Pro Kabaddi League: Top Raider Devank Dalal Aims For Next Level Of Performance

Devank Dalal was the top pick for Bengal Warriorz in the Season 12 ProKabaddi League auction this year. The franchise had failed to reach playoffs in the last season and they bolstered their squad by snapping Dalal for Rs 2.205 crore, making him the most expensive Indian player at the auction.

However, Dalal who won best raider of the Season 11 award and played key role in Patna Pirates run into final before losing to Haryana Steelers, wants to pay back the faith shown by his new franchise. He ended the last season with 301 points which included 18 Super 10s. He wants to do even better this season.

“I want to avoid last season mistakes and perform even better. I have worked on new skills with Bengal Warriorz coach (Naveen Kumar) and hope to execute them better on the field. We have a good team combination and and have jelled well during training sessions,” said Dalal to FPJ during an interaction at Navi Mumbai Sports Association Club, Vashi on Wednesday.

The franchise has been been training at the venue from two months to get prepared for PKL 12 campaign.

“My fans increased after last season performances which felt good but I am hungry for more. I want to help the team to reach playoffs and give it all to win the title,” he added.

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The 23-year-old’s multifaceted skill set and an uncanny game sense coupled with good height, speed, power, agility and instant decision ability makes him top player to watch for Bengal Warriorz. He has combined well with new teammates during training sessions. The PKL 12 starts on August 29 while Bengal Warriorz start there campaign in Vizag on August 31 against defending champions Haryana Steelers.

His new teammates Nitesh Kumar and Mayur Kadam, both defenders, are also hoping that they can qualify for playoffs and become champions this season. “We have a good team and drafted a good raider so we are hoping for the best,” said Kumar. “The team looks in good shape and we have a good combination by bolstering raiding department,” Kadam said.

From Singh Pura Kurud near Rohtak in Haryana, Dalal travelled hard yards before getting picked by army and being posted as Havaldar in New Delhi. He started playing for Services team and was first scouted by Jaipur Pink Panthers in PKL 9. He received limited game time, which saw the Panthers clinch their second title. A fractured skull sustained during training forced him to miss the entire campaign during PKL 10.

However he looks for the positives, and acknowledges making the PKL debut with Panthers and sharing dressing room with the likes of skipper Sunil Kumar, Rahul Chaudhari, and Arjun Deshwal made him a better player and he showed that in PKL 11 for Pirates. This season he garnered already eyebrows in the auction and he wants to impress the national team scouts.

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“My aim is to play for the national team and am targeting Asian Games next year. My ultimate goal is to win gold for India. I am participating in nationals and playing in PKL and doing all the fitness routines to perform well and get India call up,” Dalal signed off.