Time for the Warriors to assure their fans

After last season’s performance, it was time to rebuild, re-strategise and re-motivate for the Bengal Warriors, the team from the ‘City of joy’-Kolkata. They were in high spirits, and it showed when they took on last season’s semi-finalists Bengaluru Bulls in their opening encounter of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi in Mumbai on 18th July. They had a new captain to look for inspiration, Dinesh Kumar a two times Asian Games gold medallist and the national captain who was the best choice they could have made to resurrect their fortunes.

In their only match during the Mumbai leg, they began well vs Bengaluru Bulls but were ultimately taken over by a strong comeback from the Bengaluru side with the match ending 33-25 in favour of Bengaluru Bulls. The same problem that had cropped up continuously during Season 1 reared once more in their Season 2 opener and the Warriors had no answer to it.

Before the start of the season Coach Raj Narain Sharma who has drafted B C Ramesh as his deputy, had confidently stated that he would treat it and the results there to be seen. Ramesh is an Arjuna Awardee, an Asian Games gold medallist, technically and tactically superior like most of his ilk from the South.

Therefore much is expected of him and the chief Raj Narain Sharma. They should strategise, with the help of Nilesh Shinde their earlier skipper who has tons of experience on the domestic circuit. His observations should carry weight. No doubt they are feeling the absence of Nitin Madane who should recover soon from the injury. Till such time the Warriors should instil confidence in Jan Kun Lee. Resembling a martial art exponent he is definitely transforming into a potent weapon with his speed, peripheral vision and sharp reflexes

Raj Narain should be working to overcome the initial hiccups. One reverse should not demoralise them. They will now be playing before a vociferous home crowd. Kolkatans are passionate sport lovers. Be it Football or Cricket, Mohan Bagan, East Bengal or Kolkata Knight Riders they have strongly supported them. It’s now over to the Netaji Indoor Stadium where it is the turn of the Bengal Warriors to instil faith in their fans and earn their respect not just with delightful Kabaddi, but convincing victories in the home leg of the tournament.

They have a tough task on hand as they take on holders Jaipur Pink Panthers who will be smarting from their opening defeat to the Mumbai team in the event opener. With Telugu Titans and U Mumba to face after that, their opposition is undoubtedly formidable as the only 2 undefeated teams in the league so far. The Warriors should hope to put it across Delhi Dabang in their last match considering their rivals aren’t settled yet as a combination, despite learning from their experience from last season.

For now, Bengal Warriors will concentrate on giving their fans in Kolkata an experience worth remembering when the league arrives on 22nd July at Netaji Indoor Stadium.

Watch Season 2 of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi LIVE on Star Sports 2, 3, HD2, HD3 and hotstar.com from 7:50pm onwards