Ashu Malik, Sandeep Impress as Neeraj Narwal’s Heroics Seal Thriller in Chennai
Dabang Delhi K.C. continued their dominant Pro Kabaddi League 2025 campaign, defeating Jaipur Pink Panthers 29-26 in a nail-biting contest at the SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Monday. The victory not only secured Delhi a double over the defending champions but also made them the first team to cross the 20-point mark this season.
Defence Takes Center Stage
In a clash where defenders stole the spotlight, Sandeep’s High Five (7 tackle points) stood out for Dabang Delhi, while Ashu Malik led the raiding unit with 8 points. For Jaipur, both Reza Mirbagheri and Deepanshu Khatri earned High Fives, while Aryan Kumar chipped in with four tackle points. Despite their gritty defensive display, the Pink Panthers fell just short in crunch moments.
A Tense First Half
Ashu Malik set the tone early with a Super Raid, giving Delhi a quick three-point cushion. Jaipur responded through Deepanshu Khatri’s ankle hold and a couple of sharp tackles from Aryan Kumar, briefly nudging ahead.
The half swung back and forth before Reza Mirbagheri’s back-to-back Super Tackles tilted momentum in Jaipur’s favor, helping them edge into a 13-12 lead at the break.
Second-Half Drama
The intensity only grew after the restart. Vinay’s two-point raid gave Jaipur another lead, but Ashu Malik struck back with a crucial two-point raid followed by the game’s first All Out, restoring Delhi’s control.
Sandeep’s defensive brilliance continued as he completed his High Five, while Ajinkya Pawar added valuable raid points, stretching Delhi’s advantage to five. Jaipur fought back through Deepanshu Khatri’s High Five and a couple of late Super Tackles, narrowing the gap to just a single point.
Neeraj Narwal Delivers the Knockout Blow
With the game on a knife’s edge, Neeraj Narwal produced the defining moment, tackling Ali Samadi and then sealing the contest with the final raid of the night. His clutch play ensured Delhi completed a season double over Jaipur with a 29-26 win.
Analysis: Delhi Proving Championship Mettle Dabang Delhi’s ability to hold their nerve in close encounters is fast becoming their biggest weapon. The combination of Ashu Malik’s raiding consistency, Sandeep’s defensive steel, and Neeraj Narwal’s timely impact makes them a balanced unit. Their march to the top is no coincidence—they are increasingly looking like early favorites for the playoff spots