"We will definitely play the final" - Gujarat Giants captain Neeraj Kumar sets bold target for Pro Kabaddi 2024 [Exclusive]
The Gujarat Giants have named seasoned defender Neeraj Kumar as their captain for Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11. This marks Neeraj’s first stint with the Giants, and he is eager to lead the team to their first-ever title.
With 80 matches under his belt and a strong record of 174 tackle points, including nine High 5s and 11 super tackles, Neeraj is ready to make a significant impact now. His appointment as captain comes with high expectations, and he’s embracing the responsibility with a clear focus on team unity and performance.
In a recent interview with Sportskeeda, Neeraj expressed his enthusiasm for leading the Gujarat Giants, reflecting his deep connection with both his teammates and head coach Ram Mehar Singh.
Neeraj Kumar on his excitement to captain Gujarat Giants
Speaking about his role as captain, Neeraj said:
"I am feeling very good. I have been given a big responsibility and I will try my best to take the team forward. I have a very good bonding with all the players. I will try to be their friend and along with this, I will be a little strict wherever needed."
One of the key aspects of Neeraj’s preparation for PKL 11 is his reunion with coach Ram Mehar Singh, with whom he shares a strong rapport. Neeraj shared that the coach emphasized hard work and resilience.
"Coach Sir (Ram Mehar Singh) always says that you should work as hard as you can. You have to bear some pain and if you do not give up on your hard work, then you will surely benefit from it in the future. My bonding with the coach is very good. We both have been together in the army and he knows my game very well. He focuses on training and does not slack off at all. If you train well, then its effect will be visible on the game as well," he added.
On his fitness and form for PKL 11
Neeraj’s fitness will play a key role in his performance for the Giants this season. Reflecting on his injury from the previous season, Neeraj stated:
"I had an injury in the last season of PKL and due to this I could not play the entire tournament. I am fully fit for PKL II and I also did very well in the department game. The coach also saw my game. I am feeling very good and if I play well then the team will definitely do better. I also have to focus on my performance and also see how the team plays with unity."
He emphasized the importance of staying injury-free, both for himself and the team, noting that the success of the defense, which includes players like Sombir and D Balaji, will hinge on how well they can settle and perform together.
"Apart from me, Sombir and D Balaji are also in the defense. See, whether the defense is new or old, it will not be successful until it is not settled. Coach sir's full focus is on defense at this time. As long as I keep things under control while being on the mat, then definitely the performance will be good," he added.
Biggest challenge for Gujarat Giants in PKL 11
When asked about the biggest challenge facing the Giants in PKL 11, Neeraj highlighted the importance of staying fit throughout.
"The biggest challenge for us is that no player should get injured. If there is no injury in the team, then we will definitely play the final. Our team is definitely young, but there is no dearth of talent. in raiding, we have Guman Singh, Rakesh, Parteek Dahiya. The league is long and it will be very important for us to stay fit. We have to take care of our fitness, only then will we be able to perform well," the Giants skipper mentioned.
Neeraj has set an ambitious target for the upcoming season - leading the Giants to their first PKL trophy. He is determined to perform well and push his team toward the title.
"If I perform well, the team will definitely move up. My target is to make Gujarat Giants win the trophy so that people say that the captain made the team a champion," he concluded.