Why Pardeep Narwal is Not Playing in 70th Senior National Kabaddi Championship
The 70th Senior National Kabaddi Championship is underway at the District Sports Complex in Ahmednagar, bringing together 30 teams to vie for the coveted kabaddi title. However, a notable absence has cast a shadow - star raider Pardeep Narwal is not participating in the tournament.
The reasons behind Narwal's exclusion remain unclear. Some speculate it's due to an injury he sustained during Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 10. Others point towards his relatively low scoring performance in the same season.
Theory 1: Injury Woes Sideline the Dubki King
Pardeep Narwal, nicknamed the "Dubki King" for his signature escape move, is known for his aggressive raiding style. However, injuries have plagued him in recent seasons. If he did indeed suffer an injury during PKL 10, it's likely he's still recovering and not at peak fitness for the Nationals.
Theory 2: Subpar Performance in PKL 10 Leads to Omission
Another theory suggests that Narwal's underwhelming performance in PKL 10 might have led to his exclusion from the national team. In PKL 10, he managed only 122 raid points in 17 matches, averaging 7.18 points per game. This falls short of his usual dominance.
However, it's important to consider his overall record. Despite the recent dip, Pardeep Narwal remains the highest scorer in PKL history with a staggering 1690 raid points. He's also achieved 85 'Super 10s' - matches where a raider scores 10 or more points.
The 'Record-Breaker' absence is a significant blow for Haryana, his home state, and the tournament as a whole. He is a fan favourite and a true legend in the sport. His absence creates an opportunity for other talented raiders to shine, but it also raises questions about selection criteria and the weightage given to recent performance versus a player's overall record.
The National Championship will undoubtedly be exciting even without Pardeep Narwal. With 30 teams competing, there will be plenty of high-octane encounters and a chance to witness new raiding stars emerge.
National kabaddi championships are a platform to showcase not only exceptional current form but also a player's dedication and proven talent. While injuries and recent performance can't be ignored, a holistic approach that considers a player's entire career might be a better way to ensure a fair and balanced selection process.
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