Star of the Day: Monu Goyat

Name: Monu Goyat

Team: Patna Pirates

Position: Raider

Double defending champions Patna Pirates dropped their first points of the season after a thrilling 27-27 draw against U.P. Yoddha at The Arena in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The Pirates looked like they were heading for their first loss of the season and only just managed to tie the game courtesy of a late surge by skipper Pardeep Narwal, who was their top-scorer with nine points.

However, Narwal’s threat was neutralized for the majority of the encounter as he failed to get the better of Lucknow’s defence throughout the first half and most of the second. In his absence, it was Monu Goyat who took up the responsibility of keeping the Pirates in the game, scoring touch points under pressure situations like do-or-die raids in effortless fashion.

His successful raids ensured he kept reviving his teammates from the bench at regular intervals. Even though Narwal stole the show late on, it was Goyat’s seven touch points and one bonus point that kept his side always within touching distance of Lucknow.