him their most expensive player.
Ashu Malik is just 22 years old, yet he has already achieved a PKL career milestone of over 730 raid points.
His form this season is even more impressive, as he is currently among the top PKL 12 raiders with 83 raid points in 7 matches and leads the league in Do-or-Die raid points (15), showcasing his exceptional consistency and maturity as a leader.
This season, he already has five Super 10s and is scoring at an average of 11.9 raid points per match. His raiding style is smart and calculated, focusing on a mix of touch and bonus points.
This blend of intelligence and high-volume scoring is what earned Delhi their six-match winning streak at the start of the season.
Coach Joginder Narwal believes Ashu’s attacking mindset will inspire the whole team. Delhi finished second last season with 13 wins, but they need their captain to be even more consistent.
The team has reached the playoffs from Season 6 onwards and won their maiden trophy in Season 8. Now Ashu wants to bring another title to Delhi.
Dabang Delhi K.C. 2025 PKL Schedule
Dabang Delhi K.C. will play across four different cities this season. Their first match is against Tamil Thalaivas on September 2nd. The team faces tough competition early with matches against strong teams.
Vizag (Vishwanadh Sports Club)
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 2 | Tamil Thalaivas vs Dabang Delhi K.C. | 20:00 IST |
| Sep 4 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Puneri Paltan | 21:00 IST |
| Sep 7 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Jaipur Pink Panthers | 21:00 IST |
| Sep 9 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Bengal Warriorz | 20:00 IST |
| Sep 11 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Gujarat Giants | 21:00 IST |
Jaipur (SMS Indoor Stadium)
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 17 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Telugu Titans | 20:00 IST |
| Sep 20 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Patna Pirates | 20:00 IST |
| Sep 25 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs U Mumba | 21:00 IST |
Chennai (SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium)
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sep 29 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Haryana Steelers | 21:00 IST |
| Oct 3 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs UP Yoddhas | 20:00 IST |
| Oct 6 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Jaipur Pink Panthers | 20:00 IST |
| Oct 7 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Haryana Steelers | 21:00 IST |
| Oct 9 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Bengal Warriorz | 20:00 IST |
| Oct 10 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Gujarat Giants | 20:00 IST |
Delhi (Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium)
| Date | Match | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oct 12 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Puneri Paltan | 20:00 IST |
| Oct 17 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Tamil Thalaivas | 20:30 IST |
| Oct 18 | Bengaluru Bulls vs Dabang Delhi K.C. | 19:30 IST |
| Oct 22 | Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Patna Pirates | 21:30 IST |
The Delhi leg has four home matches in two weeks. Strong home support will help them win. Good results in all venues can take Delhi back to the playoffs again.
Where To Watch Dabang Delhi K.C. PKL 2025 Matches
Pro Kabbadi League will stream across multiple channels in multiple languages. If you missed Season 11, it is also available to watch on JioHotstar.
| No. | Platform / Channel | Type | Languages Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JioHotstar | Streaming | English + regional commentary |
| 2 | Star Sports 1 / 1 HD | TV | English |
| 3 | Star Sports 2 / 2 HD | TV | English |
| 4 | Star Sports 1 Hindi / 1 Hindi HD | TV | Hindi |
| 5 | Star Sports 1 Tamil | TV | Tamil |
| 6 | Star Sports 1 Telugu | TV | Telugu |
| 7 | Star Sports 1 Kannada | TV | Kannada |
If you miss a game, JioHotstar will upload highlights soon after the game ends, plus Star Sports usually airs reshows of ongoing leagues, so keep a watch for that schedule!
Key Players To Watch In Dabang Delhi K.C. This Season
These 5 players have the most potential and expectations this season in the team of Dabang Delhi. Raids, good defence, and even leadership, their team needs all the most from them.
1. Ashu Malik: The captain and star raider. He is currently among the top raiders in PKL 12 with 83 raid points in 7 matches.
And also leads the league in Do-or-Die raid points, solidifying his status as a match-winner. His ability to deliver in crucial moments is undeniable.
2. Fazel Atrachali: Known as ‘The Sultan,’ the Iranian defender is the tactical leader of the defence.
He is currently among the top tackle-point scorers in PKL 12 with 22 tackle points and recently secured a High 5 against Telugu Titans. His vast experience is invaluable in crunch situations.
3. Neeraj Narwal: The supporting raider was bought for ₹0.362 crore. He works well with Ashu Malik and can score bonus points quickly. The team needs both raiders to perform together.
4. Surjeet Singh: The experienced defender who costs ₹0.2 crore. He has played many PKL seasons and rarely makes mistakes. Good teams need steady defenders like him.
5. Arkam Shaikh: The all-rounder was bought for ₹0.253 crore. He can raid and defend when the team needs flexibility. His skills give the coach more options during matches.
The performance of these five players will decide if Delhi can win another title.
Dabang Delhi K.C. Season 11 Success Story
Even though they lost in the semi-finals, Dabang Delhi had a great season 11. They showed great raids and rock-solid defence.
| No. | Category | Stat |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wins | 13 |
| 2 | Draws | 4 |
| 3 | Losses | 6 |
| 4 | Final Standing | 2nd Place |
| 5 | Total Raid Points | 463 |
| 6 | Successful Raid Rate | 38% (of 970 raids) |
| 7 | Total Tackle Points | 235 |
| 8 | Tackle Success Rate | 41% (of 526 tackles) |
| 9 | Highest Match Score | 47 vs Bengal Warriorz |
| 10 | Biggest Winning Margin | 22 points |
| 11 | All-Outs Inflicted | 33 (66 points) |
These numbers show why Delhi was so successful. The 38% raid success gave them enough points to win matches. They also had a 41% success rate in tackles.
The Journey Of Champions: Dabang Delhi K.C.
Dabang Delhi K.C. have been through 219 matches in PKL, and their record stands at 97 wins, 23 draws, and 99 losses. They once scored a massive 60 points in a game – their best ever. Their biggest thrashing of opponents? A 23-point difference.
But Season 8 was special. The final against Patna Pirates went right down to the wire – Delhi squeaked through 37-36. That win meant everything. It proved Delhi could handle the heat when it really counted, and boy, did their fans deserve that moment after sticking with the team through thick and thin.
Strengths & Weaknesses Of Dabang Delhi K.C.
Delhi has some strong areas that helped it reach second place last season. But they also have weak spots that have stopped them from winning the title.
Strengths
- Dominant Defense formed a solid wall, consistently ranking among the league’s top tackle-point scorers.
- Home advantage at Thyagaraj Stadium with passionate Delhi fans.
- Proven playoff experience with five consecutive seasons reaching the final stages.
- Strong team chemistry after keeping most players from last season’s squad.
Weaknesses
- Over-dependence on Ashu Malik for the majority of the raid points.
- Semi-final losses show they struggle in pressure against top teams.
- The all-rounder department lacks proven performers who can change quickly.
If Delhi can develop their supporting raiders and fix knockout match problems, they can win the title. But if Ashu Malik gets injured or fails, the whole attack might collapse again.
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Conclusion: Dabang Delhi K.C. Ready To Reclaim Their Championship Glory
Dabang Delhi has had a phenomenal entry this season, securing 2nd place in the standings with a strong 6-1 record. They’ve proven to be a consistent and tactically excellent team.
To secure the championship, they must continue to rely on the formidable defense of Fazel Atrachali and improve their game management in the final minutes.
Critically, the supporting raiders must perform consistently to ease the burden on Ashu Malik. These key improvements will decide if they can go one step further than their past seasons.
Captain Ashu Malik’s leadership and coach Joginder Narwal’s experience give Delhi the perfect foundation for success. If they can maintain consistency and handle pressure situations, another PKL title is definitely possible.
The quest for their second championship has already started – don’t miss the exciting matches live on Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar!
FAQs
All matches begin at either 8:00 or 9:00 PM IST, depending on the venue and day. Home matches in Delhi have slightly different timings, with some starting at 7:30 PM for weekend games.
Ashu Malik is the current leading scorer for the team in PKL 12, with 83 raid points in 7 matches. Defender Fazel Atrachali leads the tackle points with 22 tackle points.
Delhi has qualified for the playoffs in five straight seasons.
Both bring international tournament experience and different defensive techniques compared to Indian players. Their height advantage and unique tackling styles can surprise raiders who face them rarely.
The passionate Delhi crowd creates an electric atmosphere that motivates home players and puts pressure on visiting teams. The familiar court conditions also help Delhi players perform better consistently.
