With the new edition of Pro Kabaddi League knocking at the door, three times defending champion Patna Pirates is to set to enter the mat again with same ambition of repeating the charisma which they have shown in past two years to lift title thrice.
With the likes of ace raider Pardeep Narwal and Monu Goyat, last year Patna showed pure class in the crunch games to not only steal the audience hearts and win title but also to make n number of Kabaddi records, some of which include most points scored by team in a single game, most points by a player in a match, most points in a single raid.
But this time, the challenge is going to be a bit tough for the team from Patna as unlike previous time, this time the competition will get tougher because of overall balanced squad of each side, which was something that was missing in some franchise. And also, last year’s backup raider and dark horse Monu Goyat is not there to steal cheeky points in absence of Pardeep.
But the absence of Monu doesn’t seem to concern much to Pirates coach Ram Mehar Singh, who is confident that his side has enough capable players who can come up and win matches for the side.
“We are champions from three years and this time too we aim nothing less than that. We have spent good practice sessions to strengthen our team combination, co-ordination, endurance, speed and strength, which give us the confidence of doing well this time too.”
“We have an overall balanced squad where each player is capable enough of winning games for us.”
“Unlike last year, this time we have four capable players to back Pardeep who has been a star for us in raiding throughout all these glorious year. Also, the defence is in good shape,” he said.
While, star raider Pardeep, who broke all PKL records last season to emerge as the new poster boy of Indian Kabaddi is also confident to carry forward his excellent form.
“Last year I was in good form which helped me to collect 379 points from raids and this time my goal is to do better my performance.”
20-year old Pardeep who is famous for his ‘Dubki’ (take a dip down and them emerge) and continuous raids which has the capability to collect multiple points is looking to set new parameters this time with some new tactical skills and more focus on collecting bonus points.
“Records are meant to be broken and this time my target is to set new ones. I normally don’t focus much on collecting bonuses but this time getting them will be in my list to do. Also apart from Dubki I’ve got some new tricks also in my bank to tackle opposition players and fetch more points. So I am really excited for this year’s edition.”
Pardeep, who is the centre of attraction every time Pirates come to play isn’t concerned by the pressure of expectations, which ultimately gets build if one performs well.
“It’s obvious that if you are doing well everyone expects from you, but that’s something which turns out to be a motivation for me to do well. I enjoy the game and don’t take any sort of pressure.”
Talking about preparations for the upcoming battle Pardeep, who was practicing with his Patna teammates in Greater Noida for a month, says that we are well prepared.
“We all are in good shape because of good number of practice sessions. We used to train daily for 3 hours in morning and evening. Trying different combinations and working on various strategies, which has boosted confidence in us to deliver good.”
“This time we practiced in mud even apart from doing it in mat.”
Taking about his game plan, Pardeep says, “I always try to make maximum use of my chances and try to get as much as possible out of it. And I know if I do well in chain tackle, I can get 2-3 players. So that’s something I want to carry forward.”
However, Pardeep, who was the part of men’s kabaddi side that lost to Iran in Asian Games semifinal before settling for Bronze for first time in 28 years is upset for not been able to help his country to carry forward the legacy.
“Winning or losing is a part of game but that loss in the Asian Games was huge setback for me. We were a good side and were confident of yellow metal but a single bad day on the mat changed everything and left us in shock.”