"They know I can kill them"- Mohammadreza Shadloui comments on Puneri Paltan raiders staying away from him, says he doesn't miss his former team
Haryana Steelers all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui has opened up on his experience of playing against his former team Puneri Paltan in the Pro Kabaddi League. The Iranian star made it clear that he does not miss his ex-franchise. He believes Pune's raiders did not threaten him much because they knew he could "kill them".
In a roundtable chat on the sidelines of Pro Kabaddi League 2024 in Hyderabad, Mohammadreza Shadloui shared his experience with the Haryana Steelers so far. Last season, Shadloui missed out on the 100 tackle points mark by just one point. When asked if he aims to reach the milestone, he replied:
"Yeah of course, this is my target in this season."
Haryana started their PKL 11 campaign with a defeat against Shadloui's former team Puneri Paltan. Pune's raiders generally refrained from attacking on Shadloui's side, but the defender still scored four points in the game. Explaining why Pune's players did not try to attack him, Shadloui said:
"Because they played with me 1 season, they know I can catch them. They know I can kill them (laughs). That's why they don't come my side. In every match, raiders aren't coming to my side. They are going to other side, so maybe, they have a chance."
"My full focus is here"- Mohammadreza Shadloui says his goal is to help Haryana Steelers win matches
Earlier this year, Mohammadreza Shadloui won his first PKL title with Puneri Paltan. The Pune-based franchise could not retain him due to budget issues, and he was signed by Haryana Steelers at the auction. The Iranian clarified that he does not miss his former team even though he lifted the title with them earlier this year.
"That is a very good team, but no. I don't miss Puneri Paltan. Right now, I am here, and I play for this team (Haryana Steelers). My full focus is here. I hope I can always make my fans happy," Shadloui said.
Shadloui starred in Haryana's win over Dabang Delhi KC on Monday. The all-rounder scored 10 points, helping Haryana defeat Delhi by 41-34.