“We have to work together”- Star raider Rohit Gulia on Haryana Steelers’ shaky season and handling expectations
The ongoing Pro Kabaddi League season has been a tough start for the Haryana Steelers. Following their first playoff appearance in PKL 7 two years ago and some great auction purchases, the Steelers were expected to challenge for the top spot from the get-go. The outfit, however, hasn’t quite taken off as expected, falling to mid-table. Rohit Gulia believes the inconsistencies between the two departments have hurt them.
After 12 matches, the Haryana Steelers are currently ranked 6th with 34 points. The team has won two consecutive matches, against table-toppers Dabang Delhi and Punri Paltan, to gain some momentum and confidence. Before this mini-revival, they had lost three straight matches and sat in the lower half of the standings.
There have also been a few noteworthy contributions that have kept the side relevant. While skipper Kandola and Meetu have topped the raiding charts with 101 and 58 points, respectively, Jaideep (40) and Surender Nada (33) have taken care of the defensive duties with utmost responsibility.
PKL 8 auctions saw the Steelers purchase Gulian for a whopping INR 83 lakh, making him the most expensive purchase for the team. Consequently, the expectations of his fans are high. “If I let it get to me, I won’t be able to play,” Gulia, who has 47 raid points in 10 encounters, said when asked about dealing with the price tag. If I don’t play, then no one will believe in us. No matter how poorly I perform (as long as my team wins), as long as I am part of a winning team. Our team’s success is of top priority and of prime importance to us all. If I score a Super 10 every match but the team loses, then it’s of absolutely no use to any of us.”
“It’s a new team for namesake because I have played with most of the players. I play with Vikash and Ravi [Kumar] for the Railways team during the nationals. We all share a strong bond and I have had no trouble settling in.” the player added.
Last but not least, Gulia commented that his strong bond with the newly-appointed Steelers captain, Kandola, has always helped them both.
“I have been playing with Vikash even before the Pro Kabaddi League. Only in the PKL were we playing for different teams before this. We joined the Railways team together. Every now and then he tells me what I can do better, and I follow that. And he does the same when I suggest tweaks. We keep everything in mind for the benefit of the team,” concluded the raider.
