Pro Kabaddi 2016, Season 4: Practice helped Anup Kumar perfect the toe touch

U Mumba haven’t had the best of starts to the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi season 4. Post their narrow two-point win over Jaipur Pink Panthers, they’ve suffered back to back losses- against Puneri Paltan and Patna Pirates recently. Never have Mumbai lost two consecutive matches since the first season of the league. The departure of defensive stalwarts like Mohit Chhillar, Surender Nada and Fazel Atrachali has left a gaping hole in this side that was once known for its Fort Knox like defence.

However, things don’t look as bad as it may seem. During their last match against the Patna Pirates, they showed their capability to adapt to the situation. There was an evident change in the way the team defended. The Mumbai side felt much more at ease defending with three men than seven. As a result, U Mumba executed four perfect super tackles in the first half. However, they couldn’t keep that momentum going. Some impulsive defending along with Pardeep Narwal’s stellar raids ensured Patna got the better of the season 2 champions.

Come what may, you know U Mumba aren’t a side who will call it curtains so early in the league. Expect, captain Anup Kumar to get the best out of this new look U Mumba side. Sportskeeda spoke to the raider who talked about his world famous move- the toe touch.

“Look, I don’t practice the toe touch a lot now like before, during my early days. When I started playing Kabaddi, I loved executing the toe touch and I used to keep practicing it again and again. Whenever I was on the mat, I used to try and practice the toe touch alone, separately after we finished regular practice. That practice helped me in perfecting the toe touch and people started noticing it”

Asked if he targets any particular player when he attempts the toe touch, Anup said, “Nothing like that. I don’t target just one player. Because when I am on the mat, I look at the player who’s playing loosely. Whether it’s a player from the corner, second or cover, I always focus on the player that looks a bit insecure while playing and I target him”, he concluded.