The Mumbai outfit will take on Patna Pirates and Dabang Delhi at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium
Jaipur, 28th June, 2016: With the first leg of Season 4 of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi done and dusted, U Mumba now move on to the pink city where they will face defending champions Patna Pirates and take on Dabang Delhi after a day's break. The Season 3 runners up currently sit on 5th with 5 points after one win and one loss.
While their opening match against Jaipur Pink Panthers showcased the indomitable and fighting spirit in their comeback to win the match 36-34 that is known to all, their heavy loss against Puneri Paltan displayed possible cracks in a team that was previously lauded for its consistency and cohesiveness. Coach Bhaskaran conceded that mistakes in defence led to the loss but they were working on ironing those out for the upcoming matches. "Our defence has changed completely and therefore it will take time for the boys to coordinate together. We suffered a loss and the boys have moved on from it. We have many games to play and I am confident the team will step up when they are required."
One also feels that this could be the start of a new winning streak akin to Season 3 when U Mumba suffered a heavy 26-40 defeat at the hands of eventual champions Patna Pirates only to embark on an 11 match winning streak that ended with the loss of the final. Coincidentally this was also the first time that Patna had beaten U Mumba in Star Sports Pro Kabaddi. Bhaskaran sir points this winning streak out to a simple format - the defence need to work in tandem for the raiders to gain confidence and score points. It works vice versa too, according to the coach. "Ultimately it is all about working together as a team. When the defenders perform, the raiders excel and vice versa. Our team has changed a lot compared to other teams so it will take time to see the finished product."
Patna are bolstered by the defence duo of Dharmaraj Cheralathan and former U Mumba defender Fazel Atrachali while Dabang Delhi will turn out with the services of former captain Ravinder Pahal, who now plays for Puneri Paltan.
According to Bhaskaran sir, they will be fully prepared for whatever Patna and Delhi throw at them. our strategy will remain the same - We want to score raid points and tackle opposition raiders. Dabang Delhi are a good team and while they may find it tough without (Ravinder Singh) Pahal, they can throw up a surprise."
U Mumba face Patna Pirates on Wednesday, the 29th of June while they play Dabang Delhi on Friday, the 1st of July, both at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Rishank Devadiga in action during the encounter between U Mumba and Puneri Paltan in Mumbai on Sunday.