Need to approach each game differently, says Haryana Steelers’ coach Ranbir Singh Khokhar 

HARYANA STEELERS coach Ranbir Singh Khokhar mentioned that although his side has an unbeaten record against Gujarat Fortunegiants, his side will have to approach their upcoming game differently on September 2.

“Every team is evolving with each passing game. The Steelers that Gujarat drew within the first encounter was different to the one that defeated them. Similarly, the Gujarat team has also been changing. We need to take each game differently. We may repeat a few strategies that worked, but mostly prepare differently."

The JSW-owned Haryana Steelers endured their first defeat in five games against U Mumba on July 30. Khokhar linked the defeat to the underperformance of the defenders. 

“The last game was a failure of our defence which has otherwise been our strong point. Vikash (Kandola) scored 9 points, (Deepak) Dahiya scored six and Wazir (Singh) five in the raiding department, but we gave away a few bonuses and then Vikash's injury turned the game on its head. We have lost two out of two against U Mumba but winning and losing are a part of the game, time to look forward now, be positive and do a repeat of Lucknow in Kolkata.”

The Haryana coach divulged that Vikas Khandola, who is the Steelers’ best raider with 34 points this campaign, could be rested in the forthcoming match. He mentioned that there are many other raiders in the squad waiting for an opportunity to don the Haryana blues.

“Vikash is one of the best raiders in the country, let alone the team and we hope he gets back to match fitness soon. Against Mumbai, he scored six points in the first 15 minutes alone, and I believe we would have won if he was able to continue. But Kabaddi is a team sport and we have many other raiders raring to go.”

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