Goal is to help Jaipur Pink Panthers win PKL 11 title, says Abhijeet Malik: Exclusive

Abhijeet Malik performed brilliantly in Jaipur’s first match in PKL 11.

Jaipur Pink Panthers, two-time champions of Pro Kabaddi League, have started PKL 11 with a bang. This time, the management has made significant changes to their squad, focusing on youth instead of their usual preference for experienced players. With a young team in place and a few experienced leaders, the Panthers are set to take on the new season with a different strategy.

Ahead of the PKL 11 auction, Jaipur Pink Panthers took the bold step of releasing most of the players from their previous team and retained only five players. Among them is promising youngster Abhijeet Mallik, who they brought in last season. Mallik recently shared his thoughts with Khel Now, discussing his preparations and excitement for the PKL 11. The team will also continue under the guidance of coach Sanjeev Baliyan, who had guided them to the title in season 9.

On the team and preparations

Led by young captain Arjun Deshwal, the Panthers have a strong mix of talent and experience. Key players like Shrikant Jadhav, Vikash Kandola, Neeraj Narwal, Surjeet Singh, and Ravi Kumar bring both skill and leadership to the squad. If these players perform at their best, Jaipur Pink Panthers stand a good chance of adding a third PKL title to their collection this season.

“The training is going very well. This year the the competition is a lot among the Raiders. They all want to do their best and make their place in the team,” said Abhijeet Mallik.

“We want to play as a team. Individually give our best and perform our best as as a team in Pro Kabaddi League season 11. Honestly, all eleven teams other than us are good but I think our team is the best. However, I believe Puneri Paltans will be the team that will give some problems,” he added.

Also Read: Jaipur Pink Panthers will lift trophy in PKL 11 says star defender Lucky Sharma: Exclusive

On coach Sanjeev Baliyan

The team will also continue under the guidance of coach Sanjeev Baliyan, who had guided them to the title in season 9.

“Coach Sanjeev? I like everything about him. He is very meticulous about our training and looks carefully and tells us in detail what we need to do where we have to improve and everything, ” said Abhijeet Mallik.

On individual performance and targets

Ahead of PKL 11, the young raider had a stellar performance in UPKL where he became the fourth player ever to notch 100 points and he would look to carry the momentum into the PKL 11.

” The confidence is good I played in UPKL, and now I want to play better than that in PKL. I have not set a target as such but I want to score as many as points possible to help my team win, Maybe I want to score at least 150 points in PKL” said Abhijeet Mallik.

On Arjun Deshwal as a captain

With Sunil Kumar leaving for U Mumba, Arjun Deshawal has been named as the new captain of Jaipur Pink Panthers.

Speaking on the same, Abhijeet Mallik said,” I played only two games against Arjun Deshawal. He is very helpful, he is like do what you think is right. This season I just want to give my best. Sunil was there last time but he isn’t there now anymore, but I don’t think that would make any difference. We will play like we played.”

A message to fans

Abhijeet Mallik concluded the interaction with a heartfelt message for the fans who he want to support them throughout like they always did.

“All I wanna say is that I request fans to support us like they did because their support also gives us the confidence to play better, ” Abhijeet Mallik signed off.

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