The match between Dabang Delhi and Patna Pirates was seen as a raiding slugfest between Pardeep Narwal and Naveen and both of them excelled. Looking at how the game panned out, the pendulum tilts slightly in favour of Pardeep Narwal. Though Patna Pirates put in a valiant effort, they went down at the hands of Dabang Delhi.
All in all, it was a historic day for Dabang Delhi as they won their fourth consecutive match at the home leg setting a new record of most wins at home leg surpassing U Mumba with 2 victories.
Naveen too became the fastest raider to reach 300 raid points surpassing Maninder Singh, he took only 33 matches to achieve the milestone. He also broke Pardeep Narwal record of most super 10’s in a season, he scored his 9th consecutive super 10 of the season 7.
This was also the 100th match for Ravindra Pahal at the Pro Kabaddi League.
In the post-match press conference, Dabang Delhi coach Krishan Hooda took questions from the press. Excerpts from the same:
Question– Joginder, how do you see this victory?
Joginder– Look, this is fourth consecutive win in the home leg. This is an important win for us, and the fans. We will look to continue the same form in the upcoming matches, all the players will play with responsibility and we will try the players remains fit throughout the tournament.
All I want to say is that good kabaddi should be displayed by the players and the fans the game all across the globe.
Question– How would you rate the home leg performance, secondly in the end the match came very close, what was your strategy at the last moment?
Krishan Hooda– First of all, I would like to congratulate my team, we have created a new record of winning all the matches at the home leg, this has never happened before. All the credit goes captain Joginder Narwal, defender Ravindra Pahal and our raider Naveen and Ranjeet.
I would also congratulate Naveen for becoming the top raider of Pro Kabaddi.
Question– Naveen, you have now become the fastest to reach 300 points. You also broke Pardeep Narwal’s record of most Super 10s. What do you have to say?
Krishan Hooda– I am happy that our team’s player has broken the record. Before the tournament, I expected Naveen and Ranjitt to become top raiders of the tournament.
Naveen has played throughout, and has won everyone’s hearts across the globe. I would give credit to his dedication, and also the contribution of our physio, trainer, manager, everyone has cooperated with us.
I would pray to God that they keep playing the same way and remain healthy and fit.
Question– Naveen what are your strengths that makes you different from others?
Joginder – He is extremely hard working and disciplined, and he follows all the instructions. He plays from heart and is liked by everyone. Look at his talent, age, face and weight. He is by the far the best.
Question- Your thoughts on the game coach?
Krishan Hooda– Look, we took the lead in the first half and will have to accept, Patna is a good team, after all they are three-time champions. This is a game and both the teams try to exploit each other’s weakness, but winning the match is important. There was not a time, when Patna was ahead of us.
