Dabang Delhi Retained and Released Players for PKL 13 (Probable)

Whom will Dabang Delhi RETAIN or RELEASE ahead of PKL Season 13? Let’s take a look at the most likely retention decisions for the franchise.

Retention Rules for PKL Season 13

The PKL Season 13 retention process is expected to remain the same as in previous seasons. We have already explained the complete retention process and the rules in a previous blog.

You can read and understand the PKL Season 13 Retention Rules – Click here to read.

Dabang Delhi Possible Retained Players

# Elite Retained Players

(1) Ashu Malik

Ashu Malik needs no introduction. He has established himself as the next superstar of Dabang Delhi. Ahead of last season, the franchise showed tremendous faith in him by using a two-year FBM Card worth ₹1.90 crore. At the time, many questioned whether such a huge investment would pay off.

Ashu answered all those doubts with his performances. Despite missing a few matches due to injury, he scored 152 Raid Points in just 14 matches and consistently delivered whenever the team needed him in difficult situations. As per the FBM rules, he will automatically remain with Dabang Delhi for the second year of his contract. The retention price will be high, but the franchise will expect him to continue producing the same match-winning performances next season.

(2) Ajinkya Pawar

Ajinkya Pawar, a Left Raider, had plenty of doubters after being released by Bengaluru Bulls. Many believed he wouldn’t be able to perform at the same level again.

However, Dabang Delhi picked him up at his base price of ₹13 lakhs, and he proved to be an excellent signing. Last season, he scored 65 Raid Points in 19 matches. While the numbers may not look extraordinary, they don’t tell the full story. Whenever the team needed him, Ajinkya stepped up and played his role perfectly. Considering his affordable price tag and valuable contributions, Dabang Delhi have a very strong chance of retaining him for another season.

(3) Neeraj Narwal

Neeraj Narwal is another Left Raider who was bought by Dabang Delhi for ₹32.60 lakhs in the previous PKL Auction. He delivered 87 Raid Points in 19 matches, making important contributions throughout the season.

Much like Ajinkya Pawar, Neeraj always delivered whenever the team needed him. His numbers may not be among the league’s highest, but Dabang Delhi never required him to carry the entire raiding department. With the team’s strong defensive unit performing consistently, Neeraj played his role effectively and is expected to continue with the franchise for another season.

(4) Surjeet Singh

Surjeet Singh, a Right Cover Defender, looked to be nearing the end of his PKL career after a few difficult seasons. However, Dabang Delhi showed faith in him by signing him at his base price of ₹20 lakhs, and he repaid that trust.

He scored 33 Tackle Points in 19 matches, bringing valuable experience to the squad while delivering consistently throughout the season. Surjeet also won the first PKL trophy of his career last season. After such an impressive comeback, Dabang Delhi are expected to retain him with confidence.

(5) Fazal Atrachali

The story of Fazal Atrachali is quite similar to that of Surjeet Singh. Many had doubts because of his age, but Dabang Delhi trusted the experienced defender and signed him at his base price of ₹30 lakhs.

That decision turned out to be one of the franchise’s best moves. Fazal was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the season after scoring 52 Tackle Points in 19 matches. Beyond his performances, his leadership and vast experience played a crucial role on the mat. Even though he wasn’t the official captain on paper, he guided the team whenever it mattered most. Dabang Delhi are expected to retain him for another season.

(6) Saurabh Nandal

Saurabh Nandal is a Right Corner Defender whom Dabang Delhi signed at his base price of ₹13 lakhs in the previous PKL Auction. Once again, it proved to be a bargain signing for the franchise.

He scored 52 Tackle Points in 19 matches, becoming a key part of Dabang Delhi’s outstanding defensive unit. Every defender in the team contributed significantly last season, and Saurabh was certainly one of the standout performers. With his impressive campaign and affordable retention value, he is another strong candidate to be retained.

# Retained Young Players

(1) Sandeep Deswal

Sandeep Deswal is a Left Cover Defender whose two-year NYP contract has now come to an end. If Dabang Delhi decide to retain him, they will need to offer him a three-year Retained Young Player (RYP) contract.

During his two-year journey as an NYP, Sandeep showed plenty of promise. Last season, he scored 29 Tackle Points in 19 matches and established himself as a dependable backup defender. Dabang Delhi could look to retain him under the RYP category, with the hope that he continues to develop and delivers even better performances in the coming seasons.

# Existing New Young Players

Players in this category are those who enter the second year of their two-season NYP contract. Since they were signed as NYPs last season, they will automatically remain with the franchise next season under the Existing New Young Player category.

(1) Anurag Deswal (Left Corner)

Scored 13 tackle points in 11 matches.

(2) Raman Singh (Right Corner)

Scored 2 tackle points in 4 matches.

Dabang Delhi Possible Releases

1. Akshit Dhull (Left Raider)

2. Anil Gurjar (Left Raider)

3. Vijay (Left Raider)

4. Mohit Deswal (Right Raider)

5. Naveen Rawal (Right Raider)

6. Arkam Shaikh (Left Cover)

7. Mohit Narwal (Left Cover)

8. Gaurav Chillar (Right Cover)

9. Ashish Sangwan (Right Cover)

10. Amit Barak (Left Corner)

11. Amir Hossein Bastami (Right Corner)

So, these are the most likely retention decisions for Dabang Delhi ahead of PKL Season 13. A clearer picture will emerge once the recategorised players list is released and the franchise finalizes its retention strategy.

You can also share your thoughts in our detailed YouTube video discussing Dabang Delhi’ possible retentions.