Devank Dalal, a 22-year-old raider from Rohtak, Haryana, has rapidly become one of the standout performers in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11.
With his remarkable raiding skills and a hunger to win, Devank has been turning heads and winning hearts, most notably with his match-winning performance against the Tamil Thalaivas.
Career: From Army Aspirant to Kabaddi Raider
Devank’s journey into professional Kabaddi began with his stint in the Indian Army, a path that instilled discipline and resilience in him. Despite being the first in his family to take up the sport, his success has inspired two of his younger siblings to follow suit.
Devank’s passion for Kabaddi caught fire in PKL Season 9, where he played with the Jaipur Pink Panthers and was part of their championship-winning squad. The experience of winning the title left an indelible mark on the young raider.
“When I was in the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the ninth season, I had one star on my shirt, and then we won the title that year. The next year (Season 10) we played with two stars on the shirt, and now at the Patna Pirates, I have three stars on my shirt this year. But when we play Season 12, I want to have four stars on my kit. I definitely want to make Patna Pirates win a fourth title,” Devank confidently stated.
Devank’s defining moment came in PKL Season 11, where he delivered a stunning 25-point performance against the Tamil Thalaivas, single-handedly carrying Patna Pirates to their first win of the season.
Reflecting on the match, he humbly said, “It was all about the team and I was thinking that something or someone has to step up for Patna Pirates on the mat. On that day, it was my day, and on another day, there will be another player who does well. But it is important for us to play together, and that’s how we can win games.”
Family: A Pillar of Support
For Devank, family is not just a source of motivation but the driving force behind his ambitions. His family has faced many challenges, and he is determined to turn their hardships into happiness. “My family keeps telling me to keep working hard, and that nothing is impossible in this lifetime if you try,” Devank shared.
He added, “I want to do my best to make sure that my family has a good life going forward. They have seen a lot of hard times, and now it is my time to give back to them and help them lead a happy life. They have done a lot for me, and I want to be able to do something nice for them.”
The Young Raider with Big Dreams
Devank Dalal’s dedication to his sport and his team is unwavering. He draws strength from his captain, Shubham Shinde, and the trust placed in him by the Patna Pirates management. “My teammates and the captain kept giving me the confidence to go and attack and get the points. I have received a lot of support from the team management at the Patna Pirates and I want to make every opportunity count,” he said.
As he continues his journey in PKL, Devank’s eyes are set on earning that fourth star on his jersey, and with the determination he has shown, there is no doubt that he will seize every opportunity that comes his way.
