PKL: Coach Rakesh Kumar's fan Vikash Kandola wants to emulate his idol

PANCHKULA: Haryana Steelers' Vikash Kandola's raid has been described as the poetry in motion by his team coach Rakesh Kumar. The slow walk, the half jump, the way he extends his entire body for a quick touch with his hand without wasting any time. As repeatable as it is watchable, there is a reason why Vikas has become the lynchpin of his team in the ongoing Pro Kabaddi League, Season 7.
A bruise on his right hand and a childish smile on his face, Kandola was all ears, while head coach Rakesh Kumar was giving instructions to his team. The venue was Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula, where the Haryana Steelers will start their home leg campaign against UP Yodha on Saturday.
"I have always wanted to emulate coach saab (Rakesh Kumar), since my childhood. He is my idol. It is quite heartening that he is also my coach this season. With him around I think my game has improved significantly," Kandola told TOI on Thursday.
"He has shared so many things with me, such how to gain bonus points. He has told me to keep a different approach in all the raids, because sometimes you have two defenders to face, while in others there will be four. I am trying to learn as much as I can. His becoming coach of Haryana Steelers is a blessing for me personally," added Kandola, who has garnered 142 points in 14 matches so far in the tournament.
During the pre-season, Kumar had predicted Vikas to be the game changer for the Haryana Steelers. The 21-year-old has not disappointed his coach and has become the lynchpin of the Haryana attack this season. His impact on the team is such that when he missed a couple of matches in the initial days, Haryana Steelers were looking all at sea.
"I missed a couple of matches because of the muscle injury. But since I have made a comeback, I have performed well and to be frank this is my best season so far," said Kandola, who hails from Budayan village in Harayan's Jind district.
Commenting on the season, the reticent lad said: "It has been satisfying, but the job is only half done. We want to win all our home matches and will love to finish in the top two of the points table. However, the ultimate aim is to win the trophy because the team is playing so well."
On being asked what has changed in the Haryana Steelers team this season, Vikas said: "The coach has made all the difference. Under his watchful eyes, we have gelled well as a team. We are not focusing on individual performances. I think this season, we are playing as a unit and this is the reason, why we are doing so well."
Like any other kabaddi player, Vikas also took up the sport to get a job through sports quota in Haryana. But with time his mindset has changed massively.
"Honestly, speaking I started playing Kabaddi to get a job through sports quota. But now it isn't like that anymore. I have realised I can do much better than getting a job. When I hear fans chanting my name, that's my real earning. My aim is to stay fit and keep winning matches for my country and club," he signed off.