PKL 2018 | Joginder Narwal credits coach Krishan Hooda for Bengal win
After Dabang Delhi’s last-minute win over Bengal Warriors in Kolkata, Joginder Narwal has credited the tactical nous of head coach Krishan Kumar Hooda for the victory. Despite the loss, Bengal were assured a place in the playoffs thanks to the losing point for a less than a seven-point loss.
After winning their first two games in the home leg, Bengal took the mat in Kolkata against Delhi, who had already sealed a place in the playoffs from Zone A. Delhi, who had decided to rest a host of their starting seven in the last few games, welcomed back Joginder Narwal and Ravinder Pahal to the team. With both teams playing their best combinations, fans were given a look at what to expect in the playoffs where the two are expected to take part in an eliminator.
With the game entering the last minute, it was becoming too close to call, but a breakout five-point raid by Meraj Sheykh ensured Delhi the win. However, skipper Joginder was quick to give some of the credit to his coach as well for his decision of sending in Meraj in the first place.
“It was our final raid and our coach, Krishan Kumar Hooda, advised us to send Meraj Sheykh to try and get maximum possible points; even if it was an unsuccessful raid, it wasn’t a problem. However, Sheykh got us five points from the raid and led us to a win. The coach’s hunch paid off and we could get the win,” Joginder revealed after the game.
After an impressive home leg where Delhi secured a place in the playoffs for the first time in their history, Hooda had decided to rest a host of the first team players including Joginder, Pahal, Vishal Mane, and Naveen. However, against Bengal, he recalled all of his stars so as to keep them in game-ready shape as they get ready for the eliminators.
“I had rested a few of our players for a few games and it was necessary to do that because everyone needs to be prepared for the Playoffs. The reserve players can be called upon at any moment. Heading into the Playoffs with a win keeps our morale high. Each team has an equal chance in the Playoffs and whatever
On the other hand, Bengal coach Jagdish Kumble pin-pointed a different raid as the turning point of the game. With Bengal coming back in the first half, Naveen claimed a bonus and forced Baldev and Jang Kun Lee into a self out while attempting a running hand touch. Kumble saw that raid as a turning point where Delhi took the control of the match.
“It was a very closely fought game. However, the game shifted when Naveen Kumar got a bonus and two of our players stepped out of the playing area. Had we not conceded those two points, we would have had the upper hand going into the second half. Similarly, we conceded an All-Out in the final minute. We had inflicted a Super Tackle in their previous raid and looked for it again.