PKL 11: Bhavani Rajput reveals reason behind his good performance in Eliminator 1

PKL 11 semifinals will be played on December 27.

Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) Playoffs kicked off in dramatic fashion, with the UP Yoddhas delivering a commanding performance to seal their Semi-Final spot. They dismantled the Jaipur Pink Panthers 46-18 in Eliminator 1 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune.

Jaipur’s Neeraj and assistant coach addressed the media after their loss, while UP Yoddhas’ Gagan Gowda and Bhavani Rajput shared their views on the team’s win in PKL 11.

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On Bhavani Rajput’s performance

Bhavani Rajput’s stunning 12-point display and Hitesh’s crucial High-5 were instrumental in the Yoddhas’ success.

“Coach said that you play with a free mind and don’t take any pressure and play your game and give your best, that is what I did,” said Bhavani Rajput reflecting on his performance.

On facing Haryana Steelers in PKL 11 semifinal

Their victory sets up an exciting Semi-Final clash against the Haryana Steelers at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune. Both the teams have defeated each other once in PKL this season.

“Haryana were at the top of the table and they have a good defence too, their left corner, Mohammedreza Shadloui, we have to plan a little for him, ” said Gagan Gowda.

On UP Yoddhas’s performance

The match began cautiously, with both teams taking their time to settle. However, it didn’t take long for the UP Yoddhas to assert their dominance. Bhavani Rajput and Bharat put them ahead early, and a swift ALL OUT within the first seven minutes gave them a 6-point lead. By halftime, the Yoddhas had secured a second ALL OUT, extending their advantage to 23-8.

“Barring a few matches, our boys have played some good matches and have handled some high-pressure matches with the pressure of playoffs already there. so we as coaches told them that don’t take any extra pressure, play like they would, ” said UP Yoddhas coach.

“You don’t get to see this kind of point difference in a playoff match. Our team was winning with close margins, so I think this performance today will help them and give them confidence,” he added.

On Jaipur Pink Panther’s performance

The second half continued in the same vein, as Bhavani Rajput completed his Super 10, and the defence, led by Hitesh and Sumit, remained rock-solid. Jaipur Pink Panthers‘ raiders including captain and talisman Arjun Deshwal struggled to make an impact, and a third ALL OUT sealed their fate.

“Arjun is an experienced raider. He has played well. He has played in playoffs and finals as well, but today his performance was affected by pressure. The defence didn’t sit well, they didn’t take a catch and he felt the pressure. He is a very good raider and he has performed well too. Today was just not our day ” concluded Jaipur coach.

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