Chennai, Oct 8 (NationPress) Rishank Devadiga lauded Fazel Atrachali for his outstanding performances and expressed admiration for Dabang Delhi K.C.’s exhilarating showdown against the reigning champions Haryana Steelers, which ended in a thrilling 33-33 draw during regular time before Delhi triumphed 9-3 in the tie-breaker at the ongoing Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 12).

He also reflected on the Tamil Thalaivas, who concluded their home leg with an impressive 56-37 victory over the Patna Pirates.

In an exclusive discussion on KBD Live, expert Rishank Devadiga offered insights on Delhi’s nail-biting win, Atrachali’s landmark achievement of 200 PKL matches, and Arjun Deshwal’s record-breaking performance for the Thalaivas.

On JioHotstar, Rishank analyzed Dabang Delhi K.C.’s thrilling victory against the Haryana Steelers:

“This electrifying match truly met expectations. When two elite teams collide, intensity is guaranteed, and we witnessed just that. From the start, both teams displayed an incredible desire to win. Every point was fiercely contested. Ultimately, Delhi emerged victorious, with Fazel Atrachali’s tie-breaker raid being the highlight of the match.

“It marked his 200th appearance in the Pro Kabaddi League, a record in PKL history, and he celebrated with a spectacular super raid. His confident demeanor and the subsequent celebration captured the moment beautifully. Fazel contributes unparalleled experience to this Delhi squad, and every time he steps onto the mat, he gives his utmost.”

Regarding Dabang Delhi K.C.’s Surjeet Narwal’s vital role in the tie-breaker, Devadiga noted that although he didn’t score any points in regular time, he excelled in the tie-breaker.

“Surjeet Narwal played extensively but didn’t score a point during regular time; however, he bore significant responsibility in the tie-breaker. If a team secures a tackle point in the initial raid, it creates a substantial advantage, and Surjeet accomplished just that.

“He successfully stopped Vishal Tate, a formidable raider, in the first raid of the tie-breaker. This gave Dabang Delhi a tremendous early advantage and was crucial in determining the outcome of the match.”

In the absence of skipper Ashu Malik, who was injured a few matches ago, Ajinkya Pawar has stepped up. Devadiga commended the team for effectively filling in the gaps and leading the raiding efforts:

“Following Ashu Malik’s injury three to four matches ago, players like Ajinkya Pawar and Neeraj Narwal took control of the raiding responsibilities. The experience gained during those matches was evident against the Haryana Steelers. When Ashu was sidelined, Ajinkya showcased his skills, earning eight raid points, with his super raid against the Steelers being a highlight for me.

“He executed an impressive running hand touch on Neeraj Kumar and continued to attack strategically. Ajinkya possesses a diverse raiding toolkit, and if the partnership between Neeraj Narwal and Ajinkya Pawar persists, Dabang Delhi could evolve into a formidable force in upcoming matches.”

In assessing the day’s second match, Devadiga analyzed Tamil Thalaivas captain Arjun Deshwal’s remarkable performance against the Patna Pirates:

“Arjun Deshwal recognized the significance of this match against the Patna Pirates for both himself and his team. He consistently secured points from the onset. Despite some defensive missteps early on, Arjun’s steady scoring uplifted the team’s spirit, prompting the Thalaivas to function as a cohesive unit. Arjun attempted 28 raids, garnering 26 raid points, marking the best performance of his career.

“Delivering such a performance in front of his home crowd will certainly enhance his confidence. With Arjun spearheading the attack and the defense stepping up later in the match, the Thalaivas appeared as a complete team.”

He also commented on the Patna Pirates’ overall lackluster display:

“In their previous match against the UP Yoddhas, which Patna won, it seemed like the team was regaining form. However, against the Tamil Thalaivas, disappointment was evident. This can be classified as a significant loss, as the Thalaivas thoroughly outperformed the three-time champions.

“Patna managed just two tackle points throughout the match, highlighting a critical area for improvement. The defensive unit must enhance its performance if the Pirates aim to secure victories in their remaining seven matches and contend for the eighth spot.”

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