PKL 10: Gujarat Giants coach Ram Mehar Singh expresses gratitude to team management following playoff qualification

The Giants confirmed their playoff berth with a convincing win over the Bulls.

Gujarat Giants are heading to the Pro Kabaddi League season 10 (PKL 10) playoffs after demolishing Bengaluru Bulls by a 50-28 scoreline at the Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday, 11 February 2024. The outfit was unstoppable in their quest to secure maximum points and Parteek Dahiya’s (13) Super 10 was crucial in achieving the feat.

Four teams have confirmed a place in the PKL 10 playoffs including Gujarat Giants who have accumulated 65 points from 20 matches. Fazel Atrachali also secured a High 5 with six points to help his side get over the line. There was disappointment in the Bengaluru Bulls camp during the post-match press conference due to their side suffering an 11th defeat of the season.

Here are the excerpts from both outfit’s conversation with the media:

Ram Mehar Singh’s message to the fans

The tactician was thankful for the support his team has received from the fans and said, “When the league goes on for a long time every team prioritises securing a playoff qualification. There are so many emotions from the people involved, the support of the management and everyone playing their roles in preparing for the season. It is only with a combined effort that a team qualifies and I would like to thank my management and the fans who have been praying for us for the past few months despite the highs and lows during the season.”

He also thanked the management profusely for allowing the coaching staff the freedom to make decisions and work towards achieving success. 

The focus was towards winning – Fazel Atrachali

“Our focus was towards winning. The five points were very important for us. It was a good match for us before heading into the playoffs. Our raiders and defenders are doing well and it is a good thing that we work on our mistakes before the playoffs.”

Saurabh Nandal’s analysis of the performance

Bengaluru Bulls’ skipper, Saurabh Nandal said, “We started the game well and the contest was evenly matched. Then, we three (Surjeet Singh, Monu and himself) got out resulting in an All Out and the mistakes in defence during the first half cost us the match. The defenders did not do well across the match and the raiders did not score enough points either.”

A season of ups and downs

Bengaluru Bulls have blown hot and cold during PKL 10 and speaking on the lack of consistency, their tactician said, “Today, our defence and attack both underperformed, resulting in the defeat. Talking about the season, we have had troubles with a recognised raider due to a shortage of them in the team. Since there was no consistency in the raiding department, we could not mount a strong challenge for a playoff spot.”

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