PKL 2019 | We won because of Rahul Chaudhari, says Edacherry Bhaskaran

Tamil Thalavias made a great come back in their match against Haryana Steelers after they were lagging behind by nine points after the first half ended and they won the match 35-28. In the first half, their defence was not in sync and made hasty tackle attempts which helped Vikas Kandola, who is playing his first match of the season, to capitalize on their weakness. In the raiding unit 'raid machine' Rahul Chaudhari dominated over other players as he scored 13 raid points whereas Ajay Thakur scored five and Shabeer Bappu made just raid point.

“It was mainly because of Rahul Chaudhari that we were able to win today. Otherwise it is very difficult to overcome a nine-point deficit and win. The players showed some great control towards the end and we were able to get an All-Out because of which we took the game. However, we will have to be more careful in the opening period in the coming games,” Tamil Thalaivas coach Edacherry Bhaskaran said in the post-match press conference.

The defensive unit of both the teams scored 10 points and it was the raiding department which made a difference. Even after having the services of both Vikas Kandola and Naveen, Haryana wasn’t able to sustain the lead they created. Naveen was able to score only five points whereas Kandola was slightly better as he scored seven raid points. It was Haryana defence as well which got sloppy in the second half and started leaking run.

“If a player does not deliver what the team needs then it can get difficult. In such a situation it is necessary for the player to step up. Ran Singh is generally our Corner but when our raiders Ajay Thakur, Rahul Chaudhari and Shabeer Bappu are not on the mat we need a fourth raider who can make sure we avoid an All-Out,” the Thalaivas' coach concluded.