The highly celebrated Pro Kabaddi League takes its final step as the best two teams in the competition go head to head in the final.
The highly celebrated Pro Kabbadi League takes its final step as the best two teams in the competition go head to head in the final.
Home side U Mumba will take on Bollywood star and owner Abhishek Bachchan’s Jaipur Pink Panthers in the final of the Pro Kabbadi League on Sunday.
In the first semi-final of the inaugural league, the Panthers outclassed their opponents, the Patna Pirates on Friday after which Mumbai showed their authority in the competition as they recorded a thumping win to get past the challenge from Bengaluru Bulls, leading to what promises to be an appealing contest.
As far as the Pink Panthers are concerned, the turning point in the league stage was the performance put against Patna and the Telugu Titans.
During the initial stages of the league, the Pink Panthers were lying well below the table but after a few grappling wins, their position in the table interchanged. Who could have thought that Pink Panthers will get this far after a recording an opening day loss at the hands of their finalists!
On the other hand, U Mumba captain and star raider Anup Kumar, who has brought off 116 successful raids in the tournament so far, has been their ‘go to man’ throughout the journey. U Mumba has been one of the most formidable sides in the league so far with 51 points in the bag. One of their key games was the win over Dabang Delhi in the final league phase as a victory established their position in the league table.
Prior to the kick off, Pink Panthers’ skipper Gautam stated that this game was one of the most important one in the lives of the players. Speaking to the press, he said, “The most important win was against Dabang Delhi where we won by seven points, qualifying for the semis. Mumbai have been tough competitors from day one. They have some outstanding players but we are also well prepared and won’t leave any stone unturned,” said Gautam.
On the other hand, Anup Kumar is not taking Jaipur very lightly. He said, “Jaipur is a very strong, well-rounded unit. Their defence is impenetrable and attack very sharp. Though they are a dangerous team, we are preparing accordingly for the final and are confident that we will play our best game yet to give Jaipur a run for their money.”
Pink Panthers had lost to the same opposition on the first day of the league with a margin of 45-31.
But with a smarter approach and technicality, the Abhishek Bachchan-owned side could end up winning the tourney but never underestimate the Mumbai outfit, who could spring a surprise!
