Tamil Thalaivas
League Record: L L L L L
League Position: 6th, Zone B
The Tamil Thalaivas are hanging on in the Pro Kabaddi League 2017 despite a dismal run of home games that have effectively derailed their hopes for a knockout. In their next match, the Thalaivas will come up against U Mumba, an opponent who have also had their hopes for a knockout berth shattered in their last game against the Jaipur Pink Panthers.
The Thalaivas have faced U Mumba during their home streak of games. This match did not reflect well on the Thalaivas, who were dismantled a U Mumba side boosted Kashiling Adake in blazing form. The Thalaivas have a real chance of retaliation, but their only hope of winning this game is if they neutralize an overactive attack consisting of Anup Kumar, Kashiling Adake and a capable substitute in Shabeer Bappu. The Thalaivas have a capable defence, but one that is prone to lapses in concentration. A solid defensive unit is the best bet for the Thalaivas to overcome these rivals.
U Mumba
League Record: L L W W W
League Position: 4th, Zone A
U Mumba are a confounding team this season. Beginning the season with a talisman in Captain Anup Kumar and a supremely talented raider in Kashiling Adake, U Mumba will have a sense of having underachieved this season now that their march to the knockout has been effectively halted.
U Mumba remain a capable team who can beat the best of the Pro Kabaddi league, but a pattern of inconsistency and unfortunate injuries to important players has left U Mumba hoping for a miracle to progress to the knockouts. In the previous match between these two sides, U Mumba handed a demolition to the Thalaivas courtesy of Adake’s scintillating performance. U Mumba will be hoping for a repeat, not just from their own players but also from their rivals. U Mumba’s safest option to win this match would be racking up an early lead for their opponents to follow, coupled with some strategic defensive play.