Speaking exclusively during the ‘Revenge Week Media Day’ organized by JioStar, Dabang Delhi K.C. Captain Ashu Malik shared his thoughts on the team’s preparations, strategies against upcoming opponents, the role of senior and junior players, and the mindset needed to stay consistent through the PKL season.
On the match against UP Yoddhas: “We had a very productive pre-season camp, where the coach ensured we trained well for a long and competitive season. As matches begin, we prepare specific strategies against each opponent. Our first meeting with UP Yoddhas this season is crucial, since we haven’t faced them yet. The strategy will be built by our coaches – who to target, how to approach their defense, and how to counter their raiding unit. UP has a strong
side. Sumit is their best defender and we will look to target him. In raiding, they are well-equipped with players like Bhawani Rajput, Gagan Gowda, Guman Singh, and Shivam, a young left raider. So, the strategy will be clear: study their strengths and find ways to puzzle them.”
On breaking the strategies of defenders: “I know the opposition always plans strategies to tackle me, and I prepare myself to counter them. I focus on giving my 100% while keeping in mind when and how they might attempt a tackle. I’ve been working on all skills—bonus, hand touch, and kicks—because you never know which will be needed in a match. There isn’t one specific skill I’m focused on, but I stay sharp across all of them.”
I honestly don’t know: Ashu Malik breaks silence on Haryana Steelers' refusal to shake hands with Dabang Delhi K.C.
On the no-handshake incident against Haryana Steelers in the previous match: “I honestly don’t know why the opponent team refused the handshake. We went forward to shake hands, but they didn’t respond. It has been talked about on social media, but I believe it’s wrong. If one team comes forward, the other should respect that moment. For the upcoming match against Haryana, we will play with a fresh mind, no matter what the opponent does. Aggression can sometimes cost you matches, so we’ll play calmly and aim to win.”
On managing pressure and team support during games: “When matches get fast or tempers rise, we use timeouts. That’s when the coach reminds us to calm down, slow the pace, and focus. We also have 3–4 young players, like Sandeep, who is in his second season. Others like Fazel and Surjeet have 9–10 seasons of experience. But we treat everyone equally, seniors and juniors sit together, share thoughts, and support one another. Ajinkya Pawar has been with us since Season 6 and brings a lot of experience. We rely on him in crucial moments, knowing that he will deliver. He has done very well in a few matches this season and is a very safe option when needed.”
On Delhi’s performance this season: “There aren’t really areas that need improvement. At times, we get puzzled mentally, like in the two games against Patna, where we lost despite having a 10–11 point lead. It was more about losing focus and not handling substitutions well. But overall, every player is giving 100% and has shown great improvement. In Seasons 10 and 11, we had many young players, and our lack of experience cost us at critical moments. The management and support staff were always behind us, but we didn’t have seniors on the mat during pressure situations. Now that experienced players are with us, things will be different.”
On the upcoming match against Patna Pirates (Oct 22): “The last match against Patna was also in our hands—we had a lead of 10–11 points. But mistakes happened, like Neeraj Narwal making a risky move when the coach asked him to be cautious. I was injured in that match and wasn’t playing at my best. Still, we had the lead. In the next match, we will not repeat those mistakes. I am confident we will win.”
On PKL as a platform for young players: “PKL is the biggest platform for kabaddi. Over the past few seasons, many young players have emerged and even entire line-ups of certain teams are filled with youngsters. PKL is providing a golden opportunity for young players to learn and grow.”
(With Inputs from Press Release)
