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Key Points

U Mumba bounced back strongly with a convincing 42-24 victory over Tamil Thalaivas after three consecutive losses. Captain Sunil Kumar issued a direct warning to Gujarat Giants' Mohammadreza Shadloui ahead of their Revenge Week clash. The teams previously played a thrilling match that went to tie-breakers, which U Mumba won due to Shadloui's crucial mistake. While acknowledging the individual rivalry, Sunil emphasized that kabaddi remains a team sport where the better-performing side will prevail.

Key Points: U Mumba Captain Sunil Warns Shadloui Ahead of PKL Revenge Week

  • U Mumba ended three-match losing streak with dominant 42-24 win
  • Sandeep Kumar achieved Super 10 while Sunil completed High Five
  • Previous encounter went to tie-breaker after 29-29 regulation time
  • Coach Anil Chaprana motivated players to address mistakes in practice
  • Both teams seeking back-to-back wins to climb points table
  • Sunil emphasizes team game over individual rivalry with Shadloui
3 min read

PKL 12: If Shadloui repeats his mistake, we'll tackle him, warns U Mumba skipper Sunil

U Mumba skipper Sunil Kumar issues warning to Gujarat Giants' Shadloui ahead of PKL Revenge Week clash after team's convincing 42-24 victory over Tamil Thalaivas.

"If he (Shadloui) repeats his mistake, we'll tackle him - Sunil Kumar"

Chennai, Oct 2

U Mumba began their Chennai leg with a convincing 42-24 win against hosts Tamil Thalaivas at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium. The season 2 champions got back to winning ways after three consecutive losses, moving to sixth place on the points table as a result.

Reflecting on the win, U Mumba head coach Anil Chaprana stated, “After three losses, we had to motivate the players. I know that they have no shortcomings. If we play to our strengths, we can defeat any team. So, as a coach, it’s our job to motivate them and encourage them to play their own game. In practice, they saw the mistakes they were making and addressed them. They practiced with a lot of heart and played well today.”

Sandeep Kumar completed his Super 10 on the night, while Sunil Kumar also completed his High Five to lead his team to victory. As the league now gears up for Revenge Week, the spotlight is on U Mumba and Gujarat Giants as they prepare for battle on Thursday.

The reverse fixture saw U Mumba clinch a thrilling tie-breaker (6-5) after the teams were tied at 29-29 after regulation time. Reflecting on that game, Sunil recalled, “It was our first match in the league and it was a very good game. We won in the tiebreaker because Shadloui made a mistake. They (Gujarat Giants) played well, we also played well, that's why the match went to a tiebreaker.”

“It was Shadloui’s mistake. I don't think he will make the same mistake again in the next match. I went to give him one point, he thought he could get two or three points, but he trapped himself. However, I don't think he will make the same mistake again. If he (Shadloui) repeats his mistake, we’ll tackle him”, he warned.

The rivalry between Sunil Kumar and Mohammadreza Shadloui will be the centre of attention in this contest. However, the U Mumba captain played down the personal feud, highlighting how kabaddi is a team sport.

“I don't believe that it’s Shadloui against Sunil. That became the case in the last match, but that game is done. Now, it’s Gujarat Giants vs U Mumba. It’s not an individual sport, it is a team game. The team that plays well and makes less mistakes will win.”

“Shadloui will come to win, we will also come to win. If he wants revenge, then no problem. If we play like today's match, then we will win”, Sunil concluded.

Please find below the previews for the PKL Season 12 matches on Thursday, October 2:

With four wins in their last five matches, Puneri Paltan will want to continue building on that momentum as they look to stay in the battle for a top two spot. They’ll be up for a stern test when they come up against a Bengaluru Bulls side that will be eager to bounce back after their tie-breaker loss to UP Yoddhas.

Gujarat Giants will be taking on U Mumba in the second game, with the clash focusing on Revenge Week in the PKL. While the limelight will be on Mohammadreza Shadloui and Sunil Kumar, both teams will want to make it back-to-back wins as they aim to climb the poins table.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I appreciate Sunil emphasizing that it's a team game, not just about him vs Shadloui. That's the spirit of kabaddi! But I wish he wouldn't make it sound so personal with the "we'll tackle him" comments.
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Arjun K
Shadloui is a quality player, but Sunil knows how to get under his skin. This rivalry is making PKL so exciting! U Mumba's comeback after three losses shows they're serious contenders this season.
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Sarah B
As someone new to kabaddi, I'm loving this drama! The psychological warfare between these players is fascinating. Coach Chaprana did a great job motivating the team after those losses.
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Vikram M
Sandeep Kumar's Super 10 and Sunil's High Five - what a performance! This is the U Mumba we've been waiting to see. Hope they maintain this form against Gujarat Giants. 🇮🇳
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Michael C
The reverse fixture was one of the best matches this season. That tie-breaker finish had me on the edge of my seat! Both teams are playing well, so Thursday's match should be another thriller.

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