Coach Randeep Dalal credited defence and praised Ayan’s milestone performance as Patna Pirates sealed a strong 36–28 win over UP Yoddhas in Chennai
Chennai
Patna Pirates registered a convincing 36–28 victory over UP Yoddhas at the SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai, with coach Randeep Dalal hailing the team’s defensive display as the foundation of their success.
Dalal expressed delight with his side’s discipline and coordination, noting that the defensive unit executed the game plan effectively. It was a convincing game, and I’m happy that the team is back on track. The defence really stepped up and did a great job. Overall, it was a strong performance, and this win gives us confidence for the upcoming matches, he said.
The spotlight also shone on star raider Ayan, who delivered an outstanding performance by scoring 15 points and crossing the career milestone of 300 points. Praising his composure and maturity, Dalal described Ayan as a special talent with the skills to become a future star. He enjoys his game, stays calm under pressure, and has everything it takes to go far, he added.
While acknowledging that raiders often grab the headlines, Dalal emphasized that defence remains the backbone of any successful kabaddi side. Raiders can earn points, but if your defenders don’t hold strong, it’s hard to win. Defence wins matches, he said.
Captain Ankit also shared his satisfaction, highlighting the importance of teamwork and resilience as the Pirates look to build momentum for the rest of the season.