Pro Kabaddi: Second stringers’ performance pleases U Mumba coach

U Mumba’s Pradeep Kumar (L) and Fazel Atrachali dazzled against Puneri Paltan

The U Mumba coach Bhaskaran Edachery went into the game with the hosts Puneri Paltan with a completely changed line-up involving players who had waited for their chance since the inaugural day of the season. The players did justice to the coach’s faith and his decision as they beat the Puneri Paltan side with relative ease in the end, much to the delight of their coach.

Speaking to Sportskeeda after the game, Bhaskaran revealed his motive behind resting his main players and giving a chance to some fringe players.

“Since we knew we have qualified, we decided to use some of our reserves and give the regulars a much-deserved rest. We were looking for a good performance while the result didn’t bother me that much. Fortunately we got both from the players, which is very satisfying”, said the U Mumba coach.

Stand-in captain for U Mumba, Pradeep Kumar, justified the coach’s decision to name him as the captain by putting up a man of the match performance, by scoring 10 points in the match.

“Pradeep (Kumar) is our old player and we knew what he is capable of. Unfortunately he couldn’t be involved in the starting line-up but we knew he could lead the team and play to his potential. Fortunately he clicked for us and we ended up winning the game”, added Bhaskaran E.

The coach was particularly impressed by Fazel Atrachali whom he felt couldn’t be fitted into the side due to his late entry into the squad.

“Fazel was very impressive today. We knew his skills and talents but just because he joined late, we couldn’t make him a part of our line-up. But today he made a case for himse1f and has forced me to find ways to accommodate in”, said the Team India coach.

U Mumba though displayed the kind of strength and depth that they possess and proved they could still win the game despite some new faces in the ranks.