Pro Kabaddi League 2017 Season 5: "I couldn't concentrate because of Akshay Kumar," says Bengaluru Bulls skipper Rohit Kumar
The Bengal Warriors faced off against the Bengaluru Bulls at the Thyagaraj Stadium in Delhi on Saturday in a crucial Zone B Pro Kabaddi Season 5 encounter. For the Bulls, it was an extremely crucial match given their position in the league standings and they had to win if they were to have any realistic hopes of making it into the super playoffs.
They trailed throughout the match but towards the end, the men in Red made a remarkable comeback and even reduced the gap to one point at 27-28 with three minutes to go. However, a four-point super raid by Bengal's Maninder Singh took ensured the full five points for his team as it was yet another case of so near yet so far for the Bulls.
At the post-match press conference, captain Rohit Kumar made quite a startling admission. Having scored just two points in the entire match, the raider conceded that he could not concentrate throughout the game and that cost his side the match. And the reason was quite a unique one too.
"Akshay Kumar, my idol, had come to watch the match and I couldn't concentrate on the match at all. I really wanted to win the game for my team but just could not apply myself on the mat, I was so nervous," said Rohit.
The star actor came down to meet the former Patna Pirates after the match as well and after they shared a warm embrace as Akshay spoke to Rohit. The Bulls skipper revealed later what his idol told him.
'He said that winning and losing is a part of the game and losses can happen," said Rohit.
The Bulls now have just six games left to rescue their campaign and are currently nine points adrift of third place. They have won just four games all season in 16 attempts and their captain realizes the importance of the remaining matches.
"We have to win each of our last games now. It's a very difficult task I understand, but we will give our best," said Rohit. He then added, "Today's loss was completely my mistake and I take full responsibility as I could not concentrate at all. I have to raise my game and make sure we give our best in the remaining matches."
The Bulls will face U Mumba next on September 28 as the Inter-Zonal Challenge week kicks off once again and anything less than a win will spell disaster for the side.