PKL 2018 | It was a big win considering the situation we are in, says Jagdish Kumble
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Jagdish Kumble has stated that looking at how desperately his team needed those five points, the win against Tamil Thalaivas is a big one for them. As this season of the Pro Kabaddi League reaches its business end, the teams are desperately trying to stay in the top three to reach the playoffs.
Bengal Warriors defeated the Tamil Thalaivas 28-21 in a low scoring encounter to stay in contention for the qualifiers. With this win, the Warriors managed to close in on Telugu Titans who currently hold the third place on the points table in Zone B. The coach of the Warriors’ side believed that the win is a big one for them as it comes at a crucial stage of the tournament.
“It was a big win considering the situation we currently find ourselves in. We planned to contain their raiders and we did that quite well. Our next game is against Tamil Thalaivas as well. If we win that, it leaves us in a good position for the remainder of our home leg,” Kumble said.
The coach also seemed worried about Warriors’ home leg and stated that it is too close and on the heels of the qualifiers. But suggested that they would have to manage their resources well.Â
“There is a slight worry because we'll be playing our home leg right before the Playoffs. So we'll play six games on the trot and then head into the final phase of the season. We'll have to rotate well in our home leg and aim for good results,” he added. Â
With this win, the Warriors look the most comfortable
“Every team has a main raider. Maninder is ours. Sometimes he can have off days as well. Today the defence backed him proficiently,” Kumble concluded.
Surjeet Singh, captain of the Warriors and the hero of the match against the Thaliavas, scored a total of six tackle points to give his side an important win. Surjeet commended the defence of the team and stated that the do-or-die raids against Ajay Thakur and Sukesh Hegde were executed perfectly.
“Our plan worked to perfection. Today our raiders had a tough outing but they have been scoring Super 10s and winning us matches. So, a performance like this at times is fine. Today our defence played exactly like we had planned and we executed our Do-Or-Die raids to perfection as well. Overall, it was a solid performance from the entire team,” he said.
