Pro Kabaddi 2024 Playoffs: Coaches share insights as top 6 teams gear up for the final week
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 has reached its thrilling climax, with the playoffs set to begin on December 26 at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune. After an intense league phase spanning 132 matches, six teams remain in contention for the coveted title - Haryana Steelers, Dabang Delhi K.C., UP Yoddhas, Patna Pirates, U Mumba, and Jaipur Pink Panthers.
The competition has been fierce, with several teams securing their playoff spots in the final stages. The Haryana Steelers and the Dabang Delhi K.C. have already booked their spots in the semi-finals, while the remaining four teams will battle it out in the eliminators for a place in the next stage.
What did the coaches say ahead of Pro Kabaddi 2024 playoffs?
Ahead of the much-awaited PKL 2024 playoffs, the coaches and captains of the six qualified teams addressed the media in a press conference on December 25.
Table-toppers Haryana Steelers are aiming to break their title drought. Coach Manpreet Singh expressed his confidence in the team, saying reporters:
“The Haryana Steelers team is like a family. The players are all like my younger brothers, and we will work together and leave no stone unturned when we play our Semi-final. Having qualified for the Semi-final directly is a source of great motivation for the team before the final week, and for Haryana, a state that has won so many medals in other sports, it is the PKL title that remains elusive, and hopefully, we can win it.”
The Dabang Delhi K.C. has been one of the standout teams of the season, finishing second with a record 15-match unbeaten streak. Coach Joginder Narwal emphasized the bond between co-captains Ashu Malik and Naveen Kumar as a key factor stating:
“I have played with both Ashu and Naveen in the previous years in the PKL itself, and they are like best friends. The two of them have a great chemistry and always stick together, and that bond is visible on the mat also. The team is like a complete family, and going into the playoffs, they are all fit and in-form.”
The UP Yoddhas have relied on their young players especially Gagan Gowda and Bhavani Rajput to deliver results after losing some big names before the season. Coach Jasveer Singh credited the team’s preparation for their ability to close out tight matches.
“The team lost a couple of big players, but the core of the team remained together and have worked hard as well.” When asked about how well his side has closed out a few tight contests, the coach explained, “Winning closely fought matches is not easy ,and it is more of a habit which one has to develop over time. We always train accordingly so that on the matchday, the players know how to deal with the situation and the pressure.”
Three-time champions Patna Pirates are banking on their young raiders, Devank and Ayan, to take them deep into the playoffs. Coach Narender Redhu praised the pair’s impactful performances, saying:
“Before the start of PKL Season 11, in our camps, we could see that Devank and Ayan will form a formidable pair for us as raiders. We had also seen them playing in other tournaments, and we are lucky in a way that they are both in our squad, and we have given them the freedom to play, and they have grabbed their opportunity with both hands.”
The U Mumba clinched their playoff spot with a decisive win in their last league game over Bengal Warriorz. Coach Gholamreza Mazandarani lauded the contributions of the team’s younger players.
“We are very happy to have made it to the Playoffs. And the thing is the young players have done really well. They always want to do something different, like make a new record and have excellent energy as well. Players like Ajith Chauhan and Rohit Raghav are very skilful and the more they play at the highest level in PKL, they will continue to improve," he said.
Having finished sixth, the Jaipur Pink Panthers are gearing up for a challenging playoff week. Coach Sanjeev Baliyan stressed the importance of team effort, stating:
“The Playoffs is a different kettle of fish and there are no second chances like during the league stage. And moreover, to win the PKL title again, the whole squad has to play well, and support Arjun Deshwal. So far, whenever the team has needed it, there has been someone who has stepped up, especially if Arjun hasn’t had a good day, and it is essential to keep that going.”
Pro Kabaddi 2024 Playoffs Schedule
Thursday, December 26
Eliminator 1: UP Yoddhas vs Jaipur Pink Panthers, 8:00 PM IST
Eliminator 2: Patna Pirates vs U Mumba, 9:00 PM IST
Friday, December 27
Semi-final 1: Haryana Steelers vs Winner of Eliminator 1, 8:00 PM IST
Semi-final 2: Dabang Delhi KC vs Winner of Eliminator 2, 9:00 PM IST
Sunday, December 29
Final: Winner of Semi-final 1 vs Winner of Semi-final 2, 8:00 PM IST