PKL 2019 | The team played some excellent kabaddi, states Srinivas Reddy

Jaipur Pink Panthers played smartly unlike their opponents which helped them win the match. Tamil Thalaivas raiders started the match with an aggressive approach and they were even were successful with it as they managed to oust most of the team. The visitors, however, got back in the game with two successive Super Tackles where they managed to tackle Thalaivas both main raiders Rahul Chaudari and Ajay Thakur. With the help of these super tackles, they not only managed to avoid an all-out, but also ended the first half with a two-point lead.

“The team played some excellent kabaddi. As a spectator, this match was a treat to watch. I was satisfied with the team's performance. The crowd as well was spectacular. We were the away team but the support for us in the stands was incredible. We're grateful for the love we received from the fans in Chennai today,” Jaipur Pink Panthers coach Srinivas Reddy said in the post-match press conference.

As soon as the Panthers realized that Thalaivas defence is playing well, they changed their strategy and the coach told the raiders to go for bonus points. Out of the total 14 raid points, nine of them were bonus points. So, when finally the Thalaivas did manage to inflict an all-out, the scores were level and they failed to gain an edge. The highest scorer in the raiding department was Nilesh Salunke who finished the match with seven raid points and surprisingly only one of them was a touch point.

“We have a squad full of players that have a particular role in the team. The players have been executing my gameplan to perfection on the mat and that is evident in the results,” coach Srinivas said. 

This was not the best of performance for Panthers corner combination Amit Hooda and Sandeep Dhull, but the team defence did well as they scored 14 defense points. Vishal was the highest scorer in defence with four tackle points and he was supported by Sunil, Pavan TR and Sandeep who scored two points each.

“I believe our strength is in our defence. Every match that we've won so far, the defenders have had a good outing. So I’m pleased with their performance,” coach Srinivas said.