Haryana Steelers delivered a dominant display to register the biggest win margin of PKL 12, decimating UP Yoddhas 53-26 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi on Thursday.
Expressing his confidence on the duo, head coach Manpreet Singh asserted that he will work closely with the new leadership in building a winning strategy to help the Steelers defend their title.
The Haryana Steelers, the reigning champions of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), have reinforced their title defense ambitions by assembling a powerful and well-balanced squad during the PKL Season 12 player auctions held in Mumbai on May 31 and June 1.
The Haryana Steelers were out of the blocks at a rapid pace and picked up a three-point lead within the first few minutes of the game.
Mohit and Mohit Nandal's four points apiece and a defence that took an outstanding 14 tackle points roused the Haryana Steelers to fourth on the table.
The first half was completely dominated by the Gujarat side, which came as no surprise considering the winless run of Thalaivas.
Despite the loss, Patna moved a place ahead in the team points-table to be at the ninth spot with 39 points, keeping their playoffs hopes alive.
Bengal's dominance wasn't limited to their raids, their aggressive approach in defence paid rich dividends.
U Mumba will take positives from the match despite the defeat with Arjun Deshwal impressing with a career-best tally of 14 raid points (15 in total).
Ajith Kumar got to his Super 10 in the final minutes and ensured the Thalaivas lost with a margin less than seven points but coach E Bhaskaran will be left with a lot to wonder as his side suffered a fifth straight loss.
