Lack of adequate talent among Bengal’s kabaddi players is one reason why Bengal Warriors have no one from the state in their current Pro Kabaddi League squad.

The players in Bengal are talented, but not quite at the desired level, Warriors coach K. Bhaskaran pointed out.

“In Bengal, there are several players who play this sport. But in the kabaddi national meet, the Bengal team is unable to cross the league phase. They seem to be lacking that level.

“To reach that level, the team needs at least make the quarter-finals of the Nationals. At least one of the teams — sub-junior, junior and senior — should make the last-eight phase. But that’s not happening with Bengal. And that’s why they are not catching the eyes of anyone,” Bhaskaran, also a former India player, told The Telegraph at the Netaji Indoor Stadium on Thursday, the eve of their clash against Gujarat Giants.

“In spite of that, the Bengal Warriors have conducted trials in Calcutta. But we are not getting the desired talent that we require.

“It’s not as if the kids and youngsters here aren’t interested in kabaddi. They do find it interesting, especially after the Pro Kabaddi League. But back in the 90s, kabaddi was in a much better state in Bengal. But these youngsters need to be shown the way and the correct route,” Bhaskaran further said.

So then, is something wrong in the state kabaddi federation? “I won’t say wrong. But they have to go the right path,” Bhaskaran replied.

The state kabaddi association has been riddled with factions in recent times. “Just like it was in table tennis, there are three units in state kabaddi as well. However, just as table tennis was brought under one unit, I’ll sort the issues out in kabaddi too,” Bengal Olympic Association president Swapan Banerjee said.

The Warriors, who are ranked ninth with 44 points from 17 games, are working on both raiding and attacking, the coach said. Their opponents, the Giants, are at No.5 (with 55 points from 18 games).

“Raiding is going good with the technique, but we’re focusing more on defence. When the raider is going for a point, he has to decide when he wants to tackle and when he wants to avoid the opposition raiders. This is the leg where we must rectify our mistakes,” Bhaskaran said.