PKL 12: Anup Kumar gives big statement on Ayan's performance after Patna Pirates' loss against UP Yoddhas

UP Yoddhas claw their way back against Patna Pirates in a thrilling encounter.

UP Yoddhas came back from behind in the final minutes of the tie to win the game against the Patna Pirates. It was an entertaining and all-round performance from the Yoddhas as they secured their second successive win in match 7 of Pro Kabaddi League 12 (PKL 12).

Meanwhile, the Patna Pirates only have themselves to blame for giving away their lead in the final minutes and missing out on two crucial points in PKL 12.

After the game, UP Yoddhas captain and assistant coach, as well as the Patna Pirates captain and head coach addressed the media.

UP Yoddhas

Thoughts on the game

The UP Yoddhas‘ assistant coach shared his thoughts on the game and said, “When the opponent team is good and the match is evenly played, it is so much fun, and we were also feeling that we could beat them easily as per the plan.”

“They had a lead of five to six points. But our sole focus was to slowly and steadily attack them. We were only focused on that. Gradually, that situation went on till the end, and it turned in our favour,” he added.

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Turning point in the game

Upendra Malik highlighted the turning point and said, “Both the teams played mostly on do-or-die raids, and Shivam and Bhavani are good in do-or-die raids, so we used them in between. Bhavani gave Gagan Gowda some rest, and Gagan is such a raider that he doesn’t accept pressure, he doesn’t know what pressure is, and he came again in and gave us points.”

Thoughts on the team’s performance

UP Yoddhas’ captain Sumit expressed his feelings on his team’s performance and said, “All our players are good, both the covers and corners are good in our team. Shivam did his job very well today. He kept us in the match. Whenever the defense broke, he would score one or two. So the defense got set, and in the end, we covered the lead and won the match.”

Thoughts on the Haryana Steelers

Jasveer Singh shared his views on the Haryana Steelers ahead of their next game. He said, “Before this game, Patna had definitely seen our match and the way they worked on it and stopped Gagan for a while, and it took us some time to understand them, as it was their first match. We played two games, and we know Haryana’s playing style.

Patna Pirates 

Thoughts on the game

Sharing his thoughts on the game, Anup Kumar said, “There was a little mistake in defense. It happens many times. It is the first match. The team takes time to settle down and understand things. Some small things cost us today’s match. Otherwise, the match was quite good. I am happy with the team.”

Thoughts on Ayan Lohchab’s performance

Patna Pirates‘ head coach was not satisfied with Ayan’s performance and said that he could do much better.

“I am not happy with Ayan’s performance considering his fitness and game. He is a good raider, and I want a raider like Ayan to give at least 15 points to the team in every match. He has that capability, and today, when the team needed him, Ayan was tackled. That was also a reason why we gave away the lead,” Anup Kumar asserted.

Thoughts on the Jaipur Pink Panthers

Anup Kumar shared his game plan ahead of his side’s next game against the Jaipur Pink Panthers and said, “Look, all the teams are equal here. Today’s team seemed very tough to me. My team played well and I am happy.”

“Jaipur Pink Panthers is a good team, and there will be a little more focus on Nitin in raiding because he has done very well in the past, and this season too, I think he will play well, so we will focus a little more on him by tightening the defense a little,” he added.

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