Thalaivas makes superb comeback

Trailing 10-19 at half-time, Thalaivas put in a strong show in the second half to get back to winning ways in the 12-team competition. Thalaivas now has 12 points from four matches, while Haryana has six points from the same number of games. Courtesy the result, Rakesh Kumar-coached Steelers suffered its third successive defeat in the event.

Rahul Chaudhari came to the fore, collecting a massive tally of 14 points. The next best scorer for TT was skipper Ajay Thakur, who picked up five points. Manjeet Chhillar was the best defender for Thalaivas, taking three points. All members of the Thalaivas defensive unit got at least a point and coach Edachery Bhaskaran will be pleased with that.

Vikas Kandola, who made his first appearance for Haryana in PKL 7, took eight points but received little support from his teammates. Thalaivas inflicted two all-outs in a span of eight minutes (25th and 33rd) to mount a great comeback. The winner pocked a whopping 25 points in the final half, thanks to Rahul’s outstanding showing. Haryana could take only a paltry tally of nine points in the second period and it cost it dear.

Amit Kumar (9 points) delivered an all-round effort as Puneri Paltan thrashed Patna Pirates 41-20 in VIVO Pro Kabaddi 2019 at the same venue.

After three consecutive defeats, Puneri emerged victorious for the first time. That means Telugu Titans is the only winless side in PKL 7. Patna, which lost to Jaipur Pink Panthers last Saturday, went down for the second time at home.

Apart from Amit, Manjeet (6 points) contributed well in the raiding department. Corner defender Girish Maruti Ernak somewhat got back to form, collecting four points. Young sensation Pardeep Narwal was the highest scorer for Pirates, taking six points. In Monday’s encounters, Dabang Delhi will square off against Jaipur, while Gujarat Fortunegiants will run into Puneri.