PKL 11: We still have chance to go top of points table, says UP Yoddhas coach

UP Yoddhas now sit at the fourth spot in the PKL 11 table.

The UP Yoddhas and Dabang Delhi K.C. played out a thrilling encounter in their opening game of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) Pune leg at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

Delhi’s co-captain Naveen Kumar and Ashu Malik and their coach addressed the media following their great comeback, while UP’s captain Sumit and coach shared their views on the PKL 11 match.

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On Delhi’s plan in the Pune leg of PKL 11

The match ended in a nail-biting 32-32 tie, with both sides showcasing impressive performances. Gagan Gowda shone for the UP Yoddhas with 13 points, while Bhavani Rajput added 10. On the other side, Ashu Malik continued his stellar form in PKL 11 with yet another Super 10.

“Our plan for the Pune leg is to play the way we have been playing, rectify the mistakes made today and get the defence a little more sorted. We will play better the next match and get a good result,” said Ashu Malik.

On UP Yoddhas playoff hopes

The game started evenly, with Gagan Gowda and Ashu Malik trading points and neither team taking control early on. Although the UP Yoddhas briefly took the lead, Dabang Delhi K.C.’s defence, highlighted by Rahul’s Super Tackle and Himanshu’s two-point raid, helped them edge ahead 13-12 at halftime. With the win UP Yoddhas moved up to the fourth spot in PKL 11 table.

“We still have six matches to go and the teams till the 8th position all have equal chances to go to the top with a single win, so I am not very worried about the draw, ” said UP Yoddhas coach.

On UP Yoddhas facing Puneri Paltan next in PKL 11

In the second half, Naveen Kumar landed an ALL OUT on the Yoddhas, giving Delhi the upper hand. However, Gagan Gowda turned the tables with a critical ALL OUT to reclaim the lead. With just minutes left, Ashu Malik’s two-point raid tied the scores, earning him his 13th Super 10 of PKL 11. Bhavani Rajput also completed a Super 10 as both teams walked away with a well-earned draw.

UP Yoddhas will now go on to face defending champions Puneri Paltan in PKL 11 who are going through a stretch of poor performances themselves.

“All the eight- nine teams are in contention and all the teams are very good and we can’t take any team lightly,” said UP coach on facing Puneri Paltan.

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