In the aftermath of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 match where Dabang Delhi outplayed U Mumba 47-26, one could only hear praise from Dabang Delhi’s defender Fazel Atrachali towards his captain Ashu Malik. The Iranian athlete unambiguously stated that the team’s performance was completely different with Ashu present on the court.​

At the post-match press conference, Fazel narrated how the presence of Ashu makes their job much simpler. The defender not only expressed joy over the return of his captain from injury but also admitted that it has led to the team’s overall performance improvement. This statement came after Ashu scored a record-high 23 raid points in the match.

Back to the Top Spot

The match against U Mumba on September 25 was special for several reasons. Here’s what made this performance stand out:​

• Dabang Delhi moved back to the top of the points table after the victory​
• The 21-point margin was the second highest in PKL 12 that season​
• Ashu Malik scored his career-best 23 raid points​
• The team bounced back after losing their previous match in the dying seconds​

Coach Joginder Narwal acknowledged that their previous loss was a mistake from both him and the team. He told his athletes before the U Mumba match that they needed to focus and perform well until the final whistle, which they did perfectly.​

Coming Back From Tough Times

Ashu Malik went through leg trouble, which made him stay away from the sport for a while. The captain mentioned that the injury had troubled him for around 12-13 days but was feeling fine when they confronted U Mumba. His presence turned the whole contest upside down with the team’s performance that day.​

The captain gave a detailed account of their previous match’s mistakes and how they corrected them. They reviewed their contest tape and found a lot of mistakes especially in the second half. The athletes made a pact that they would not let any of those errors to reoccur in the match against U Mumba.​

Team Adjustments

Dabang Delhi’s cleanup of their performance was mainly through the mistakes they did not repeat. The skipper admitted that even though they performed good the last match, too many mistakes led to a lost case. The team against U Mumba was a perfect blend of excellent offense and defense. 

Fazel’s compliment for Ashu was not limited to just one contest. The defender has actually been a key figure in the team’s success during the entire season and even grabbed the captaincy when Ashu was not around. Coach Joginder Narwal told that Fazel’s vast experience was the quality that made him the right choice in such scenarios. 

For kabaddi fans that keep themselves well-informed, Kheloexch gives detailed coverage of PKL matches and participant performances. All the important moments from each season are being tracked by the platform.

Building Team Confidence

Ashu talked about how being at the top of the table gave everyone a boost. The team enjoyed their victory and felt confident about belonging in that position. They were following the plans their coach gave them and hoped to continue performing at that level.​

The SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur witnessed a ruthless display from Dabang Delhi that day. Both defenders and raiders stepped up their contest, making it tough for U Mumba to find any rhythm. Fazel’s defense was particularly strong, helping the team tackle more successfully as the match went on.​

What Made Ashu Special?

The statement from the veteran defender regarding Ashu was not simply a passing remark. Fazel has been part of kabaddi at the highest level for a lengthy time and realizes what it takes to perform over a long period. When an athlete of his stature claims that an athlete is making every match easy, it is taken seriously.

The 23-point performance of Ashu was a clear demonstration of why he is so highly regarded by his teammates. The captain took the lead by showing that he is now fit again after his injury layoff. His movement on the mat and decision-making were significant factors in Dabang Delhi’s being victorious in their matches right from the beginning to the end.

Kheloexch has been providing the kabaddi fans with daily coverage and analysis updates, especially during the season, about the PKL teams and their performances.

Looking Forward

Fazel was a vital athlete for Dabang Delhi all through the season. He got 49 tackle points in 17 matches with four High 5s during this time. The Iranian superstar proved that age is merely a number when you have the right skills and mindset.

The team’s bonding was getting stronger by every match. The presence of athletes like Fazel and Ashu who comprehend each other’s contest made the contest easier for them on the mat. Their partnership of defense and offense was one of the major reasons why Delhi remained at the top for a long time.

The season of Dabang Delhi has been a wake-up call to the importance of the experienced athletes in the team who can guide the younger ones. Fazel’s leadership during Ashu’s absence was not only a proof of the depth of the team but also of its character. They did not panic with the captain out but rather came together to make sure they kept their position.