Puneri Paltan have won back to back games after losing to Patna Pirates (26-43) on February 10. Most recently, they decimated Telugu Titans by a margin of 51-31.
For the frist time in the ongoing Pro Kabaddi League season, the Paltan were playing their third straight game in three days. Season 8 has been struggling with keeping up the right schedule as some coronavirus cases were reported in the camp of some teams.
Due to this, the organisers of the league have had to change the schedule quite a number of times already this season. Matches have been moved on short notice, which have affected how and when the teams get to play their games. As such, PP had to play three games back to back.
On being asked how his team players have maintained their fitness levels during such a big tournament, Anup Kumar, the Puneri Paltan coach said:
“The best thing about our team is that we have got a lot of youngsters so that occurs well for us. At the same time we have got a very good physio in Dr Shajin. He is one of the best in his job and that is why we have got him here.
Before this he was with me at U Mumba, he is from Chennai, he helps the players in recovery and rehabilitation quite well. He definitely has some magic in his hand as his treatments are also quite good.”
There is no doubt that a physiotherapist’s role has increased in uncertain times like these. Puneri Paltan seemed to have benefited a lot from Dr Shajin’s services as Vishal Bhardwaj, who wasn’t in the best of form and looked out of sorts in the initial games, has made a good comeback on the mat.
He scored six tackle points against the Titans. Anup Kumar was also happy with Vishal Bhardwaj’s return to form.
