PKL 11: Ready to face Pardeep Narwal, says UP Yoddhas captain Surender Gill

UP Yoddhas emerged victorious by a 28-23 scoreline against the Dabang Delhi.

In their opening match of PKL 11 at the GMCB Indoor Stadium in Gachibowli, Hyderabad, UP Yoddhas put in a commanding performance against Dabang Delhi K.C., securing a 28-23 victory on Monday evening. Speaking to the media, UP Yoddhas captain Surender Gill and coach Jasveer Singh followed by Dabang Delhi’s Anshu Malik and coach Joginder Narwal shared their thoughts on the PKL 11 game.

On the first win of PKL 11

The Pro Kabbadi League game kicked off with UP Yoddhas drawing first blood, thanks to a raid by Surender Gill. From there, both teams were locked in a fierce contest, exchanging raids and points in a tense back-and-forth struggle. Neither side could gain a clear upper hand during the initial stages of the PKL 11 game, keeping the scoreline tight.

“This was the first match and the first match is very important. Our core is new, so I was a little worried, but they worked together very well. So did our substitutes. I always believe that even the smallest mistakes can cost you a game, ” said UP Yoddhas coach

“The plan was that we would support the raider who brought in the points. The supporting raiders would help in the defence. Like that was our plan,” Captain Surender Gill echoed.

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On facing Pardeep Narwal and Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 11

UP Yoddhas will now go on to face Bengaluru Bulls on October 22. Pardeep Narwal who was the captain of the Yoddhas last season has returned to his former team Bulls in PKL. Speaking on the note Gill iterated how the team despite missing Narwal is prepared to take on them.

“Pardeep Narwal is a senior player and his absence will be a problem, but our team is also prepared well to tackle him,” said Gill

“Pardeep is a very good player, we know his play and style as well. Bengaluru Bulls looked a little unsettled in the first match but they are finding their place. Coach Randhir Singh is a veteran and a very good coach. He can motivate the players well. But we will take the motivation and the momentum from today’s win against them” said the coach.

On the missed chances and the loss

The second half resumed cautiously, with both sides reluctant to make mistakes. Opportunities were few and far between as both defences held firm. By the midpoint of the second half, UP Yoddhas clung to a slender 18-16 advantage, with the PKL 11 game still in the balance.

“UP were a good team. They played well. We had quite some moments and opportunities we could not capitalise on, but they did hence they won, ” said Dabang Delhi coach

“The players played well. We had many moments to capture the match. The raiding and the defence both made some mistakes and we will rectify them,” Ashu Malik added.

“Every team is a challenge. We will play the same way we play in every match and plan the next game the same way we play,” Ashu Malik concluded.

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