New Delhi, Oct 18 (NationPress) The head coach of Jaipur Pink Panthers, Narender Redhu, expressed his joy over the return of Nitin Kumar, who significantly contributed to the team's victory, achieving his eighth Super 10 of the season after recovering from an injury.

Jaipur Pink Panthers showcased a remarkable performance against UP Yoddhas, winning 42-29 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium on Friday.

Redhu emphasized the importance of Nitin's return at this pivotal moment in the tournament, stating, “Having Nitin back is a tremendous boost for us. The whole team has eagerly awaited his comeback. We faced some defeats that could have been victories if he had been available. However, we prioritized his full recovery before reintegrating him into the squad. Today, his presence strengthens both our defense and offense.”

He also praised Ali Samadi for his performance in Nitin's absence, saying, “This is a team effort. When Nitin was sidelined, Ali took charge of the raiding duties single-handedly, and he performed admirably today.”

The Iranian player secured his fourth Super 10 of the season during the match against the Yoddhas. Redhu believes that the league has discovered a new talent in Ali, stating, “He’s the new star. He’s skilled, fit, confident, and shares a great rapport with the team. His hard work throughout the season is commendable, and we hope he continues to excel for Jaipur Pink Panthers.”

“The league has indeed found a new star in him, which is essential for the growth of kabaddi as a sport,” he added.

In discussing the overall team performance and the synergy between his two raiders, Redhu remarked, “It was an outstanding team effort. The collaboration between Ali and Nitin was exceptional today, and Parvinder also played a crucial role in our success. This is the level of performance we have been striving for.”

Nitin Kumar also acknowledged Ali Samadi's impressive contributions this season, stating, “This is not just about individual talent; it’s a collective effort. A team can only win when everyone gives their all. Ali has been remarkable for us, and his achievements in his debut season are extraordinary. He consistently steps up when needed.”

Looking forward to the upcoming match against the Bengal Warriorz, Nitin shared, “We aim to maintain this momentum and put forth our best effort in the following games. We will strategize for each opponent and take it one match at a time.”

Echoing these thoughts and offering insight into their strategy against Bengal Warriorz captain Devank Dalal, Aryan Kumar concluded, “Our strategy will focus on minimizing Devank’s impact. He is their primary raider and at the peak of his game. We will adhere to the coach’s plans and keep our defense strong whenever he is on the field.”

Below are the previews for the PKL Season 12 matches scheduled for Saturday, October 18:

In a critical top-four battle, Bengaluru Bulls will face a tough challenge against Dabang Delhi K.C. in the day's opening game. Rising stars like Alireza Mirzaian and Deepak Sankar will lead the Bulls as they clash with the experienced squad of Dabang Delhi, featuring players like Ashu Malik and Fazel Atrachali.

After a series of victories, the Telugu Titans have encountered two consecutive losses and are experiencing a slight dip in form. Key players like Vijay Malik and Bharat Hooda have been pivotal this season, and the team will rely on them to regain their winning form against the top-ranked Puneri Paltan.

With Devank Dalal achieving five games with over 20 points this season, he has been pivotal in carrying the Bengal Warriorz's campaign. As their hopes for a playoff spot hang in the balance, their captain must step up once again in the face of the dynamic raiding duo of Nitin Kumar and Ali Samadi from Jaipur Pink Panthers.