PKL 11: Bengal Warriorz coach reveals why he substituted Maninder Singh against Dabang Delhi

This was Bengal Warriorz’s first loss in PKL 11 since the season opener.

Dabang Delhi K.C. clinched their third win of the Pro Kabaddi League 11 (PKL 11) with a thrilling 33-30 victory over Bengal Warriorz at the GMCB Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on Thursday.

Speaking to the media, Bengal Warriorz’s vice-captain, Ntesh Kumar, and coach, Prashant Surve, followed by Delhi’s coach, Joginder Narwal, and captain, Ashu Malik shared their thoughts on the PKL 11 match.

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On Naveen Kumar’s return to PKL 11

Ashu Malik starred for Delhi, securing his seventh Super 10 in eight PKL 11 matches, while contributions from Vinay and Ashish played a vital role in getting them over the line.

Despite Nitin Dhankar’s valiant 15-point effort, Bengal Warriorz couldn’t capitalize on key moments. Delhi are however still without co-captain Naveen Kumar who has been suffering from injury.

“Naveen will be back soon on the mat, his recovery process has been started and he will be back soon,” said Dabang Delhi coach.

On facing Tamil Thalaivas next in PKL 11

The Warriorz started strong with points from Mighty Mani and Fazel Atrachali, looking to set the tone early. However, Delhi’s defence held firm, even keeping them in the PKL 11 match during Ashu Malik’s time off the mat. Delhi will now go on to face Tamil Thalaivas next in PKL 11.

“Tamil is a very good team, they have really good players, Sachin Tanwar, Narender Kandola, so it will be a tough match but we will come prepared. ” said the Dabang Delhi coach.

Ashish levelled the score with a crucial two-point raid, and errors from the Warriorz allowed Delhi to pull ahead. By halftime, an ALL OUT helped Delhi take a commanding 19-13 lead in the PKL 11 match, with Ashu Malik dominating his duels.

On subbing off Maninder Singh against Delhi

In the second half, Nitin Dhankar continued his impressive run, reaching a Super 10 to keep Bengal Warriorz within reach. Yet, as Ashu and Vinay piled on the points for Delhi, Nitin struggled with limited support. However, despite the need for points, surprisingly coach Prashant Surve took Mnainder off which raised a lot of eyebrows.

“I had to take Maninder off because I needed to get a defender in, Fazel was out so I did what I had to do,” said Coach Surve.

On facing Pardeep Narwal’s Bengaluru Bulls next in PKL 11

In the closing minutes, Ashu’s Super 10 sealed the deal, breaking Delhi’s four-match losing streak and securing a well-deserved PKL 11 win. Bengal Warriorz will now go on to face Bengaluru Bulls next in PKL 11 on 9th November.

“Bulls have played their last few matches very well, but our team is pretty good too. Pardeep might have been absent for the last two matches but he still remains a threat. However, we will come prepared and win the match as well,” concluded Nitesh Kumar.

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