PKL 11: Gujarat Giants coach reveals reason behind dropping Neeraj Kumar from starting 7

Gujarat Giants claimed their second only win in PKL 11.

Gujarat Giants finally snapped their seven-match losing streak in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 11) with a decisive 47-28 victory over the Bengal Warriorz at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.

Gujarat’s captain Guman SIngh and coach followed by Bengal’s coach Prashant Surve and captain Fazel Atrachali share their views on the PKL 11 match.

Make your predictions on Kabaddi and win big on Stake! Click here to join the Kabaddi contest.

On the second consecutive loss in PKL 11

Leading the charge, Guman Singh showcased an outstanding performance, amassing 17 points to set the tone for the Giants. His early dominance included four quick raid points, helping Gujarat inflict the first ALL OUT on the Bengal Warriorz just five minutes into the match.

“I think this loss was necessary for the team, they were taking matches too easy, they thought Dabang Delhi would be easy because Delhi had lost five matches before it and then we lost the match. They did the same for Gujarat as well,” said Bengal captain Fazel Atrachali.

On next match in PKL 11

Bengal Warriorz will now go on to face Patna Pirates next in PKL 11 on November 15.

“They are professionals. They should know how to pull themselves up. From the next match we improve ourselves and come back stronger, ” said Fazel speaking on the same.

“I am not thinking about who is coming off a loss or win, whoever plays better on the mat that day will win. We will 100 per cent learn from this match,” he added.

On why Maninder was subbed off

As the first half progressed, Guman’s unstoppable raids continued, bringing down Bengal’s key players like Nitesh Kumar and Mayur Kadam. However, what surprised everyone was Bengal coach pulling out Maninder Singh despite their need of points.

“Maninder was having an off day today, he was not successful in his raids, wasn’t scoring points, so I pulled him out and thought of giving him some rest, ” revealed Bengal coach Sarve.

On Neeraj Kumar’s absence

Himanshu’s tackle on Nitin Kumar resulted in the second ALL OUT just before halftime, giving Gujarat Giants a comfortable 24-13 lead. The second half saw Himanshu and Parteek Dahiya shine, with Himanshu securing his High 5 and Parteek enforcing a third ALL OUT with an impressive raid. However, Gujarat were without their captain and star defender Neeraj Kumar.

“When there is a team of 20-25 players, you have an option. Neeraj hasn’t played well for the last couple of matches and on the other Mohit has been doing well in training as well, so I thought of giving him a chance that he deserves,” said Gujarat Giants coach Ram Mehar Singh.

On facing Arjun Deshwal-led Jaipur Pink Panthers

Jitender Yadav also completed a High 5, extending Gujarat’s lead to 20 points. Though Bengal’s Nitin Kumar achieved a Super 10, his solo effort wasn’t enough to close the gap. Gujarat’s strong all-around play led them to a resounding 19-point win, boosting their morale in PKL 11. They will go on to face Jaipur Pink Panthers next in PKL 11.

“Like I have said earlier all the teams are very good. It is not about who is good or bad, it is all about what works on the mat. If both the units of my team are working together I feel we can win the match. Jaipur is a good team, but if the units of my team support each other, then it will be fine, ” said the coach.

“Arjun is the best raider of the league no wonder, but their defence has been very good and has won them matches where Arjun could not play. So I can’t say that I will only prepare for Arjun in the next match,” he concluded.

Make your predictions on Kabaddi and win big on Stake! Click here to join the Kabaddi contest.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Kabaddi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.