PKL 2019 | Mohammad Nabibakhsh x-factor Bengal Warriors needed, says BC Ramesh
PKL
PKL champions Bengal Warriors coach BC Ramesh has stated that Mohammad Nabibakhsh was the x-factor that they needed to win the title this season after Maninder Singh’s brilliance. Defender Jeeva Kumar has mentioned that Bengal didn’t panic after the first all-out and had full faith in their ability.
A brilliant all-round show by stand-in skipper Mohammad Nabibakhsh and excellent teamwork helped Bengal Warriors beat Dabang Delhi to claim the PKL title in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Nabibakhsh collected nine touch points and one tackle point last evening and led from the front in Maninder Singh’s absence last evening. Coach BC Ramesh lauded the efforts of his players and singled out the Iranian all-rounder as well after winning the title last evening.Â
“Nabibakhsh was the x-factor Bengal Warriors needed. This team made it to the playoffs in Season 5 and 6 on the back of Maninder's brilliance and this season, Nabibakhsh proved to be the missing piece in the puzzle. He brought his class and the luck that we lacked in the past and needed this season to win our maiden title,” said coach Ramesh in the post-match press conference.
Cover defender Jeeva Kumar also had a very good time on the mat. After struggling for most of the time in the tournament, Jeeva scored four tackle points from five attempts and played an important role in the win. Bengal Warriors got all-out early in the game but after that, they made a stunning comeback to win the game and lift the title. Jeeva has revealed that the team didn’t panic after the all-out and had full faith in their ability.
“We did not panic (after the first All Out). We knew we had the talent and the ability to overturn their early lead. Once we found success against Naveen Kumar, it became easier for us to pick up tackle points,” said Jeeva.
“Our raiders, especially Nabibakhsh, were putting in short raids and scoring points as well so we were able to cut the lead and continue to score with relative ease.”
