PKL 2019 | I keep thinking if I'll be able to deliver as coach, says Rakesh Kumar
Haryana Steelers
Rakesh Kumar has said that he keeps on thinking if he can be able to deliver as a coach of Haryana Steelers ahead of the seventh edition of the Pro Kabaddi League. Rakesh has also mentioned that Steelers captain Dharmaraj Cheralathan is an experienced player and controls the game well.
World Cup winner Rakesh Kumar is now going to turn a new leaf in his Kabaddi career as he is going to take up the coaching role. He was announced as the coach of the Steelers right before the auctions of the seventh edition of the league. Haryana will start their campaign from today against Puneri Paltan which will be the first game as a coach in the league for Rakesh.
"I am happy that I am starting a new journey, but I am also nervous because it is my first season as coach. I keep thinking if I can deliver as a coach because as a player I have always done well. So far things have gone as planned but we will find out." Rakesh told Sportstar.
Haryana Steelers had a rather forgetful outing last season apart from Vikas Kandola nobody was able to leave an impression. Monu Goyat was roped in last season to be the main raider for the side and was also given the leadership responsibilities but he couldn't do justice to either role as a result of which he was let go.Â
Now Dharmaraj Cheralathan is going to lead the team. He is the most experienced player in their side and according to Rakesh, that is why he is given the responsibility of guiding the team.Â
"Dharmaraj is one of the most experienced and a team player. He also controls the game. We had no one to control last year and wanted such a player. Other players respect his seniority and have been listening to him during the camp. I am sure this will continue during the matches," the Haryana coach explained.
Coaching is the most natural route a player takes after retiring. However, Rakesh did a brief stint in commentary before finally deciding on taking up the coaching role. As an expert with the host broadcasters in the last edition, he is well aware of most of the players in the league this year as well.
"While commentating, I also used to analyse the game tactically. I watched every game and observed almost all the players. I know players' strengths and weaknesses and will give my players all those inputs," the legendary player concluded.
Haryana Steelers will begin their campaign against Rakesh former teammate Anup Kumar coached side Puneri Paltan, it would be an interesting match as its a coaching debut for both the former players.Â
