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.

“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.

“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.