Mumbai: Home team U Mumba are to take on Abhishek Bachchan-owned Jaipur Pink Panthers in the final of the inaugural Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League at the NSCI Stadium in Worli on sunday.
The Panthers outclassed Patna Pirates in the first semi final after which Mumba packed enough punches to get past the challenge from Bengaluru Bulls, leading to what promises to be an interesting summit contest.
Asked what was the turning point in the league stage, Panthers skipper Navneet Gautam said the performance of his team in Kolkata against Patna and Vishakapatnam franchise Telugu Titans were crucial.
"Our matches against Patna and Vizag were the most crucial ones and proved to be turning point for us, giving us a good leads," said top defender Gautam. Mumba captain and star raider Anup Kumar, who has brought off 116 successful raids in the tournament so far, singled out the win over Dabang Delhi in Bangalore in the final league phase as the crucial one.
"The most important win was against Dabang Delhi where we won by seven points, qualifying for the semis. I feel this match was a turning point because the team really stepped up to the challenge and played wonderfully well under pressure, making us very confident for the ones to follow."
"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.
"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," said Anup.
There will be a match to decide the third place between losing semi finalists Pirates and Bulls prior to the final.
