Picture Credit: Pro Kabaddi/Facebook
Ever since Pardeep Narwal has switched his Pro Kabaddi League franchise from Patna Pirates to UP Yoddha, his performance has faced a hit. He is struggling to score points like he used to do for Pirates but still, he is the most consistent raider in PKL. But he was substituted by UP Yoddha in their match against Bengaluru Bulls which raised eyebrows from all around. Everyone wanted to know the reason behind such a bold decision and it seems we have one.
In a recent social media post by the UP-based franchise, Pardeep Narwal talked about his substitution during the Bengaluru Bulls match. The raider revealed that his fitness was the main reason behind the decision. Narwal was substituted by UP Yoddha after the opposition team tackled him twice. Coach Jasveer Singh called Pardeep to the bench in the 15th minute when UP were about to get all-out. He sent defender Gurdeep to the mat, who pulled off two super tackles in the space of three minutes. However, he too was replaced by the Iranian raider Mohammad Taghi in the 18th minute.
"A player who gives his 100% should only play. I am not fully fit which is why I could not perform well. Taghi and Gurdeep went in and performed well. The team won the match. It does not matter who was in and who was out, but the team should win," said Pardeep Narwal.
He further added that it was an important win for his team and it has boosted the confidence of the team. "This win was very important for us," Narwal said. "We are looking forward to the next matches now because our confidence has increased after defeating such a good team," he added.
UP to face Haryana
After defeating Bengaluru Bulls, the Yoddhas will take on Haryana Steelers on Wednesday evening. UP stand superior to Haryana in the points table despite winning a game less than them. Both the teams have 20 points but UP have a better points difference (-2) to that of Haryana (-37). While UP are coming on the back of a win, Haryana faced a humiliating defeat to Tamil Thalaivas in their last game.