A stunning 29-point performance by Pawan Kumar Sehrawat – the third-highest individual score by a single player in a match in VIVO Pro Kabaddi history – helped Bengaluru Bulls beat Bengal Warriors by a scoreline of 43-42 at the Patliputra Indoor Stadium in Patna on Saturday. In the post-match press conference, coach Randhir Singh Sehrawat, captain Rohit Kumar and Pawan Kumar Sehrawat took questions for Bengaluru Bulls.

Bengaluru Bulls

Q. Who would you credit this victory to?

Randhir Singh Sehrawat: To Pawan (Sehrawat), to Rohit (Kumar) and all 18 players of the Bengaluru Bulls.

Q. What did you tell the team when the score was 20-11?

Randhir Singh Sehrawat: I told Pawan (Sehrawat) to raid for just 15 seconds, play fast, trouble the opposition with his speed. Once he got into his groove, I told Rohit to hold back and let Pawan do the bulk of the raiding.

Q. Pawan, you were to close to the all-time single-game raid point record of 34. Thoughts on that?

Pawan Kumar Sehrawat: I play for the team, not records. I play according to the match situation. Towards the end, our defence was outstanding. Records are not as important as the team is. So, ‘team-first’ is my mindset.

Randhir Singh Sehrawat: With two minutes left, he told me he was confident and could get all five men on the mat. But I told him that he needs to be patient and play for the team.

Q. How important is it as a captain to have someone so trustworthy?

Rohit Kumar: I am extremely pleased with the team and Pawan’s performances. He’s extremely efficient and it really helps me as a captain. My job is to stay on the mat and marshal the troops. With Pawan raiding so well, I don’t feel the need to raid as much. So, it’s a big bonus.

Q. Thoughts on your upcoming match against Telugu Titans?

Randhir Singh Sehrawat: I wouldn’t want to dwell into strategies, but I must say that we won’t be taking them or any other team lightly. All 12 teams are excellent in their own way and we need to prepare well for each game. However, what I can say is that Bengaluru Bulls won’t panic in any situation - even if we are down 8-9 points in a game - because we’ve proven time and again that we are capable of overcoming any deficit.