“It doesn’t affect us” - Patna Pirates coach Narender Redu on Haryana's ‘aggressive’ approach and a potential face-off in the Pro Kabaddi 2024 final
Patna Pirates head coach Narender Redu has responded to the ongoing heat regarding Haryana Steelers' aggressive tactics in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024, stating that his team remains unaffected by the aggressive approach. This comes in the wake of a growing rivalry between the two teams, highlighted by fiery moments in their previous encounters.
Despite the drama, Redu remains calm, and with both teams now gearing up for the playoffs, the stage is set for a potential Pro Kabaddi 2024 final clash.
"We have no unnecessary aggression in our team," said Narender Redu in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, brushing off the notion that Patna Pirates have been drawn into the rivalry.
“Whether it’s Haryana or any other team, everyone are good. There’s a brotherhood among all the players. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, players may react differently. For example, in one instance, Devank showed aggression when he felt an unclear decision had gone against him at the center line. Such mistakes happen, and players can get confused, but it’s not something that affects our overall spirit," he added.
The rivalry between the Haryana Steelers and the Patna Pirates sparked during their encounters in the league stage of Pro Kabaddi 2024. The tension rose on December 6 when Haryana defeated Patna 42-36 in a match that was marred by several controversial decisions, which saw Manpreet Singh and Devank receiving yellow cards.
While Manpreet has remained vocal and fiery in his responses, Narender Redu has taken a much more measured approach. As the two teams potentially head towards a final face-off, Redu’s calm demeanor stands in stark contrast to the heated exchanges seen on the mat.
“If we reach the finals, we’ll come up with a solid plan and deliver a great match. Regardless of what the opponent’s players or coaches do, it doesn’t affect us. I always encourage my players to remain calm, focus on the situation, and play with discipline. That’s what I expect from them, and I’m confident they’ll deliver," he continued.
The Patna Pirates have defied expectations this season. Despite a lack of star power in their squad, the team has qualified for the playoffs with an impressive 13 wins in 22 games, finishing fourth in the league stage.
One of the standout performers for Patna has been Devank Dalal, who has stunned the league with 280 raid points in 22 matches, making him the current leader in most raid points. Redu took us down memory lane to share how he discovered Devank and the early relationship they shared.
“In the beginning, our raiding department didn’t have any big names, but I had faith in the players. I had seen Devank play during his time in the Army. He spent two years with me, playing for Services and in the National Games when I was coaching. I knew his potential and felt he deserved an opportunity," he added.
Devank had previously been part of the Jaipur Pink Panthers but hardly saw any game time. Redu continued:
“Devank often told me he wasn’t getting enough chances. During his two seasons with Jaipur Pink Panthers, he hardly got to play. However, in the tournaments I observed, he performed well. Before the auction, I spoke to him and told him I wanted him to be part of my team. He was thrilled, especially because of our bond from the Army days. I assured him that I’d do my best to bring him into the team, but it was up to him to remain disciplined and perform well. Being an Army man, he already had discipline, and his performance in the pre-camp boosted my confidence in him.”
“Devank is now the league’s number one raider. He has showcased his talent, made a name for himself, and played a vital role in our victories," he said further.
Alongside Devank, Ayan Lohchab, another young raider coming as an NYP, has made a significant impact this season. With 165 raid points in 22 games, Ayan has been a solid support for Devank, playing a key role in Patna’s attack.
Redu acknowledged Ayan’s growth, saying:
“Ayan is another young talent who plays for SAI. I had seen him in Khelo India and Nationals, and he impressed me in the Haryana tournaments too. He was excited to play on a platform like this. Both Devank and Ayan have taken on the responsibility of raiding and delivered consistently in every match. On the offense, whenever we needed support from Sandeep or Sudhakar, they stepped up and performed well.”
On the defensive front, Patna Pirates' defense has been rock solid, with Ankit Jaglan leading the charge. He added:
“In defense, players like Shubham Shinde, Ankit, Deepak, Gurdeep, and Arkam have been crucial. Ankit, our captain, is the backbone of our defense. His control and the love and understanding he shares with the team are remarkable.
“Initially, it seemed like we lacked big names compared to other teams, but I believed in our players. As the league progressed, they proved themselves on the field. Slowly but surely, they’ve shown their potential and earned recognition.”
“There’s no scope for mistakes” - Narender Redu on the pressure of playing in the Pro Kabaddi 2024 playoffs
Looking ahead to the playoffs, Patna Pirates will face U Mumba in Eliminator 2 on December 26, a crucial match for the Pirates as they look to advance. Despite losing both their encounters against U Mumba in the league stage, Redu remains confident.
“League matches are different. Raiders plan their moves beforehand, and defenders may take risks with tackles because they know there’s another match to make up for mistakes. With 22 matches in the league, there’s some room for error," Redu said.
“However, in do-or-die matches like these, there’s no scope for mistakes. Both raiding and defense departments will need to be cautious and make well-thought-out decisions. Our young team has already made a name for itself by qualifying, and we’ll ensure that the mistakes made in league matches against U Mumba aren’t repeated. We aim to perform well and win," he concluded.