Did Jaipur Play as a Complete Unit to Deserve This Impressive Win? Rishank Devadiga Weighs In
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating match of PKL 12, the Jaipur Pink Panthers showcased unparalleled teamwork to defeat the Haryana Steelers. Rishank Devadiga reflects on their strategy and performance, highlighting key players and the Steelers' struggles. This analysis reveals the dynamics of kabaddi at its finest and sets the stage for the upcoming eliminations.
Key Takeaways
- Jaipur Pink Panthers displayed excellent teamwork and defense.
- Aryan Kumar and Deepanshu Khatri were instrumental in their victory.
- The match showcased the thrilling nature of kabaddi.
- Haryana Steelers need to regain their momentum for future matches.
- Ayan Lohchab’s consistency sets a new benchmark for raiders.
New Delhi, Oct 26 (NationPress) Former Pro Kabaddi League star Rishank Devadiga has praised the Jaipur Pink Panthers for their outstanding team performance in their victory over the defending champions Haryana Steelers during Play-in 1 of PKL 12.
The match was a nail-biter, with the Jaipur Pink Panthers clinching a narrow yet impressive 30-27 win against the Haryana Steelers. The defensive lineup was formidable, with Aryan Kumar achieving a High Five and Deepanshu Khatri contributing four points, while Nitin Kumar scored seven points. The standout moment for the Steelers was Neeraj's High Five.
“It was exhilarating to see such extraordinary kabaddi. Although the Haryana Steelers were seen as the favorites due to their champion status, the Jaipur Pink Panthers took charge right from the beginning. Their key raider, Nitin Dhankhar, gave them an impressive 10-point lead early on, and the team displayed remarkable composure throughout the match.
“The defense, especially the corner defenders, Aryan Kumar and Deepanshu Khatri, executed impeccable ankle holds as if they had magnets for hands, putting constant pressure on Haryana’s raiders. Jaipur truly operated as a cohesive unit, proving why they earned this remarkable win,” Rishank commented on JIoHotstar.
Reflecting on the less-than-stellar performance of the Haryana Steelers, he remarked, “Haryana’s Coach Manpreet Singh recognized early on that the match was slipping away from them. The players seemed to lack their typical enthusiasm and momentum, which was evident in Manpreet’s visible frustration.”
“With our experience in the sport, we can tell when a team has lost its rhythm. Manpreet, being such an experienced coach and having played lots of kabaddi, understood the challenges of the match ahead. He encouraged his players to try advanced tackles to reignite their spark, even amidst defeat. Unfortunately, this tactic backfired, adding to their struggles on the mat,” he added.
In another match, Play-in 2 saw the three-time champions Patna Pirates eliminate U Mumba with a score of 40-31. Ayan Lohchab scored 14 points, but it was a defensive showcase, highlighted by 16 points from Navdeep (7) and Ankit (4), propelling the Pirates into Eliminator 1, where they will face the Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Commenting on Ayan Lohchab’s remarkable consistency, Rishank stated, “I have never witnessed a raider who regularly executes marathon raids like Ayan. Legends like Pardeep Narwal, known for iconic moves such as the ‘dubki’, are different, but Ayan consistently scores Super 10s, sometimes even reaching 20 points match after match, while maintaining top-notch fitness. The way he manages his performance is truly commendable.”
He further commended the Patna Pirates for their defensive prowess, stating, “Their defense has made a significant comeback in recent matches, which was vital in achieving victory against U Mumba. While Ayan Lohchab has been outstanding and hard for any defense to handle, the credit for the win belongs to their defensive unit.
“Navdeep, especially, rose to the occasion in this critical match after a tough season, dominating with solo tackles and effective holds. Patna’s defensive display ultimately left U Mumba’s raiders with no solutions.”
Point of View
It's evident that team synergy and tactical execution play crucial roles. The Jaipur Pink Panthers have demonstrated exceptional performance and resilience, while the Haryana Steelers must address their strategic shortcomings. Moving ahead, the focus will be on maintaining peak performance and learning from defeats to enhance future matches.
NationPress
27/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score of the match between Jaipur Pink Panthers and Haryana Steelers?
The Jaipur Pink Panthers won with a score of 30-27 against the Haryana Steelers.
Who were the standout players in the match?
Aryan Kumar and Deepanshu Khatri were key defenders for Jaipur, while Nitin Kumar was a significant scorer. Neeraj highlighted the Steelers' efforts.
What did Rishank Devadiga say about the match?
Rishank praised the complete team display of the Jaipur Pink Panthers and noted their impressive defense.
How did the Haryana Steelers perform in the match?
The Haryana Steelers struggled with their momentum and enthusiasm, which was evident throughout the match.
Who will the Jaipur Pink Panthers face next?
The Jaipur Pink Panthers will play against the Patna Pirates in Eliminator 1.
