As the curtain rises on Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12, anticipation is palpable among fans and pundits alike. Dabang Delhi K.C., one of the competition’s most consistent franchises, is gearing up for a redemption campaign after last season’s semi-final heartbreak. The team, champions of PKL Season 8, has a clear target: reclaim the coveted trophy that slipped through their fingers in Season 11.
Dabang Delhi K.C. has built a reputation for resilience and top-tier performance, qualifying for the Playoffs in each of the last six editions. Under the steady guidance of head coach Joginder Narwal, the squad posted an impressive 13 wins out of 22 matches last season, finishing second in the league standings with 81 points. Their journey ended abruptly, though, at the hands of Patna Pirates in the semi-finals—a result that stung, especially after such a dominant regular season.
Determined to go one better, Dabang Delhi K.C. dove headfirst into the Season 12 player auction, emerging as the busiest franchise with 16 signings totaling ₹4.899 crore. The management’s strategy was clear: blend proven experience with youthful exuberance, plug the gaps, and assemble a squad capable of going the distance. And they certainly made a statement with their moves.
At the heart of Delhi’s ambitions is star raider Ashu Malik, who was retained via the Final Bid Match (FBM) card for a hefty ₹1.90 crore. Malik’s numbers speak for themselves—538 raid points in just 46 matches over the past two seasons. He’s set to spearhead the attack once more, but this time without his former partner-in-crime, Naveen Kumar. The departure of Naveen, affectionately known as the “Naveen Express,” is perhaps Delhi’s biggest challenge. Naveen was instrumental in the team’s maiden PKL triumph in 2022 and claimed back-to-back MVP awards in Seasons 7 and 8. His leadership and ability to turn games single-handedly will be sorely missed.
To bolster their raiding unit, Delhi snapped up Neeraj Narwal for ₹32.60 lakh and veteran Ajinkya Ashok Pawar for ₹13 lakh. Both bring different skillsets to the mat—Narwal with his agility and Pawar with his experience. But there’s more: the side will also look to emerging talents like Anil Gurjar, Mohit, Vijay, and Akshit, all eager to make their mark on the big stage. The question looming over Delhi’s campaign is whether this new-look attack can collectively fill the vacuum left by Naveen.
Defensively, Dabang Delhi K.C. made one of the most eye-catching signings of the off-season. Iranian legend Fazel Atrachali, the PKL’s all-time leading defender with 545 tackle points in 188 games, joins the ranks for his base price of ₹30 lakh. Atrachali’s presence alone can transform a defensive unit—his tactical acumen and leadership are second to none. He’ll be supported by right cover Surjeet Singh (₹20 lakh), Iranian right corner Amir Hossein Bastami (₹30 lakh), and Saurabh Nandal (₹13 lakh), forming a formidable backline capable of shutting down the league’s best raiders.
Still, the squad isn’t without its vulnerabilities. The lack of quality all-rounders is a concern, with only Amit, Ashish Kumar Sangwan, Naveen (a different player than the departed captain), and Arkam Shaikh recognized in that department. This shortage means Delhi will rely heavily on their specialists to deliver, both in attack and defense. If injuries or form issues arise, the team could find itself stretched thin across the mat.
Season 12 is also a shot at redemption for Fazel Atrachali, who endured a below-par campaign with Bengal Warriors last year. A return to his best form could be the difference-maker for Delhi, especially in high-pressure situations. According to multiple reports, Atrachali is motivated: "I want to help Delhi win another title and show that I am still at the top of my game," he stated during pre-season media interactions.
The PKL Season 12 schedule promises a grueling test for every contender. The action kicks off on August 29, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Visakhapatnam—making a return as a host city after seven years. The league will traverse four cities—Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi—ensuring fans across India get their fill of kabaddi drama. Double-headers will be the norm, with matches slated for 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM IST, adding to the prime-time spectacle.
Dabang Delhi K.C. will open their campaign against Bengaluru Bulls on September 2 in Vizag, followed by a string of high-stakes encounters, including showdowns with Jaipur Pink Panthers (September 7), Bengal Warriors (September 9), and Gujarat Giants (September 11). Each fixture is a potential banana peel, but also an opportunity for Delhi’s new recruits to prove their mettle.
Meanwhile, the broader PKL landscape is brimming with intrigue. Defending champions Haryana Steelers, fresh off their maiden title win against Patna Pirates (32-23 in the Season 11 final), are aiming to go back-to-back. Giants like Patna Pirates, Jaipur Pink Panthers, and Gujarat Giants are all in the mix, while up-and-comers such as U Mumba and Bengal Warriorz look to spring surprises. The betting odds reflect this unpredictability: Dabang Delhi K.C. sits at 10.00, level with Gujarat Giants and U Mumba, while Haryana Steelers lead the pack at 6.50, according to Dafabet’s latest numbers.
Delhi’s path to the top won’t be easy. The squad’s fortunes are closely tied to Ashu Malik’s form—if he fires, Delhi could be unstoppable; if he falters, the pressure mounts on the supporting cast. The new-look defense, marshaled by Atrachali, must gel quickly to withstand the relentless PKL schedule. And above all, the team must adapt to life after Naveen Kumar, finding fresh chemistry and leadership on the mat.
One thing’s for sure: Dabang Delhi K.C. isn’t shying away from the challenge. With a potent blend of proven stars and hungry newcomers, they’re ready to write a new chapter in their PKL story. As the league’s twelfth season dawns, all eyes will be on Delhi to see if they can turn promise into silverware once again. The journey begins soon, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
