Shrikant Jadhav relishing the freedom given to him by coach Jasveer Singh

U.P. Yoddha climbed the vivo Pro Kabaddi Season 7 standings after a 32-29 win over Bengal Warriors at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. Shortly after the final whistle, U.P. Yoddha’s captain Nitesh Kumar, raider Shrikant Jadhav, coach Jasveer Singh and Rishank Devadiga were at the post-match press conference, while K. Prapanjan, coach BC Ramesh and captain Maninder Singh answered questions for Bengal Warriors.  

U.P. Yoddha

Q. Rishank, what are your thoughts on your performance today?

Rishank Devadiga: I’m still recuperating from injury and am not fully fit yet but am getting there. Once I get my rhythm, my performances will also improve. I’m confident about that and I believe that my performances in the upcoming matches will be better.

Q. Shrikant, are you feeling any extra pressure as the main raider?

Shrikant Jadhav: No, I feel no extra pressure on me. The coach has given me the freedom to go out and express myself. Rishank is also on his way back from injury and the captain as well as the team are performing. We’ll just work on our mistakes now and look to continue improving.

Q. Coach, how are you approaching the rest of the games in league?

Jasveer Singh: Look, we must win all games because every match from here on is crucial for us and our top 6 chances. All the teams in the league are good and anything can happen, so we are planning things one game at a time and hoping to win everything.

Bengal Warriors

Q. Coach, are you concerned about losing some of your early season form?

BC Ramesh: A lot of things could happen between now and the end of the season. There are no good or bad teams, in my opinion. All teams have good players and someone always tends to play well on the day.   

Q. Excited to have your home leg coming up next?

BC Ramesh: Yes, we’re happy to be back in our home city. We will have some time to plan and practice since we have a five or six-day rest period. So, we want to plan, work hard and strategise in that time.