Pro Kabaddi 2024: "Trophy uthaaoge sir, nazdeek naa jaana hai khaali"- Sunil Kumar tells U Mumba coach amid race to PKL playoffs

U Mumba captain Sunil Kumar has sent a clear message to all other teams in Pro Kabaddi 2024. During the post-match press conference after the win against Patna Pirates, U Mumba's assistant coach Anil Chaprana said that his team will try to reach closer to the trophy. Kumar immediately told him the team will lift the trophy, not just go close to it.

On December 19, U Mumba registered a fantastic 43-37 win against Patna Pirates. With this victory, the Mumbai-based franchise now have 66 points to their name. Even if they lose both of their remaining matches by a margin of less than seven points, U Mumba will qualify for the PKL 2024 playoffs.

When asked about his reaction to U Mumba almost qualifying for the playoffs after four seasons, assistant coach Anil Chaprana replied:

"We will try our best to reach closer to the trophy."

"Trophy uthaaoge sir, nazdeek naa jaana hai khaali," Sunil Kumar responded immediately (You will lift the trophy sir. We don't want to go close, we want to win)

U Mumba won the PKL trophy back in 2015. They made it to the final in 2016 but ended up losing against the Patna Pirates. After that, the Mumbai-based franchise have never qualified for the Pro Kabaddi final.

"I think he is the best replacement signing of Season 11" - Sunil Kumar showers praise on Rohit Raghav

During the same press conference, Sunil Kumar was asked to talk about the positives for U Mumba. The team captain highlighted substitute player Rohit Raghav's all-round brilliance, saying:

"First and foremost, let's talk about Rohit. I think he is the best replacement signing of season 11. He was unlucky to go unsold at the auction. He is such a good raider and all-rounder. He did not deserve to go unsold, but he was unlucky. But afterwards, our team called him. I think there have been at least 8-10 matches, where Rohit has turned the momentum in our favor."

U Mumba's next match is against Haryana Steelers on December 22. The Steelers hold the number one position in the standings right now. It will be interesting to see if Super Sub Rohit and captain Sunil Kumar can secure a playoffs berth for the team.