5 talking points from the Patna leg of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi Season 3

The Patliputra Sports Complex witnessed a heart-stopping culmination to the Patna leg as the indomitable Patna Pirates succumbed to a defeat at the hands of the defending champions U Mumba.However, besides that stunner, there were many other moments that stood out in these four days, such as Dabang Delhi’s first win of the tournament, Puneri Paltan producing yet another electrifying draw and Bengal Warriors emerging from their lean phase in style.As the Patna fans still grapple with their team’s first defeat, we take a look at 5 talking points from the Patna leg.

#1 Dabang Delhi open their account

Pawan Kumar makes an unsuccessful attempt to leap over Ravinder Pahal of Dabang Delhi, in match 32 of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi season 3

Dabang Delhi finally ended their barren run and registered their maiden victory in the third edition of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi. They had arrived at the Patna leg on the back of a seven-match losing streak, but they were able to turn things around as they thumped last season’s runners-up Bengaluru Bulls 35-21.

The Eagles seemed to be playing like a team for the first time, with all the members coming together to construct the win. The mutual understanding among the players was visible as Kashiling Adake, Ravinder Pahal and Selvamani K all played their part efficiently to lead Delhi to the finish line.

Star raider Kashi’s superb attacking skills were on full display as he grabbed 8 points while captain Pahal and young ace Selvamani K contributed with 5 and 7 points respectively.

#2 Bengal Warriors get back to winning ways

Rohit Kumar of Patna Pirates evades the tackle from Bajirao Hodage to return safely to his half in match 29 of the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi season 3 in Patna

The Bengal Warriors’ flying campaign had stuttered to a halt since they left their home leg, as they lost two matches on the trot. Even their opener in the Patna leg could not boost their morale as they slumped to a defeat against the league leaders despite closing in to a 1-point difference in the second half of the encounter.

But against the 2015 semi-finalists Telugu Titans, on the last day of the Patna leg, the Warriors showed their trademark grit and determination to carve out a 32-28 victory. The agility and unique raiding tactics of Bengal’s Korean import Jang Kun Lee paid rich dividends as he repeatedly made inroads into the Titans’ defense to fetch the team 8 points.

His teammate Bajirao Hodage complemented those efforts with a superb show in the Bengal box and got his side 8 tackle points that ultimately brought them a thrilling triumph.

#3 Puneri Paltan play out yet another draw

Match 33 - Rohit Kumar of Patna Pirates in a tussle with Surjeet of Puneri Paltan in his bid to escape

Wins continue to elude the Puneri Paltan side as they earned their third draw this season during the Patna leg. Manjeet Chhillar’s team is composed of some brilliant tacticians who can hold the spectators in rapt attention, but their inability to close out games is costing them as they seek to climb their way up.

Their ‘so close, yet so far’ phase continued as they played out their second straight draw with the table toppers – making them the only team to hold the leaders twice this season.

The Pune stalwart Manjeet looked off-colour in the first half which swung the momentum totally in favour of the Pirates. But there was some real edge-of-the-seat stuff in the second half as Pune came storming back to enforce an all-out and level at 20-20.

Deepak Niwas Hooda and Manjeet held their formidable opponents by the scruff of their neck to give the team a glimpse of victory. However, they let the Pirates escape in the dying moments as the enthralling match ended in a 28-28 stalemate.

#4 U Mumba stall Patna Pirates juggernaut

Sandeep of Patna Pirates applies a perfect ankle hold to try and stop Rishank Devadiga of U Mumba in the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi season 3 in Patna

This match was a lesson for every team that has been a victim of the Patna Pirates so far this season. On the last day of the Patna leg, the defending champions U Mumba showed how to tactfully dismantle a team that had looked virtually invincible until then.

The team led by Anup Kumar, who had returned after a gold medal-winning outing at the recently concluded South Asian Games, looked impeccable and completely nullified all the Patna attacks with precision and panache. By half-time, the hosts were trailing 9-23 and had endured two all outs.

But Patna, who were unbeaten in 10 matches prior to this, would not concede defeat so meekly. Their talismanic raider Rohit Kumar channeled his energy into his raids, bringing his team back into contention through a rich haul of 12 points.

Unfortunately for him and his team, though, Rohit’s Mumbai counterpart Rishank Devadiga was just as good and he also had the solid support of Fazel Atrachali, who manned the U Mumba box. Their combined efforts along with those of the skipper helped the team hold on to their lead and inflict a 34-28 defeat on the Patna franchise in front of a stunned home crowd.

#5 Patna Pirates still reign at the top

Surjeet Narwal escaping from the clutches of Sandeep Narwal

They might have faltered in the final match of their home leg, but the Patna Pirates are still very much the team to beat this season. With 8 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, they have amassed a staggering 47 points so far and are comfortably placed at the top. Their nearest rivals, the Bengal Warriors, are a staggering 15 points behind after 9 matches.

Throughout the Patna leg, Sanjiv Kumar Baliyan’s men were constantly under threat; the leaders are always the biggest hunting targets. But what is remarkable about the unit is that they were able to stand up to the challenge in three out of the four matches they played.

Their ability to alternate between relentless attacks and patient defence has helped them immensely. The Bengaluru Bulls tried hard and had a healthy 20-11 lead at half-time during their match against the Pirates, and yet the home side was the one who had the last laugh.

Manjeet Chhillar inspired the Puneri Paltans to come back and even the score against the Pirates, but they could not snap their unbeaten streak.

The young trio of Pardeep Narwal, Rohit Kumar, and Sandeep Narwal has been the bedrock of Patna’s stupendous success. If they can continue having a clear strategy and they keep their heads cool under pressure like they have done so far, they will surely keep making life difficult for their opponents in the coming legs.