Jaipur Pink Panthers in unchartered territory in season 2 of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi
The defending champions of season 1, Jaipur Pink Panthers, of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi are yet to open their account this season despite playing two matches already. A 1-point loss in the inaugural match against mighty U Mumba pushed Abhishek Bachchan’s boys to re-plan their approach and they ended up taking a lot of unnecessary risks against Bengal Warriors, which cost the Panthers the match in final minute of the game.
Well, this is the beauty of this game which makes it more interesting and mesmerizing. After two consecutive losses, Navneet Gautam’s certainly needs to bounce back and take the most of the home-advantage for which they are known for. Jaipur Pink Panthers will certainly be the favourites when the men in pink will step out at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
Panthers count on home form to get their campaign back on track
Remember, Pink Panthers are yet to lose a game at their home as they went unbeaten in season 1 at this venue, registering 3 wins to their names and playing a draw against last year’s finalists U Mumba. But, past records would not count for much as the Panthers need to turn the tide this season.
Coach Kasinathan Baskaran needs to make sure the team do not repeat the same mistakes in the upcoming matches. The title defenders clearly looked nervous in the curtain-raiser against U-Mumba. The raiders could not make much impact and thus all the pressure was on defenders to tackle the Anup Kumar’s men, but the game of uncertainty eventually fell against Pink Panthers.
The coach and captain surely re-strategized themselves against Bengal Warriors and started the game with attackive approach and maintained a healthy lead of 4-5 points till the final two minutes where the tables turned and yet again the team ended on the losing side.
Two losses on the trot have certainly pushed the team on the back foot, but Bachchan’s men have a high morale and would surely not give it up with ease. Being involved in games where the margin of defeat was low, one thing is clear that Jaipur Pink Panthers is a team to beat in this competition and would come up good as the tournament progresses.
Star Raiders for Pink Panthers, Jasvir Singh and Rajesh Narwal are yet to show their best this season while the captain needs to plan the defence again making sure Ran Singh won’t rush too much in tackling the oppositions.
A tough journey awaits the Pink Panthers at home, after which we will get a better idea of the team’s fortunes this season. But, teams would be naive to discount the Panthers as they can come roaring back anytime.