Day 38 of Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League marked the end of the Chennai leg, showcasing two exciting matches. U Mumba dominated the Bengal Warriorz with a score of 48-29, while Dabang Delhi K.C. narrowly defeated the Gujarat Giants, securing a 39-33 victory to secure their place in the Playoffs. In an exclusive segment on KBD Live, JioStar expert Sunil Taneja provided insights into U Mumba’s impressive performance and Dabang Delhi K.C.’s last-minute win against the Gujarat Giants.
U Mumba’s Impressive Display
On KBD Live, JioStar analyst Sunil Taneja discussed U Mumba’s strong showing, stating, “One of their raiders is right-handed while the other is left-handed, and both are in fantastic form. Sandeep Kumar, who was close to achieving a Super 10 in the previous game, excelled against Bengal, marking his fifth Super 10 of the season. Ajit Chouhan, returning from injury, has become even more formidable. This match against Bengal Warriorz was nearly flawless for U Mumba. Their defense tends to excel when facing just one major raider from the opposition, as exhibited by their ability to restrain Arjun Deshwal’s Tamil Thalaivas and Devank’s Bengal Warriorz. Sunil Kumar also delivered with a brilliant High-five, and the combination tackles with Parvesh Bhainswal returned to form. Ajit and Sandeep’s coordination truly showcased a near-perfect game for Mumbai.”
Ajit Chouhan’s Stellar Raiding
Taneja highlighted Ajit Chouhan’s outstanding performance: “U Mumba’s Ajit Chouhan created issues for Bengal Warriorz’ defense, mirroring how many raiders have taken advantage of the same this season. He possesses remarkable speed, and I see parallels between him and Puneri Paltan’s Aslam Inamdar, both being left-handed raiders from Maharashtra with excellent agility. Ajit consistently scores points through escapes, touches, and running bonuses. The only Bengal defender making an impression this season is Ashish Malik, but it baffles me that experienced defender Nitesh Kumar remains on the bench. Against a player like Ajit, sidelining your best right corner reflects poor planning by Bengal. Ajit’s swift movements rendered their defense ineffective.”
Sunil Kumar’s Defensive Prowess
Speaking on the defensive aspect, Taneja said, “U Mumba’s captain Sunil Kumar executed tackles against Bengal with great precision. He utilized single thigh holds effectively, teamed up perfectly with Parvesh Bhainswal, and even executed a diving tackle — a rarity for cover defenders. His mix of bravery and technique showcased significance on the mat. Sunil and Parvesh returned to their traditional combination tackles, one focusing on upper body control while the other targeted the lower body. This match epitomized a nearly perfect performance for Mumbai, as the Sunil–Parvesh duo instills confidence in their raiders, similar to the support Ashu Malik provides in Dabang Delhi K.C.”
Akshit Dhull Shines for Dabang Delhi K.C.
Commenting on Akshit Dhull’s impactful performance, Taneja remarked, “Where has Dabang Delhi K.C. Coach Joginder Narwal been keeping this gem? We assumed that without Ashu, the game would be evenly matched, but Akshit emerged unexpectedly, scoring twelve raid points without being dismissed — most being multi-pointers. Although there was some debate surrounding the last raid, he significantly pressured Gujarat’s defenders into mistakes. His skills highlighted why Delhi is a formidable team, clinching victory right at the final raid.”
Gujarat Giants’ Defensive Woes
Addressing the Gujarat Giants’ ongoing defensive struggles, Taneja noted, “This has been an ongoing issue for the Gujarat Giants. It was evident that captain Mohammadreza Shadloui would face challenges, especially with two left raiders on Delhi’s roster, compounded by Akshit Dhull’s entrance. At times, the defense needs composure; a single defender going for a tackle instead of three might have changed the game’s outcome. This season, their defensive performance has been inconsistent. When a debut raider scores multiple multi-point raids, it signifies a lack of leadership on the mat. Investing in a veteran captain is crucial for Gujarat next season.”
Don’t miss today’s Pro Kabaddi League matches, with Bengaluru Bulls taking on Jaipur Pink Panthers at 8:00 PM, followed by Tamil Thalaivas against Puneri Paltan at 9:00 PM, live and exclusively on JioHotstar and the Star Sports Network.
