Defending is not an easy art. Defenders are strong, defenders are mean and defenders are the wall of the team. A side needs to have a strong defence so that they don’t leak points. The Dabang core team went in to the auction with an intention to make their defence strong and got the job done by signing some great defenders.
Nilesh Shinde and Bajirao Hodage, arguably one of the best defending pair in Vivo Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) history, would be the leaders of our defence line. Their experience would be vital as the younger lot would look up to them. Having played for Patna and Mumbai before, Sunil Kumar is an important cog of this team. With a view to promote young talent, a lot of youngsters have been included in the side this season. Swapnil Shinde, who was a part of Pune Paltan earlier, would also be eager to prove himself.
The likes of Tushar Bhoir, Satpal, Tapas Pal and Viraj Landge, who have never played in PKL before, have a great platform in front of them. Since this will be their debut season, they have an advantage as none of the teams have seen them play before. This can definitely work in our favour and it is up to these youngsters to make a name for themselves. Meraj Sheykh has been rock solid in his defence over the years. All-rounder Rupesh Tomar can contribute in the defence as well. So all in all, the defenders look sharper than ever as an exciting season awaits us.