PKL 11: My only target is to bring home trophy, says U Mumba captain Sunil Kumar

U Mumba finished at the fifth spot in the PKL 11 table.

U Mumba secured their place in the Pro Kabaddi 2024 (PKL 11) Playoffs with a commanding 36-27 victory over Bengal Warriorz in Match 132 at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

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

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On facing Patna Pirates in PKL 11 eliminators

The win not only gave U Mumba the fifth spot on the points table but also marked the end of an exciting league phase. Amirmohammad Zafardanesh scored 7 points, while captain Sunil Kumar notched a High-5. Ajith Chauhan contributed with 6 points, while Pranay Rane shone for the Warriorz with 12 points.

“Patna Pirates are a good team. Although we have defeated them twice in the league but eliminator is different. Their defence is doing well and they have two very good raiders too, so it will be a good match. All I can say is that whoever plays better that day on the mat will win, ” said Sunil Kumar.

“Both Devank and Ayan can be called the find of PKL 11. Ayan played so well in his first season and for Devank, although he had played two seasons in Jaipur, he didn’t get enough chances, and I believe he will stay at the top till the end of the season, ” he added.

On the ultimate plan

The match began with Bengal Warriorz taking an early lead, driven by Pranay Rane’s aggressive raids. However, U Mumba quickly regrouped, with Sunil Kumar and Ajith Chauhan leading the charge. Ajith’s sharp raids helped U Mumba gain a 4-point lead late in the first half, and Sunil’s decisive tackle secured an ALL OUT, giving the Season 2 champions an 18-10 halftime advantage.

“For me, the target is to bring home the trophy for U Mumba, in the last couple of seasons we could not qualify for the playoffs, now that we did this time, the goal is to bring the trophy. All that we have prepared for the entire season, comes down to the final three days now, ”

On Bengal Warriorz below par season

In the second half, U Mumba maintained their momentum, with Amirmohammad Zafardanesh delivering a three-point raid early on. Another ALL OUT midway through the half extended their lead to 14 points. Despite a late rally by the Warriorz, with Pranay Rane earning a Super 10, U Mumba held firm. Their solid all-round display ensured a confidence-boosting victory as they marched into the PKL 11 Playoffs.

“We had a good squad, but because of some injuries our team could not play for some eight to ten matches and that’s where we lost, ” concluded Bengal Warriorz coach.

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