PKL 12: Krishan Hooda gives big statement on Puneri Paltan ahead of their clash in Qualifier 2

Telugu Titans will face Puneri Paltan in a do-or-die encounter in Qualifier 2 of PKL 12.

In Eliminator 3, the Telugu Titans emerged victorious over the Patna Pirates, ending their eight-match winning streak.

With this win, the Titans advanced to Qualifier 2 of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12), where they will face the Puneri Paltan for a place in the final. The Patna Pirates, who had enjoyed a remarkable eight-match run, have now been eliminated from the tournament.

The match began with the Pirates inflicting an early all-out on the Titans, but the Titans made a strong comeback, courtesy of brilliant raiding from Bharat Hooda. They dominated the game afterward, and although the Pirates attempted a late comeback.

The Titans’ solid display in both attack and defence sealed the win. Bharat Hooda was the star of the match for the Titans, scoring 23 raid points, while Ayan Lohchab also delivered a strong performance with 22 raid points for the Pirates, but in a losing cause.

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

Patna Pirates

On the mistakes made by the team in the match

Patna Pirates head coach Randeep Dalal explained what went wrong for the team in the match and said,-

“Our team played well in the beginning, and we gave them an early all-out, but after that, we should have played a bit slower, which we didn’t. The Titans made a comeback through Bharat, and we should have stopped that all-out, but we couldn’t.”

“After halftime, our players tried to play fast, thinking we would have to take the lead quickly, but in the process, we were all out once again. If that hadn’t happened, we still had enough time to make a recovery,” he added.

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Positives of the season and changes for next season

Patna Pirates head coach Randeep Dalal praised his team for making a remarkable comeback in the tournament and shared his thoughts on what needs to improve for the next season.

He said, “Our entire team has performed well. Navdeep has been our standout defender, and Ankit and Deepak also did well, but Navdeep impressed the most, and he’s still very young. Both Ayan and Navdeep are at the top of the raiders’ and defenders’ charts, respectively. I want to thank all the players, as this was our 11th match in a very short period of time.”

“The fitness levels of the players, especially Ayan, have been superb; they have played so many consecutive games. Ups and downs are part of the sport, and the Titans are a good team. Ayan has been raiding throughout the matches and the entire tournament, and credit goes to his fitness.”

“Next season, we’ll focus on improving certain areas in defence and support raiding. The team has done well, but we need to make it even better,” he added.

Telugu Titans

On the match against Puneri Paltan

Telugu Titans head coach Krishan Hooda reminded everyone of his statement in the previous press conference and talked about the match against Puneri Paltan–

“Look, I’ve said it before that we will play the match like do or die. Now if we lose, we’ll be gone, and if we win, we’ll advance. I don’t know who will win, but we’ll do well. I have said this before, that we will not let our audience down this season. Now only time will tell who will win or not.”

On the emotional moment after the match

Telugu Titans head coach Krishan Hooda explained why he felt emotional after the Titans’ win in Eliminator 3.

He said, “After 9 years, our team has qualified, and people used to think of Telugu Titans as a team that gives 5 points to everyone. But this team, these players, have fought for the team, and that’s why getting emotional was natural. Both our defence and offence have performed so well.

I am playing 4 young players and only 3 senior players in the team. Our senior players Vijay, Bharat, and Shubham Shinde have brought us this far. Especially Vijay, you’ve seen how well he has led the team.”

“So getting emotional was natural because we come to win on the mat, but the previous record of Telugu Titans were very critical. Last year, we missed the playoffs by just 1 point, and this time we all prayed in temples, mosques, and gurudwaras as well. We prayed to Hanuman ji and every god; we went everywhere. This is the hard work of the players, and I thank all of them for it.”

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