DELHI VS. PUNE: INDIAN KABADDI LEAGUE 2021-22, MATCH 5 | PREDICTION, PLAYING 7 AND FANTASY KABADDI TIPS
Delhi, the losing finalists of the 2019 Indian Kabaddi League, take on Pune in Match 5 at the Sheraton Grand Whitefield in Bengaluru on December 23. Both teams have strengthened their ranks since then, though Pune undoubtedly had more work to do after finishing in 10th place.
After failing to make the play-offs in the first 5 seasons, Delhi’s steady improvement took them to the top of the table in 2019. But despite starting the final well, they were undone by the brilliance and resilience of Mohammad Nabibakhsh and Bengal.
Manjeet Chhillar, Ajay Thakur, Sandeep Narwal and Jeeva Kumar add huge experience to a squad that already boasted the thrilling raiding skills of Naveen Kumar. Thakur and Chhillar may be past their best, but in a play-off scenario, their experience of winning gold medals with India will prove vital.
After disappointing in the last season, Pune have also improved their squad with the acquisitions of Rahul Chaudhari and Vishal Bhardwaj. They’ve also recruited Baldev Singh from Bengal, the defending champions.
Match Details
- Game: Delhi vs. Pune, Match 5
- Venue: Sheraton Grand Whitefield, Bengaluru
- Date & Time: Dec 23, 2021, at 8:30 PM IST
Probable Playing 7
Delhi
Naveen Kumar, Ajay Thakur, Manjeet Chhillar, Sandeep Narwal, Joginder Narwal (C), Vijay Malik. Jeeva Kumar
Pune
Rahul Chaudhari, Pankaj Mohite, Nitin Tomar (C), Sanket Sawant, Hadi Tajik, Vishal Bhardwaj, Baldev Singh
Head-to-Head Record
There has been little to separate these sides over the years, though Delhi will have good memories of a thumping 20-point win in the last season.
| Matches | Delhi Wins | Pune Wins | Draws |
| 16 | 7 | 8 | 1 |
Previous Season Results
Naveen Kumar’s 11 points helped Delhi edge a close game before he dominated the second match with 19 points. The two meetings reflected the team’s seasons, with Delhi finishing top of the table and Pune in a lowly 10th place.
- Match 35: Pune 30 – 32 Delhi
- Match 113: Pune 40 – 60 Delhi
Top Fantasy Picks
Raider
- Naveen Kumar had 15 points in the last season’s semi-final against Bengaluru and topped the charts with 18 in the final. He averages an incredible 10.51 points a match over the last 2 seasons.
All-rounder
- Manjeet Chhillar has been with Bengaluru, Jaipur and Tamil. The 35-year-old veteran joined Ajay Thakur – both once cornerstones of the Indian team – in moving to Delhi. He leads the league in both tackle points (339) and successful tackles (324).
Defender
- Sandeep Narwal has played for 4 different teams, and now finds himself in a Delhi squad looking to go one better than in 2019. His 310 tackle points is the 4th-highest in the history of the league.
Howzat Dream Team
- Defenders: Baldev Singh, Vishal Bhardwaj, Joginder Narwal
- All-rounder: Manjeet Chhillar, Sandeep Narwal
- Raiders: Naveen Kumar, Rahul Chaudhari
- Captain: Naveen Kumar/Rahul Chaudhari
- Vice Captain: Manjeet Chhillar/Vishal Bhardwaj
NOTE: The Howzat dream team above is just a suggestion. You can select your own team from today’s fantasy kabaddi prediction and play all the upcoming matches of India Kabaddi League. Also, don’t forget to make any necessary changes to your team once the actual playing 7 is announced by each team as some players you have selected might not be part of the team suggested.
Get fantasy kabaddi tips on your favorite fantasy gaming app and select your own team, Howzat!
