PKL 11: Team will make great comeback to reach playoffs, says Puneri Paltan CEO

Puneri Paltan sit at the eighth spot in the PKL 11 table.

Gagan Gowda once again stole the spotlight for the UP Yoddhas in Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11), leading his side to a narrow 36-33 victory over the Puneri Paltan on Saturday at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

Puneri’s captain Akash Shinde and CEO addressed the media after their loss, while UP’s captain Sumit and assistant coach shared their views on the team’s win in PKL 11.

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On Gujarat Giants facing Bengal in PKL 11

Gowda delivered a stellar performance, scoring 15 points, while Pankaj Mohite kept the Puneri Paltan in the hunt with 11 points. The match began with Gagan Gowda giving the UP Yoddhas an early edge, supported by a strong defensive effort.

Despite Puneri Paltan’s skipper Akash Shinde rallying his team in the opening exchanges, Gowda’s Super Raid broke through their defence, earning three crucial points. By midway through the first half, the Yoddhas inflicted an ALL OUT, extending their lead to 10 points at halftime with a 21-11 scoreline.

“Our next match is against Bengal, we will look at their their gameplay and then make the plan on how to play against them, ” said UP Yoddhas’ coach.

On Puneri Paltan’s poor run of form in PKL 11

In the second half, the Puneri Paltan came alive. Mohit Goyat’s Super Tackle on Gowda and the combined efforts of Pankaj Mohite and Aryavardhan Navale brought the deficit down to just five points.

“We will have to tighten our defence and make our coordination better. Also, Gaurav [Khatri] is a little out of form, it will take him a few matches to get back to form and then we will see, ” said Puneri Paltan CEO.

On the road ahead for Puneri Paltan

However, Gowda’s brilliance continued, as he completed his Super 10 with less than 10 minutes remaining. Despite a late surge by the Puneri Paltan, the UP Yoddhas held their nerve to seal a vital win, further strengthening their campaign in PKL 11.

“We will go see the points table and make the strategy. The coach, captain and the team will sit together and make the plan. But we can assure you one thing that we will have a great comeback and the team will have a great turnaround, ” he added.

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