“Coming back after an injury can be scary initially” - Naveen Kumar opens up his comeback and aspirations to win Pro Kabaddi 2024 [Exclusive]
Dabang Delhi KC’s ace raider and co-captain Naveen Kumar, popularly known as the Naveen Express, has been one of the most celebrated players in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) history. However, the 2024 season brought a fresh set of challenges for the 24-year-old, as he had to recover from injuries and adjust to a new role within the team.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Naveen shared his thoughts on his comeback, Dabang Delhi’s semi-final chances, and his aspirations for the season.
Naveen Kumar made his PKL debut in Season 6, and since then, he has been an indispensable part of Dabang Delhi KC. The team has reached the playoffs every season during his tenure, including a memorable title-winning campaign in Season 8.
With a staggering 1,094 raid points in just 105 matches at an average of 10.41 raid points per game (As of December 21, 2024), Naveen’s record speaks volumes about his talent. However, the previous season saw him sidelined midway due to injury, paving the way for Ashu Malik to step up as the team’s captain and lead them to the playoffs.
Naveen’s return this season has been gradual, as he suffered another injury early in the campaign, missing around 20 days.
Reflecting on the team’s performance in the ongoing season, Naveen said:
“Our performance has been quite good because winning matches consistently is a very tough task. Initially, a few of our matches didn’t go well, and at that time, we were unsure of what was happening. We believed that we would improve. We had new players in the team, so it took some time to build chemistry. Our coach motivated us a lot, and we all communicated with each other. We have cleared the first step of reaching the playoffs, and the entire team is very happy.”
With 12 wins in 21 games, Delhi currently sits in third place on the points table with 76 points and has secured a playoff spot. They are just one win away from confirming a direct semifinal berth.
Naveen’s recovery journey has been challenging, but he is optimistic about regaining his peak form.
“Speaking of my form, coming back after an injury can be scary initially. After eight months of rest, transitioning directly to playing kabaddi isn’t easy. My rehab went really well, and I’m fully fit now. Recently, I have been performing well, which has boosted my confidence. I will continue working hard to regain my old rhythm soon. Full form can only be achieved when you single-handedly lead your team to victory.”
He also acknowledged the role of Ashu Malik, who has been in stellar form this season, and highlighted their partnership:
“Earlier, Ashu supported me when I was alone. Now it’s my responsibility to support Ashu as he’s performing well. We are like one unit. Whoever performs well in a match gets more opportunities. Our sole aim is to play in the Pro Kabaddi League final and win it.”
Currently, Naveen has 89 raid points in 14 games this season at an average of 6.35 raid points per game, slightly below his career average but promising as he regains his rhythm.
Delhi’s path to the semifinals includes one crucial game against the Gujarat Giants, and Naveen is focused on the challenges ahead.
“We cannot take any team lightly. Every team is a challenge for us because any team can beat anyone on a given day. Each match requires a different strategy.”
Naveen also stressed the importance of defense in high-stakes matches:
“In raiding, Ashu Malik and I are doing well, but to stop the opposition’s main raiders, our defense will need to perform exceptionally. Our coach has been working on this, pointing out our mistakes and devising different strategies.”
When asked about Joginder Narwal, Dabang Delhi’s head coach, Naveen did not hold back his admiration. He credited Joginder’s presence as the backbone of the team.
“Joginder Narwal has vast experience in kabaddi. He started playing at a very young age in his village and has been playing for many years. I have learned a lot from him, and I’ve had the opportunity to play alongside him in the Pro Kabaddi League. His understanding of the game is exceptional, and he explains things very well. His planning is excellent; he knows exactly what to do and when to do it. This is the biggest plus point for us and his presence helps a lot. Coach sahab is the backbone of Dabang Delhi KC.”
Naveen Kumar on Dabang Delhi KC’s record unbeaten streak in Pro Kabaddi 2024
Naveen Kumar has been a vital part of Dabang Delhi KC’s remarkable performance. The team is currently unbeaten in 14 consecutive matches, equaling the longest winning streak in PKL history.
With a record-equalling winning streak and strong team chemistry, Naveen remains optimistic about Delhi’s chances in the playoffs.
“We will take it positively, and it will definitely help us. Honestly, we never thought about our winning streak. We have been progressing step by step. Our first goal was to qualify for the playoffs, and now that we’ve achieved it, we aim to win every match. This momentum gives us confidence, and it’s enjoyable because the opposing teams also come well-prepared.”