Pune, Oct 4 (NationPress) On the fourth day of Kabaddi Premier League season 12's 'Revenge Week,' fans witnessed two stellar performances, with Dabang Delhi K.C. decisively defeating UP Yoddhas 43-26 and Tamil Thalaivas overpowering Haryana Steelers with a score of 45-33.

Reflecting on these matches, Rishank Devadiga commended Delhi's poise, highlighted Arjun Deshwal's electrifying second-half performance for Tamil Thalaivas, and analyzed the ongoing raiding issues faced by UP Yoddhas.

Devadiga couldn't hold back his admiration for Dabang Delhi K.C., who rose to the top of the leaderboard following their impressive display. “Dabang Delhi showcased the spirit of true champions. If they maintain this level of play, they are formidable contenders for the title. Their game demonstrated remarkable maturity, with minimal errors. Special recognition goes to Ashu Malik and the raiding unit, who effectively compensated for any weaknesses. Ashu's dominance was noteworthy, especially considering the concerns regarding his match-up against UP Yoddhas’ Sumit. From the outset, he disrupted the defense, creating opportunities for himself and delivering an extraordinary performance,” he stated.

While Delhi shone brightly, it was Arjun Deshwal's heroics for Tamil Thalaivas that captured attention in the second match. After a subdued first half, securing just three raid points, Deshwal exploded in the second half, amassing 19 raid points, including several super raids, leading to a 12-point victory for the Thalaivas. “We expected a revenge match, and Tamil Thalaivas delivered. They faced a historical challenge against Haryana Steelers, but with Arjun Deshwal at the helm as captain, the game shifted dramatically. He merely needed to regain his form, and now that he has, he cannot be stopped. Deshwal has climbed to third on this season's raiders' leaderboard,” Devadiga remarked.

He further emphasized Deshwal's technique and flexibility in play. “Initially, Arjun excelled with deep raids on the right side, showcasing excellent footwork. As his confidence surged, he began to attack the left side too. Although he made some early mistakes, he adapted, introduced variations, induced errors from defenders, and executed his escapes with finesse. Arjun Deshwal delivered a stellar performance.”

Shifting focus to UP Yoddhas, Devadiga noted their excessive reliance on Gagan Gowda, which has consistently hindered the team during crucial moments. “This has become a recurring problem for UP Yoddhas. Gagan Gowda usually scores against 6-7 defensive setups due to his long reach, often relying on bonus points while achieving fewer touch points. However, we have yet to see a reliable point-scoring raider in UP's roster, particularly against tougher defenses. This vulnerability often leads to all-out situations for UP,” he explained.

With Dabang Delhi and Tamil Thalaivas peaking at the right moment, Devadiga believes the competition is intensifying. However, the consistency and equilibrium displayed by Dabang Delhi position them as the team to beat in season 12.