PKL 12: Why is Nitin Rawal not getting chances in starting 7? Coach Narender Redhu reveals

Puneri Paltan registered their 13th win in PKL 12 by defeating Jaipur Pink Panthers.

Puneri Paltan pulled off a statement win over the Jaipur Pink Panthers and strengthened their position at the top of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) points table with 26 points. It was a complete team effort from Ajay Thakur’s side, with all the players making notable winning contributions.

Gaurav Khatri and Vaibhav Rabade combined really well to score 13 tackle points while Pankaj Mohite racked up nine points up front to guide Puneri Paltan to a 24-point win over Jaipur.

After the match, representatives from both teams addressed the media.

Puneri Paltan 

On Winning Strategy

Puneri Paltan head coach Ajay Thakur shared his side’s winning mantra and said, “There was no pressure on the team today. Today, I told them to play with a free mind, I think this is the result of that. We sent an Iranian player, Milad, who got the points.”

“Abhishek brought up the point. All the players who went inside did their respective work. I think Vaibhav scored six points in his debut game, and this is a big thing for me because I now have an alternative at left cover,” he added.

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On Squad depth

Thakur spoke about his side’s squad depth and said, “This increases the confidence level of the coach. If Gurdeep gets hurt, there is Vaibhav. If Vishal is unfit, then there is Amaan. So today I am fully confident that my bench strength is as strong as my first 7, and this has given me some courage and relief to the heart.”

Jaipur Pink Panthers

On Nitin Dhankhar’s injury

Jaipur Pink Panthers head coach Narender Redhu spoke about what went wrong for his side and said, “In the beginning, the defense also hurried a bit, and as if all out was hit, they were covering slowly. So when it was needed, mistakes were made on both defence and offence.”

“We can feel Nitin’s absence. He is fit and will play the next match, then the raiding department will also become stronger, and along with that, the defence will also become stronger,” he added.

On Nitin Rawal’s absence

When asked about Nitin Rawal’s absence from the starting 7, the head coach said, “Aryan is playing instead of Nitin because we have a plan. He is also ready and will play when needed.”

Thoughts on the next match

Redhu opened up about his views on the UP Yoddhas ahead of their next match and said, “UP Yoddhas are a good team and they have won two matches in a row. Their offense and defense did well. Hitesh made seven tackles in the last match, and both corners are experienced. Guman has been doing well. So we will come with a complete plan, and you will get to see a good match.”

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