PKL 2019 | Advanced tackles in defence changed the game, says Ram Mehar Singh

Patna Pirates once again lost a game in which they started strong and were even leading at the end of the first half. Courtesy of Pardeep Narwal’s super raid early on, Patna Pirates managed to inflict an all-out onto Gujarat Fortunegiants five minutes into the first half. Even though Gujarat returned the favour early on in the second half, Patna found themselves trailing by a solitary point.

“As I’ve said, the advanced tackles in defence changed the game in the last 5-10 minutes, as well as after halftime. After the break, whenever the opposition has three or four players left, we make a mistake due to an advanced tackle and that’s where the complexion of the game changed,” coach Ram Mehar Singh said in the post match press conference.

As has been the norm, Patna became sloppy in the second half and their defence lost their way by going in for advanced tackles. This allowed Gujarat an opening that they converted into an eventual win. Even Pardeep, who started the game very well scoring 7 points in the first half, was ousted regularly in the second and was not even able to complete his Super Ten. 

“Yes, it was a very close and good game throughout. We had hopes of winning till the end but some mistakes in defence cost us. The advanced tackle by Mohammad Esmaeil Maghsoudlou, which involved Neeraj Kumar as well, was the turning point. Apart from that, the game was in our hands. At the start, both - our defence and attack - did good jobs, but the major mistake was during the turning point. That’s where the game changed,” coach Ram Mehar Singh said.

Panta Pirates have now lost seven of the ten games they have played and are second to last on the league points table. Even though the odds are stacked against them, Ram Mehar Singh seemed positive in the press conference.

“It will be difficult, but we have warriors who can show their true character in difficult circumstances. They produce their best in difficult situations and become stronger,” he concluded.