Bengal Warriors captain Maninder Singh has a big task at hand. The team won the title in 2019 but the last two editions did not go their way as they failed to even reach the playoffs. The Warriors are looking to start the PKL 2023 afresh and the experienced Maninder Singh will be the man to inspire them in the upcoming season.
In an exclusive interview with Maninder Singh opened up on the team’s plan for PKL 2023. The 33-year old, who has been part of the Bengal Warriors since 2017, was released ahead of the auction this year. However, the team’s new owners Capri Sports reacquired him at the auction for 2.12 crores.
‘Bengal Warriors is my ‘second home”
Maninder is excited to be back for Bengal Warriors and calls it his second home. “I have been with the team for a while. For me it has now become a second ‘home’. I have really enjoyed my stint with the side so far and It felt amazing to join Bengal Warriors again this year,” Maninder Singh said.
Apart from Maninder, the team also managed to reacquire Shubham Shinde and Shrikanth Jadhav from the auction, who have played for the side last year. Maninder feels that his team will have a slight edge over their opponents since they are going in with a settled combination.
“Yes the team has already got a set combination that will definitely give us the advantage going into the season. We also have some new talents like raiders Nithin and Prashanth, who have impressed in the training camp in the lead up to the season,” he said.
Also Read: Maninder Singh set to lead Bengal Warriors in PKL 2023
‘We are not thinking about the trophy’
Speaking about the preparations this year, he said that they are planning to focus on one game at a time. “We are not thinking about the trophy right now. Our focus is now especially on improving the defence before the start of the tournament.”
“In the raiding, Shrikanth looks in good form. He will give an extra dimension in attack while raiding. I also expect young Raiders to stand up and deliver. This season we hope that the team remain injury-free so that we approach every game with the same gameplan,” he added.
Also Read: PKL 2023: Bengal Warriors predicted 7 for match against Bengaluru Bulls
“Will approach every game with Warrior mentality”
The Pro Kabaddi League this year will return to the caravan model. This gives an opportunity for Bengal Warriors to play in front of their fans in Kolkata. The last time the league had the caravan model, Bengal Warriors won the title.
Speaking about the fans, Maninder said, “I am very excited. Fans are everything for an athlete. They are the ones who push us on, especially in tough moments. So the home leg will be essential. In 2019, we had a brilliant home leg in Kolkata that helped us go all the way to win the title.
“This year, we are hoping to do the same thing. We will approach every game with the Warrior mentality and fight till the end,” he concluded. The Bengal Warriors will begin their PKL 2023 campaign on 4th December against Bengaluru Bulls.
