Sandeep Kumar aiming Supremacy with Patna Pirates in PKL 2024, set to play a bigger role | Exclusive

Add as a preferred source on Google

The Patna Pirates will be aiming to showcase a better display as they prepare for the upcoming Pro Kabaddi League season, set to start from October 18.

After making it to the playoffs last season, the Pirates were ousted from the semifinals. The three-time champions have formulated a strong squad ahead of the new season and in their quest for supremacy, a certain youngster from Begusarai is poised to play a huge part.

Sandeep Kumar, who showcased his brilliance on the mat last season, was retained by the franchise. The young raider played his first season in the PKL last year and managed 86 raid points.

His credentials for someone on his debut season are extremely commendable. With a 40 per cent raiding success and one Super 10 last year, Sandeep is aiming to reach greater heights. MyKhel had a chance to talk with the player, where he opened up on various aspects of his game.

The Start of Kabaddi Journey

"My journey in Kabaddi started during my school days when there were summer vacations, then our friends used to play a lot of cricket, so we used to go and play cricket, so there itself we saw a Kabaddi ground, then everyone made a plan that from tomorrow we will start playing Kabaddi, so my journey in Kabaddi started from there. Then gradually my friends, my brothers and everyone decided to play."

Although others had to stop for their academics and other reasons, the love for the game grew in Sandeep who continued his pursuit with excellence.

Transitioning from Yuva Kabaddi to PKL

Sandeep was a prolific Kabaddi star in the Yuva Kabaddi and as the player slowly grew through the ranks, Sandeep speaks about his elation after his first-ever PKL contract.

"Yes, I was playing in the Youth League and performing well. When I got selected, I was very happy. I got a call from my family. I didn't even know about the coach, so I got a call from him. He told me that he was very happy that I was selected in PKL."

Expectations and Adaptations

"The coach and owners said that you won't get much of a chance this year because I had just joined, so this time I will get a full chance and you have to perform well. This is what they expect. I want to perform doubly well this time," Sandeep says.

After his first season, Sandeep confirms he has brought in some tweaks in his raiding strategy, which will only be in full display as the season starts.

"I have made some changes in my game since last year, Coach Sahab told me that now everyone knows about your moves, so I have made a little change in raiding, you will see that in the match itself."

When it comes to qualifying for the playoffs, Sandeep reveals they are trying to avoid the previous year's mistake. The player also says that the entire Pirates unit will leave no stone unturned in the first half of matches, as winning most of them will make their playoffs road easier.

India dream

On the dreams of playing for India, Sandeep is level-headed and wants to continue performing and work hard to represent the nation.

"All the players want to play for India, if we work hard at that level and practice, then I will definitely play," the player adds.

On Defensive Abilities

Sandeep made his name as a raider but in the youth Kabaddi, the player was equally efficient in defence. But in his first PKL season, the Pirates player only won 1 tackle point for his team. Ahead of the fresh season, the methods to enhance defensive qualities also continue.

"In practice, we are also training how to defend. We are focusing on ankle hold and other methods. All these things like, along with raiding, coach is also making us practice that so that if required, we can also tackle and the entire load does not come on the defence in the match."

On Toughest Defender and Message for Fans

When asked about the toughest defender he has faced, Sandeep is quick to dismiss the theory and oozes confidence saying the duels are equal till date.

"No, I did not feel that anyone is tough. I have played with everyone and never felt that strong. I have taken a point sometimes, whereas the defenders sometimes have taken a point from me. So I think it is an equal battle so far."

"My message to the fans is that just like they supported last year, they double their support so that we can go to the finals and win the trophy and make our team Patna Pirates champions."