Jagdish Kumble: Our rotation worked brilliantly

A defensive shootout on Friday ended in Bengal Warriors scoring their second victory over Telugu Titans in Season 6 by a scoreline of 30-25. In the post-match press conference, coach Jagdish Kumble, captain Surjeet Singh and raider Maninder Singh took questions for the Bengal Warriors, whereas Telugu Titans were represented by coach K Jag Mohan and stand-in captain Abozar Mohajermighani.

Bengal Warriors

Q. Any thoughts on the defence’s performance?

Jagdish Kumble: We made some tactical changes in our setup from the previous games. And that paid off today.

Q. Same question to you Surjeet Singh.

Surjeet Singh: Everyone that comes in wants to do well and today Baldev Singh did just that. Maninder Singh was also outstanding for us tonight and I’m very pleased with the performance of our Corners.

Q. Telugu Titans have one of the best defensive units and you still managed to be quite effective. Thoughts on your performance?

Maninder Singh: We had prepared hard for this game. We strategised meticulously. We aimed to be fearless and we played accordingly.

Q. Telugu Titans have excellent raiders and your defence managed to neutralise them all. Was there a strategy behind it?

Jagdish Kumble: We had trust in our defence. We decided to rotate because we have a game tomorrow as well. And they performed beyond expectations. So, I’m extremely pleased. 

Telugu Titans

Q. What went wrong today?

K Jag Mohan: A few missed tackles which were very tough. Krushna Madane and Abozar’s tackle on Maninder that gave up two points is where the match changed. The defence could have done with better decision-making.

Q. Thoughts about the raiding department?

K Jag Mohan: The raiders weren’t as effective today as they have been for us. They committed too deep into the opposition half and were caught by their defenders.

Q. Any comments on Vishal Bhardwaj’s absence?

K Jag Mohan: He wasn’t a 100% today and we didn’t want to risk him. We have a home leg coming up soon and there are plenty of games left in the campaign. So, we decided to rest him.