Sandeep Dhull keen to capitalise on his second chance

At the tender age of 19, Sandeep Dhull not only made his debut in the biggest domestic kabaddi league in the world but also became known as the master of the Super Tackle, leading Season 3 of VIVO Pro Kabaddi with 6. The impeccable timings on his tackle and his strength to bring down raiders by himself made him a big threat on the mat, even when he did not have the entire team to assist his tackles.

His consistency on the mat saw him become the best defender for Dabang Delhi K.C. in that season and joint 9^th in the overall Best Defenders list. Having started his VIVO Pro Kabaddi career on the right note, Dhull was looking forward reaching further heights; a feat he achieved while playing for Telugu Titans in the following season.

Missing out on a place in the starting 7 of the team in the first three games, he finally made his way there in a crucial match against Bengal Warriors. There, he wasted no time to pick up a career-high 8 tackle points in his team’s first victory of the season.

“I was brought in at a time when the team had to push for a victory, having lost three matches in a row,” says Dhull recalling his first match in Telugu Titans threads in an exclusive interview to prokabaddi.com. “The excitement level was sky-high since it was a new team and I wanted to perform for them. Fortunately, I did well.”

Dhull put in just one unsuccessful tackle in the entire match and played a vital role in keeping raiders like Nitin Madane, Monu Goyat and Shrikant Jadhav quiet.

He finished as the second most successful defender for Telugu Titans that season, behind only Sandeep Narwal. Another year and another successful season being in the bag, Dhull was looking to make it to the big-time in Season 5 and stamping his authority as one of the brightest young defenders in the league.

Unfortunately, however, things didn’t go exactly as planned for Dhull that year as he went unsold at the auctions. Having been among the Top 10 best defenders in both the seasons he played, this came as a big shock to Dhull; and one that he had a hard time digesting.

“When you don’t get picked after performing consistently you obviously feel bad. So that was a very difficult time for me,” recalls Dhull, “I did well in Season 4 and expected to either be retained or go for a high amount in the Season 5 auctions.”

Though he was upset for a long time, he didn’t let the disappointment affect his game. Instead, he used the time away to work on improving his game and prepare for a return to the big time. Having put in the hours, it was only a matter of waiting for Dhull as the auction date kept closing in.

“My entire family was worried before this year’s auctions,” says Dhull.

He was able to heave a huge sigh of relief once he found a place in the Jaipur Pink Panthers’ roster. It was then that he decided he will give everything he has for the franchise that showed faith in his abilities and leave no stone unturned to take them to the VIVO Pro Kabaddi trophy.

“I want to make the most of this second chance I have,” said Dhull. “I want to give my hundred per cent this season and win the trophy for my side.”