PKL 2024: Why is Siddharth Desai not playing Pro Kabaddi 2024?
The excitement around Dabang Delhi KC’s lineup this season took a hit with the absence of one of Pro Kabaddi League’s (PKL) most electrifying raiders Siddharth Desai. Known for his immense strength and dubbed “Bahubali” by fans, Desai was expected to add firepower to Delhi’s raiding unit alongside co-captains Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik.
However, fans awaiting his appearance in PKL 11 have been left puzzled as Siddharth Desai was notably absent from Delhi’s lineup, including their ongoing match against the Telugu Titans on October 26.
Dabang Delhi KC, on October 14, announced his withdrawal from PKL 11 due to undisclosed personal reasons.
While the specifics behind his decision remain under wraps, his absence has undeniably impacted Delhi’s plans and disappointed supporters who were eager to see the formidable raiding trio of Desai, Naveen, and Ashu in action.
Siddharth Desai missed Delhi’s initial two matches, where they secured a win against U Mumba but faltered against UP Yoddhas in a close encounter.
Despite their mixed start, Delhi’s raiding department has struggled to find a replacement for Desai’s physical dominance on the mat. With his departure, Delhi’s tactical setup has had to adapt, relying heavily on Naveen’s speed and Ashu’s versatility but missing Desai’s raw power.
How has Siddharth Desai performed in the Pro Kabaddi League?
Siddharth Desai’s PKL career has been nothing short of thrilling. In just 80 matches, he’s accumulated an impressive 693 raid points, placing him 11th among the league’s all-time top raiders.
The raider burst onto the scene in PKL 6, where his debut season with U Mumba saw him collect 218 raid points in 21 games, an exceptional average of 10.38 points per game.
His move to the Telugu Titans in Season 7 only bolstered his reputation, finishing with 217 raid points in 22 matches. Injuries, however, began to challenge his consistency; in Season 8, he managed only three matches before being sidelined.
Desai returned to the league in PKL 9, racking up 142 raid points in 17 matches but his performances didn’t quite reach the heights of his early seasons.
By Season 10 with Haryana Steelers, Desai had a difficult campaign, scoring just 82 raid points in 17 matches at an average of 4.82, sparking questions about his longevity at the top level.
Despite his dip in form, Dabang Delhi KC invested in Desai for PKL 11, securing him at the auction for INR 26 lakh. Their aim was clear: harness Siddharth Desai’s experience to create a balanced raiding unit with Naveen and Ashu.
But with Desai’s unexpected withdrawal, Delhi’s aspirations have taken a hit and the anticipated dynamic trio will remain untested.