Bengaluru Bulls started well as their skipper, Rohit Kumar opened their account quickly. The Bulls looked to charge early by creating pressure on us. We kept calm and stuck to our basics by waiting patiently for the Bulls commit an error. Till the half-way stage, we were trailing 12-18. After topsy-turvy first half, the boys looked determined as we came out with a match winning approach. Soon the partnership between Meraj (14 points) and Abolfazl (8 points) started to do wonders for us. The defence too came into the party at the right time. Sunil Kumar (2 points) and Satpal Narwal (2 points) made things tough for Rohit Kumar and Co. Debutant Satpal Narwal shone for us as he socked in pressure like a sponge. Meraj Sheykh's fearless raids bought us back into the contest as he inflicted two crucial all-outs. His positive attitude gave the team the confidence to win. After the break, there was no looking back for us.
Talking about milestones, we completed our 100 successful raids in Pro Kabaddi season 5. Magnificent Meraj picked up his second Super Ten of the season. The Iranian duo Meraj and Abolfazl continued their purple patch by collectively notching up 100 Total points in this year’s edition. This is our second win on the trot as we literally crushed Bengaluru Bulls 38-30.
Positives from the game: Winning comprehensively is always a biggest positive but besides that, the team is getting their A game into play. We have now learned to deal with pressure as they say, one can't stop the waves, but one can surely learn to surf. So we have mastered this art.
The team strategy worked totally. Whatever we planned, we were able to execute with perfection, said Meraj Sheykh. Dr. Ramesh Bhendigiri also added that, his boys did everything right with Meraj taking control from the front. He further quoted that, Meraj is our main strength but he got a good support too, referring to the 8 points brought home by Meraj's fellow Iranian Abolfazl Maghsodlou.
We face Bengal Warriors next on the same venue. The hosts are sitting right on the top of Zone B points table. Their ace raider, Maninder Singh is in prime form and so is their captain, Surjeet Singh. The Warriors are a tough side to beat. But we love to crack tough nuts. Looking at our current form, we are very keen to grab a hat-trick under our belt. We are up for this challenge and we will make sure, that we end the Kolkata leg on a high note. All the best!