Noida, 11 November (Hindustan Reporter). Haryana Steelers made a great start to the 11th season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), registering five wins in their first seven matches in Hyderabad. After finishing runners-up last season, all eyes were on the JSW Sports-owned franchise, especially after the team made some changes to its squad in the auction earlier this year.
Under the guidance of tactically brilliant Head Coach Manpreet Singh, the Steelers have displayed impressive defensive and resilient performances to fight till the end in each game and achieve thrilling victories in close contests. Haryana moved up to fourth on the table by the end of the Hyderabad leg and then registered a 39-23 win over Gujarat Giants at the start of the Noida leg on Sunday to move up to third with 26 points from 7 matches.
Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadlaoui has proved to be a star player with 18 raid points and 22 tackle points in 7 matches. Shivam Patare proved to be the most successful in the raiding department, scoring 31 raid points for his team.
On his team's performance so far, coach Manpreet said, “There are some areas in every team which need improvement. It is difficult to tell where we can correct our mistakes, but the whole season depends on correcting them and we are working in that direction. The players are also improving dedicatedly and we feel we are in more control now. The team has performed really well in Hyderabad and we are in good form. We have found our winning combination of players and it will really help us in the Noida leg.”
Meanwhile, captain Jaideep Dahiya said that his team has shown that they are ready for the season. He said, “We have a strong team and we have shown that we have prepared well. Now our endeavor will be to win all the games and reach the top position in the table. To maintain the momentum, we are all motivating each other and we don't let anyone feel pressured. There is no junior and senior in this team. We all respect each other and get along well with each other, which allows us to keep ourselves cool and calm.”
Haryana Steelers will next face U Mumba on Monday (November 11, 2024) at the Noida Indoor Stadium.