PKL 11: We need focus & discipline to play semifinals, says U Mumba captain Sunil Kumar

U Mumba now sit at the second spot in the PKL 11 table.

U Mumba showcased their dominance in Match 106 of Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11), cruising to a convincing 47-31 win over Tamil Thalaivas at the Balewadi Stadium on Wednesday.

Tamil’s captain Nitesh Kumar and coach addressed the media after yet another loss, while Mumba’s captain Sunil alongside coach Gholamreza shared their views on the team’s win in PKL 11.

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On the road ahead for U Mumba in PKL 11

Ajit Chouhan led the charge with a Super 10, supported by Manjeet’s nine points and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh’s all-around performance, scoring eight points. This victory propelled U Mumba back to second place on the PKL 11 points table.

“We have four matches to go if the team gives this performance in all of them, we can win them and be at the second spot and directly play the semifinals, but for that, the team will need a lot of focus and discipline, ” said U Mumba captain Sunil Kumar.

“This season from starting was very competitive and every team had a chance to make it to the playoffs. Now also seven teams have a chance to qualify. We need to focus on our matches and we need to win. So the upcoming matches against UP Yoddhas and Patna is too important for us, ” said the U Mumba coach.

On Moein Shafaghi’s performance

The match began with U Mumba firing on all cylinders, racing to a 9-0 lead within the first six minutes. Zafardanesh and Chouhan combined brilliantly, forcing an early ALL OUT on Tamil Thalaivas. Though the Thalaivas fought back with Moein Shafaghi leading the charge and securing an ALL OUT of their own, U Mumba responded with another dominant phase to end the first half 22-14.

“Moein has been doing very good ever since he has come, ” said Tamil Thalaivas captain Nitesh.

On the absence of Narender Kandola and Sachin Tanwar

In the second half, U Mumba maintained control as Ajit Chouhan and Manjeet continued their excellent raiding form. Zafardanesh’s defensive contributions further solidified their grip on the game. A third ALL OUT sealed the result, leaving the Thalaivas with little room for recovery. Thalaivas major blow was losing Narender Kandola to injury coupled by the poor form of Sachin.

“Our biggest issue is the absence of Narender and Sachin’s form. If we had them and Sachin was in form then our raiding department would not have had any problems at all,” said Tamil Thalaivas’s coach.

On the plan ahead for Tamil in PKL 11

U Mumba’s commanding performance underscores their strong playoff ambitions in PKL 11, while Tamil Thalaivas face an uphill battle to stay in contention.

“Now all the matches are very important and we need to win all the matches. Both the defence and offence have to play well for us to win all of them and then only we can have a chance to qualify, ” Tamil Thalaivas coach concluded.

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