PKL: Will Haryana Steelers retain Naveen Kumar next season? Manpreet Singh reveals

Jaipur Pink Panthers secured a close and impressive 30-27 win over the Haryana Steelers in Play-in 1 of PKL 12.

Jaipur Pink Panthers registered a victory against the Haryana Steelers in Play-In 1 of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) and advanced to Eliminator 1, while the Steelers faced elimination.

The Panthers started strong, inflicting an early all-out on the Steelers and maintaining their lead. Haryana made a late comeback in the second half, but in the final two minutes, the Panthers held their nerves and scored crucial points to secure the win.

Aryan Redhu was the star of the game, scoring 5 tackle points, and was well supported by his corner partner, Deepanshu Khatri, who also added 4 tackle points. With this win, the Panthers advanced to the Playoffs and will face the Patna Pirates in Eliminator 1.

After the match, Manpreet Singh addressed the media.

Why did Haryana Steelers lose?

Haryana Steelers head coach Manpreet Singh further added, “The team made a good comeback. They didn’t raid much after the first half, so we had to take more risks in both raiding and defense. Our defense performed well after the first half, but we had to take chances in raids.”

“Their raiders were playing on the third raid, so we had to take risks in every turn. Our raiders played to their strengths, but today the mat was new and wasn’t supporting fast raiders. It was more favorable to the raiders who attacked forward on the leading leg.”

“Shivam and Vinay managed to score a few points, but not in their usual style. I think they played a bit slower, and we made a comeback. However, if both teams had played at full pace, the match could have gone differently. When the match was tied, we had to try something, but our raider got caught, and their raiders capitalized by earning crucial points.”

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On retaining Naveen Kumar

Manpreet Singh was then asked whether he wanted to retain Naveen Kumar for the next season.

He replied, “Naveen has been practicing and working on his fitness. It depends on his performance in the upcoming nationals and whether he stays fit by then. It also depends on him, whether he wants to go into the auction or stay with us.”

“We would definitely like to retain him if he remains fit and wants to stay, but if he decides to go to the auction, it’s completely his choice. His performance in the nationals will also matter, but that’s a concern for later. Right now, he’s recovering from an injury and undergoing rehab to get fit,” he added.

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