"I am trying to learn whatever I can from him"- Narender Kandola talks about training with Sachin Tanwar, goals for PKL 2024 & more (Exclusive)
Tamil Thalaivas star Narender Kandola will have a new raiding partner in Pro Kabaddi League 2024. After sharing the raiding responsibilities with Ajinkya Pawar last season, Kandola will team up with Sachin Tanwar to trouble the opposition defenders in PKL 11.
The Thalaivas went all out for Sachin at this year's auction and splurged ₹2.15 crore to acquire the star Indian raider's services. Sachin has previously played for Patna Pirates and Gujarat Giants in his PKL career. Besides, he has also represented the Indian team at the international level.
When asked about his interactions with Sachin Tanwar so far in the practice sessions of Tamil Thalaivas, Narender Kandola said in an exclusive chat with Sportskeeda:
"We have been working hard in the practice sessions. We both are good raiders. He is a right raider, I am a left raider. So, you will witness a good combination. I am a young player. Sachin has been playing for some time now. I am trying to learn whatever I can from him."
Further, Kandola expressed his delight over the fact that the Tamil Thalaivas retained him in their squad for the third consecutive PKL season.
"I am feeling really good. I have been a part of the Tamil Thalaivas in the last two seasons also. Now, I will play for them again, so I am happy," he added.
"This time, we will try to become the champions"- Narender Kandola wants to help Tamil Thalaivas win PKL 11
Narender Kandola further spoke about the Tamil Thalaivas' team combination for the upcoming season and said that the squad is very balanced. He is hopeful that the players will perform well as a unit on the mat.
"I hope raiders and defenders play well, and they give their best for the team. I think it's a very balanced team. Let's see how the players perform on the mat as a unit in the league. We will try our best to win maximum matches," Narender Kandola said.
Lastly, Narender spoke about his expectations from the Tamil Thalaivas in season 11 and commented:
"Tamil Thalaivas have qualified for PKL playoffs only once before. So, this time, we will try to become the champions. My preparation is going well. Luckily, no one is injured. So, all players have been working hard with the coaches to play well as a unit."
Tamil Thalaivas made their PKL debut in season five, but they managed to qualify for the playoffs only in the ninth edition of the league. Despite having a strong side last year, the Thalaivas could not finish in the Top 6 of the points table.
With the arrival of Sachin Tanwar this year, the Thalaivas have one of the best raiding pairs in the tournament. They also have the reliable duo of Sagar Rathee and Sahil Gulia as corner defenders.
If Sachin, Narender, Sagar, and Sahil manage to stay injury-free throughout the season, the Thalaivas will be unstoppable in PKL 11. The Thalaivas will begin their campaign on October 19 against Telugu Titans.