Mumbai: Shabeer Bapu Sharfudeen turned out to be the superhero for U Mumba as they were declared the ultimate champions of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi Season 2 today. They beat Bengaluru Bulls 36-30 in a match that went down to the wire, proving to be a befitting finale to the tournament. Shabeer came up with a three point super raid that brought back Mumba back in the game.
The play started on a cautious note with the teams sharing as many points. The first session totally dominated by both the defences. For Mumba it was Mohit Chhillar who gave Ajay Thakur a torrid time. He had him four times which kept him without a point to his name. Surender Nada and Vishal Mane with two points each were also effective. Only Rajesh Mondal was successful in attack garnering a solitary point for Bengaluru. Shabeer and Anup managed to score three and two respectively in that period wherein the defenders ruled the roost.
A high-octane game, the match kept the champions on tenterhooks as Ajay Thakur of Bengaluru came up with a five point super raid to inflict an all-out against the Mumbai outfit. That was in the 33rd minute and with the scores tied at 23-23 - the script for a pot-boiler. Eventually the argument ended with captain cool Anup Kumar again proving his mettle, making the right moves at the right time even under pressure.
Bengaluru put up a tough fight but Mumba went on to consolidate their position with Rishank scoring three points. But Shabeer’s dismissal turned the tide in favour of the Bulls. Though Joginder was out at the same time the Bulls managed to claw back with substitute Rakesh Narwal netting two raid points. Manjeet got one and then came Ajay’s first points of the match. That was the 33rd minute. In hindsight that belated act of Ajay should have come a bit early. Shabeer returned the compliment and Mumba were back on the recovery path.
Manjeet tried his best to shore up his team’s chances but it came too late. As Bengaluru stumbled , Anup and Shabeer kept the score ticking to boost their side to 29-24 and 30-25. Manjeet went in to touch out Jeeva Kumar, Mohit, Surender Nada, Anup, Vishal Mane and Jeeva in that order in six Successive raids but it all went in vain. Finally the battle of the defences was won by Mumba who showed their depth in both departments. Add to that the brains of Anup who kept his cool and at the same time came up with on the spot decisions which made the difference.
Runners up captain of the Bengaluru Bulls, Manjeet Chhillar was frank and honest. “I was happy with the way my boys performed today – they gave their heart to the game. Yes, we lost but it was a great match and the best final match one could have expected. We will be back next year.”
Victorious captain Anup Kumar looked ecstatic at the win.
“Shabeer Bapu gets all the credit for the win because of his super raid and that turned the match. The Mumbai crowd were brilliant and we thank them so much for their support. We won because of that tonight. Manjeet is a good all-rounder and a good player. Whatever plan we had for him didn’t work and he played well. The celebrations were intense because we have been waiting for 1 year to win this trophy and now we have won it.”
The prize money for the winners, U Mumba, was Rs 1 crore. The runners-up, Bengaluru Bulls were awarded a prize money amount of Rs 50 lakhs. The second runners-up (3rdplace) team were Telugu Titans who were awarded a prize amount of Rs 30 lakhs with the third runners up being awarded a prize money amount of Rs 20 lakhs.
Tournament Awards
Rising star – Sandeep (Telugu Titans)
The youngster of the young team of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi, Sandeep has adapted to the big stage of Indian kabaddi like a fish to water. In a team that operates with an aggressive approach, Sandeep’s ankle holds have given the freedom to attack to the Titans’ star raider in Rahul Chaudhari and Meraj Sheykh. The lanky lad has a death grip which is his go-to move to detain raiders and his long legs give him the grip to contain dangerous opposition raiders. With 55 successful tackles, Sandeep proves the adage of youthful enthusiasm over experience and is sure to be part of India’s bright kabaddi future.
Raider of the tournament – Kashiling Adake (Dabang Delhi)
Kashiling Adake lit up Season 2 of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi unlike any other raider in the tournament finishing the tournament with 114 points. His classic manoeuvre was the ‘touch and roll’ which he employed to full use especially in a full opposition defence. His celebrations and expressions livened up the matches and inspired his teammates to perform to their best. Particularly in one match against Telugu Titans, Kashiling fought valiantly and secured a draw for his team by staving off an all-out for almost ten minutes single handedly. He also created the record for most points in a single match by a raider with 24 points including three super raids. He may not have been able to take his team to the playoffs but he won hearts and captivated minds all over India with his undying love and performance in the Dabang Delhi jersey.
Defender of the tournament – Ravinder Singh Pahal (Dabang Delhi)
The captain of Dabang Delhi, Ravinder Singh Pahal held the Delhi defence together with his timely tackles and brilliant strategy. Although he wasn’t able to push his team into the playoffs, it showed how important his presence on the court was during his team’s games. His favourite move was the waist hold and when that was put into use, no opposition raider was able to escape that iron hold. His swagger and style charmed many a fan and deceived many a raider.
Most valuable player of the tournament – Manjeet Chhillar (Bengaluru Bulls)
The bull of Bengaluru Bulls, Manjeet Chhillar is an extremely colourful character and an aggressive captain. He plays with his heart on his sleeve and doesn’t mind expressing his emotions completely. He has been at the heart of the Bengaluru Bulls defence and orchestrating his raiders and strategy with astute leadership. Even though he suffered heartbreak by losing to U Mumba in the finals, he has a never say die attitude and that is the most important characteristic about Manjeet.
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