Chennai, Oct 7 (NationPress) The Patna Pirates secured an impressive 36–28 victory against the UP Yoddhas at the SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai on Monday. The team's coach, Randeep Dalal, expressed his satisfaction with the performance, emphasizing that the defence played a crucial role in their success.

He mentioned that the squad exhibited excellent coordination and discipline, particularly in their defensive strategies, which allowed them to dominate the match. Dalal commended the players for adhering to their game plan and demonstrating resilience after a series of closely contested matches, asserting that this win would significantly enhance their confidence for future encounters.

“It was a strong performance, and I’m thrilled to see the team back on track. I have faith in our squad's capabilities, especially in defence. The defence truly excelled and made a substantial impact. While we did have some instances of over-tackling, that’s part of the game. What matters is that we’re regaining our rhythm. Our captain led effectively, and the entire defensive lineup collaborated well,” he stated.

Dalal also highlighted Ayan's exceptional contribution, noting that he scored 15 points during the match and achieved a remarkable career milestone of 300 points.

The coach remarked that Ayan has shown consistency throughout the season, impressing everyone with his calm demeanor on the mat. He emphasized that Ayan's maturity and skills position him as a key player for the team and a promising talent for the future.

“Ayan is our star raider. He’s already amassed over 300 points at such a young age. He loves the game, maintains composure under pressure, and plays with a maturity that belies his years. I’ve recently started coaching him, and I can confidently say he’s a remarkable talent - sharp, composed, and exceptionally skilled,” the coach elaborated.

“He possesses everything necessary to become a future star. His defensive performance today was solid, and he played a pivotal role in our success,” he added.

Dalal reiterated the importance of the team’s defence in securing the win, stating that strong and reliable defending is essential for teams to triumph. He acknowledged that while raiders often garner attention, it is the defenders who provide the backbone of the team and make significant differences in tight matches.

“Regarding my coaching philosophy - I firmly believe that defence wins matches. Raiders can accumulate points, but if your defenders falter, victory becomes elusive. A successful team requires defenders who support the raiders and maintain consistency throughout the game. That’s what creates a well-rounded unit.”

Captain Ankit also shared his joy following the team's commendable win. He noted that the players displayed excellent teamwork and discipline, particularly in defence, which allowed them to control the game and secure a vital victory.

“I’m very pleased with our win. It was a competitive match, but the team worked exceptionally well together, especially in defence. Our coordination was commendable, and it made a significant impact. I’ve remained focused and consistent since the beginning, and now we need to continue scoring and build on this momentum. Overall, it was a fantastic match,” he remarked.

Having entered this match following a victory in their previous game, the Patna Pirates are set to face another significant challenge against the home team, Tamil Thalaivas, on Tuesday. This upcoming clash will feature a showdown between raiders as Ayan Lohchab and Arjun Deshwal compete against each other.

The second match of the day promises to deliver excitement as the defending champions, Haryana Steelers, take on the league leaders, Dabang Delhi K.C. The previous encounter was an intense battle as these two high-caliber teams left everything on the mat in a riveting showdown filled with star power.