Patna Pirates coach Anup Kumar shares insights on PKL Season 12 preparations, key players and team strategy
Patna Pirates Head Coach Anup Kumar discusses PKL Season 12 preparations, team bonding, defense and raiding strategies, fitness focus, and new players to watch. He emphasizes leadership, coaching philosophy, kabaddi’s growth, and the vital role of broadcasters like JioStar.
Hyderabad: With the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 only days away, teams are making every effort to prepare and build a strong squad with their eyes on the title. Speaking exclusively via JioStar, Patna Pirates, Head Coach, Anup Kumar discussed the team’s preparations, strong bonding, focus on fitness, and the youngsters who could shine this season.
Speaking via JioStar ahead of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, Anup Kumar, Head Coach of Patna Pirates, shared his thoughts on pre-camp preparations and team bonding:*
_“This season, our pre-camp went very well. What makes me happiest is that the team has bonded like a family, and that bond has remained strong throughout the season. Maninder, as our senior player, has connected well with everyone and led from the front during practice. We’ve worked hard on the team’s shortcomings and focused on improvement. Overall, our camp has been one of the best.”
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On team temperament and focus on defence, Anup said that over the last 40 days in pre-camp, he had observed that everyone has been calm and disciplined.” I’ve shared my kabaddi knowledge and experience with the players. While a strong raiding unit is crucial, I believe defense is equally important. If the defense is weak, the team struggles. That’s why I have worked extensively on building a solid defense this season,” he said.
On raiding and Maninder’s role in the team, Anup said his team’s
raiding had been a strength, and last season you must have seen Ayan’s excellent performance. “This season, fans can expect even more. Our most experienced player, Maninder, has worked very hard on his fitness and preparation before joining the team,” he said.
“The combination of Maninder and Ayan will be very effective. Alongside this, we have also focused heavily on strengthening our defense, and fans will see a much stronger defensive unit this season,” Anup explained.
On new players to watch out for, Anup said this season, fans would see three exciting new players. “At right corner, Navdeep has been working hard and will impress with his performance. We also have two raiders, Ankit Rana, who raids from the left, and Milan Dahiya, who raids from the right. Both are highly talented, and their performances will stand out. The respect and recognition for our NYP will be visible this season,” he said.
On learning and leadership as a coach, Anup said he always believed in learning. ” If I miss something, my friends outside PKL, who know kabaddi observe me and give feedback, which helps me improve. I also listen to every coach during matches, noticing how they guide players and when their advice should be implemented,” he explained.
“These observations help me in future situations. For me, the biggest responsibility as a coach is to keep the team united. If the team is together, performance automatically follows. I make sure to talk to players with respect and care,” he said.
” Of course, sometimes strictness is needed, but I believe what love can achieve, pressure never can,” Anup said.
On Ankit Jaglan’s leadership as a captain, Anup said the young player who impressed last season and would continue to do well. “The best thing about him is his dedication during practice. He motivates the team and steps up when players are struggling. At times, he even asks me to give a short break so he can address the players directly, which shows his leadership qualities. He’s a skilled, hardworking player, and I expect great things from him again this season,” he explained.
On kabaddi’s growth, Anup said kabaddi has come a long way from mud to mat. “The game has developed tremendously, and players have benefited greatly. Earlier, there were no highlights, no social media coverage, and no live telecasts. PKL has changed everything, now people truly know what kabaddi is and recognize the players,” he said.
“I hope kabaddi continues to grow further. New rules make the game more exciting, and increasing the purse motivates players even more. As the game expands, more NYP players from across India will rise, which will benefit both kabaddi and its fans,” Anup said.
_“The role of the broadcaster is vital, and I want to thank JioStar for their contribution to kabaddi. From what we’ve seen, they’ve done an excellent job so far, and I’m sure we’ll see even better this season. Their support is not just for kabaddi but for sports overall, and it plays a major role in the game’s growth,” he said about broadcaster’s role.
