PKL 2019 | We had planned to adopt defensive approach, says Nitesh Kumar

UP Yoddha won their last match against Gujarat Fortunegiants with a scoreline of 33-26 after both teams started well. However, it was UP Yoddha’s all-round performance that buoyed them to inflict an all-out, when they were three minutes left for the first half to end. They were leading by 16-9 by the time the first half ended and although they did seem to be in trouble when Sachin Tanwar executed a 4-point raid but they recovered quickly and didn’t give Gujarat an inch to make a comeback.

“We had planned to adopt a defensive approach and it worked brilliantly in our favour. The raiders, too, were scoring with relative ease. We made an error at the start of the second half and that gave them a chance, but we tightened the defence up in the final quarter and got the job done,” Nitesh Kumar said in the post-match press conference

UP Yoddha showcased an all-round performance as almost all their players contributed to the win. In the raiding department, Shrikant Jadhav scored 6 points and was supported well by Surender Gill and Rishank Devadiga, as they finished the match with 5 points each.

“We had planned to adopt a defensive approach and it worked brilliantly in our favour. The raiders, too, were scoring with relative ease. We made an error at the start of the second half and that gave them a chance, but we tightened the defence up in the final quarter and got the job done,” UP Yoddha Arun Singh coach said.

In defence, Sumit scored another high five and was well complemented by skipper Nitesh Kumar, who finished the match with 4 tackle points. So, it was an all-round performance which UP Yoddha will hope to continue in the future as well.

“As long as we avoid injuries, we will have a good run of results. We have a talented team. Rishank (Devadiga) has just returned from injury and is performing well. Monu (Goyat) is close to full fitness. If we can keep these guys healthy, we will certainly enjoy a good run,” Arjun Singh concluded.