Day 18 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 saw Bengal Warriorz register a crucial victory after four straight losses by beating UP Yoddhas, while Tamil Thalaivas, led by ‘Raid Machine’ Arjun Deshwal’s exceptional performance, prevailed over Bengaluru Bulls in the Southern Derby. The ongoing Rivalry Week is throwing up exciting contests, with teams now pushing even harder to ensure they are firmly among the top of the points table.
Speaking exclusively on KBD Live, JioStar expert Rishank Devadiga lavished praise on Tamil Thalaivas’ raider Arjun Deshwal: “Arjun Deshwal played with a very positive intent today, scoring 13 points out of the team’s total 22, with a strike-rate of around 60 in this match. Before the game, he embraced the title of ‘Raid
Machine’, and lived up to it by consistently scoring points. Despite facing the Bengaluru Bulls’ youthful defense, Arjun’s experience enabled him to exploit opportunities and make a significant impact. He took charge when it mattered most and led a great attacking effort.”
On Bengal Warriorz’s defensive performance against UP Yoddhas: “If you want to win matches, it is very important for the defense to run well. We saw the same with Bengal Warriorz. The defense worked as one unit and that’s why Devank could play well. Himanshu deserves special praise. He plays as the fifth defender, is used everywhere, and he executed a crucial ankle hold to stop Ganesh, making a significant impact.”
On factors that led to UP Yoddhas’ defeat against Bengal Warriorz: “UP Yoddhas lost the match due to their own mistakes. Throughout the game, it was evident that they lacked a decisive leader on the court. While Sumit was the captain, he struggled to make critical decisions such as choosing raiders or adapting strategies. He seemed overly reliant on the coach’s instructions, but the captain must take charge during the match. UP Yoddhas controlled the first half, but Bengal Warriorz made a strong comeback in the second. Ultimately, it was UP Yoddhas’ errors that cost them the game.”
Alireza knows how to score points under any situation: Rishank Devadiga
On Bengaluru Bulls all-rounder Alireza Mirzaian: “Alireza is a player who knows how to score points under any situation. He sparked a comeback for the Bulls and continuously earned points, including an all-out, setting the momentum for his team. He did his job well in this match, but unfortunately, his defense couldn’t support him, which will understandably leave Alireza disappointed.”
On today’s Rivalry Week match between Haryana Steelers and Patna Pirates: “It’s going to be a very interesting match between two teams that competed in last season’s finals. We witnessed great aggression and action from both sides then, and this match holds that same intensity. Patna Pirates had a big match last season but lost, so they will be eager to prove themselves and win this time.”
(With Inputs from Press Release)
