Jaipur Pink Panthers skipper Arjun Deshwal 'prepared' for tough battle against Puneri Paltan

The Jaipur Pink Panthers emerged victorious over the Gujarat Giants in their last match on the back of a well-rounded team effort through the combined raiding prowess of Arjun Deshwal, Neeraj Narwal and Shrikant Jadhav, while Reza Mirbagheri anchored their defensive unit.

The match also marked a significant milestone for Panthers' skipper Deshwal, who joined an elite group by becoming just the third raider this season to surpass 100 raid points in PKL Season 11.

"The one-point lead at halftime doesn't matter much. The match came into our control in the last 5-7 minutes, especially because our defence also played well," Deshwal said while reflecting on the game, as quoted by a release from PKL.

Their next clash is against the defending champions Puneri Paltan on Sunday, and Deshwal was wary of the challenge that they possess.

"The match will be very close and high quality," said Deshwal, showing respect for their upcoming opponents.

Referring to the Puneri Paltan's last match, where they squandered a lead to settle for a tie against the Dabang Delhi K.C., Deshwal said, "In their last match, they gave up a huge lead in the final 5-6 minutes, and this is something I am sure they will work upon before entering the mat against us."

"We will come very thoughtfully prepared, and whatever we do, we'll do it with great attention," he added, as quoted by a release from PKL.

This measured approach was evident in their recent victory against Gujarat Giants, where Deshwal led his team to gradually extend their initial one-point halftime lead. Reflecting on the win, he expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, "I'm very happy with the team right now."

When questioned about his slightly slower start compared to previous matches where he typically achieved Super 10s early, Deshwal demonstrated his tactical awareness.

"It's not necessary to get a Super 10 in the first five minutes. You have to play according to the opposing team," he explained.

The Panthers' success has been bolstered by strong supporting performances, particularly in their defense.

Speaking about his team's defensive strategy, Deshwal highlighted their effectiveness, "The team is functioning at 100%. Whatever plans we make, they execute them completely."

On Sunday, the Haryana Steelers will want to maintain their place at the top of the points table when they take the mat against the Tamil Thalaivas at the Noida Indoor Stadium.

Led by Jaideep Dahiya and Mohammadreza Shadloui, the defenders will face the top opposing raiders in Narender Kandola and Sachin Tanwar, both of whom will have a point to prove after failing to secure a win in their last four matches.

In the second game of the day, the two teams who faced off in PKL season 9's final -- Jaipur Pink Panthers and Puneri Paltan -- will take the mat. Two sides in good form will battle for supremacy but the Puneri Paltan will be careful of being complacent, having tied their last match from a winning position.

For the Jaipur Pink Panthers, the form of Arjun Deshwal has been a blessing, and he will surely create problems for the solid Puneri Paltan defence. (ANI)