PKL 2019 | We decided to have aggressive approach, says Jasveer Singh

UP Yoddha started strong and continued that way for the majority of the game. They inflicted two all-outs on to the Paltan in the first half itself and were leading by 29-14 by the time the half ended. UP’s win was a team effort as all their players in the starting seven scored at least two or more than two points. In the overall score, both their departments scored less than Pune’s but the all-outs made the difference and helped them to get to the win.

“The game was brilliant and closely fought right until the end. We had an aggressive approach today. We could have controlled the clock and played on the third raid to ensure an easy win. But building confidence of the raiders was the motive. We told them to attack their defence on every raid. So, that approach made it a close game at the end,” UP Yoddha coach Jasveer Singh said in the post-match press conference.

UP Yoddha lost the lead in the second half as they stuck to their aggressive approach because of which they lost points easily. In the raiding department, Rishank Devadiga was given a chance and he justified it by becoming UP’s top scorer with seven points. He was appropriately supported by Surender Gill (5) and Monu Goyat (9) who scored nine points collectively. In their defence, skipper Nitesh Kumar was the top scorer with six tackle points.

“Definitely. Towards the end, we did play on the third raid to ensure we win and thankfully, the team got the job done,” Singh said when asked if they altered the strategy as the game got closer.