Rajesh Narwal revives Jaipur Pink Panthers; Aims for repeat

Rajesh Narwal (C) has been key to Jaipur Pink Panthers’ revival

Against a depleted Puneri Paltans, after one of his characteristic raids, Rajesh Narwal held up one finger, letting onlookers know he was indeed No 1. Then he pumped the air in jubilation, first with one fist, then with both. Yes, he is back!

Shedding any uncertainty about how well the Jaipur Pink Panthers have recovered after a not-so-great start to the season, Narwal pulled off another stunner of a performance to guide home the defending champions to another resounding win. This, a day after he created a league record by outscoring the entire Dabang Delhi team in a 51-21 demolition job, he sure has hit a purple patch and is making amends for lack of precision in the previous matches.

As SportsKeeda reached out to him, he talked about his all-round game and how the team is gaining strength heading in to the business end of the tournament, “We have been doing really well off late. I wish though we hadn’t started that slow though, that way we could have been assured of a playoff spot by now.

“The whole squad is clicking as a unit now, and the camaraderie which took us all the way last year is back.”

Talking about his own performances, he added, “I didn’t know I created a record against Delhi. I am glad however; these add up to our morale and spur us for greater things.”

Narwal and co. arrived in San Antonio looking more focused and defined than they had at perhaps anytime this campaign. That intent paid off, showing they are fully committed to their second straight title.

In all honesty, a lot of us had doubted they could ever regain their dominating form. Not anymore.