PKL 11: Tamil Thalaivas coach gives big update on Sagar Rathee's return timeline

Tamil Thalaivas defeated Puneri Paltan to register their second consecutive win in PKL 11.

The Tamil Thalaivas delivered a commanding all-around performance in Pro Kabaddi League season 11 (PKL11) to secure a stunning victory against Puneri Paltan at the GMCB Indoor Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, on Wednesday.

With a 35-30 win, the Tamil Thalaivas not only grabbed the points but also ended Puneri Paltan’s remarkable 14-match unbeaten streak that stretched back to PKL Season 10. Speaking to the media Puneri’s captain Aslam Inamdar and coach BC Ramesh followed by Tamil Thalaivas’s captain Sahil Gulia alongside CR66 and coach shared their mind after the PKL 11 game.

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On the loss to Tamil Thalaivas

Right from the outset, the Tamil Thalaivas took control of the PKL11 match, surging ahead with a 5-point lead within the first five minutes. Narender Kandola and Nitesh Kumar were pivotal in creating early pressure. However, Puneri Paltan’s Mohit Goyat quickly turned the tide, stringing together a series of swift raid points, bringing his team back into contention.

“Our defence was not good today and our raiders could not perform as well as we expected them. Today was not our day. Mohit however played well, 13 points is not less, ” said Puneri Platan’s coach

“I have to assess and make some changes to the squad. Take a few people out, bring in a few people so that this doesn’t happen,” he added.

Despite Puneri Paltan‘s efforts, the Tamil Thalaivas maintained their composure and kept their opponents at bay. Just before the break, Sachin inflicted a crucial ALL OUT on Puneri Paltan, helping Tamil Thalaivas extend their lead further. Sachin and Narender Kandola continued to shine in the PKL11 game, while Mohit Goyat was the key player keeping Puneri Paltan in the PKL11 game. By half-time, the Tamil Thalaivas were in control with a 19-15 lead.

On facing Bengaluru Bulls next in PKL 11

Puneri Paltan will now face Pardeep Narwal-led Bengaluru Bulls on October 25th in PKL11. The Randhir Singh-coached outfit has not made a good start to PKL 11, with three consecutive losses. But they remain a threat. Speaking on the note, Aslam added, “Bengaluru Bulls is a very good team, and Pardeep Narwal is a very good player, so we will have to come prepared to win against them in PKL 11.”

“My team is not weak. They are a champion team, but yes, they made some mistakes. But we will bring a stronger performance against Bengaluru Bulls, ” the coach concluded.

In the second half, the Thalaivas carried their momentum forward, dominating the early stages. However, Puneri Paltan fought back with determination, reducing the deficit to just 4 points as Mohit Goyat completed his Super 10 of the PKL 11 game.

On Sagar Rathee’s injury and return date

The match was finely poised, but the Thalaivas struck again, inflicting another ALL OUT to stretch their lead to 8 points with just over 10 minutes remaining. However, Tamil Thalaivas were without their marquee player and captain Sagar Rathee. Speaking on the extent of his injury coach said, “Sagar is getting better but it will take him 10-15 more days to get back to the mat.”

From there, the Tamil Thalaivas, led by a stellar performance from Sachin, consolidated their advantage and never allowed Puneri Paltan to close the gap in the PKL 11 game. With consistent pressure and focused play, the Thalaivas sealed their second consecutive win of the season, walking off with a well-deserved victory in PKL11.

“It’s not just one player, all players played well together. Cover, Raider, defence everyone played very well,” the coach concluded.

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