How Did Sunil Kumar Learn Captaincy from Anup Kumar and Ajay Thakur?

Visakhapatnam, Sep 9 (NationPress) Following a strong kickoff in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12, U Mumba's captain Sunil Kumar has expressed gratitude towards former Indian captains Anup Kumar and Ajay Thakur for significantly influencing his leadership approach.

Currently, U Mumba stands at the top of the leaderboard with three victories out of four matches.

“My first opportunity to captain came during Season 6 thanks to Coach Manpreet Singh, who has been a considerable mentor. However, it was truly Anup Kumar and Ajay Thakur who taught me the art of captaincy. I had the chance to play alongside Anup in Haryana, and he always remained composed, guiding us on how to rectify our errors. I absorbed his advice, especially on how newcomers can effectively score. The insights I gained from Manpreet Singh, Anup Kumar, and Ajay Thakur—all of whom are legends—have been invaluable. I feel fortunate to have learned from such esteemed players and to have become a successful captain myself. I always share their wisdom with any young players who seek my guidance,” Sunil stated during a media event hosted by JioStar.

Sunil also provided details about U Mumba's current performance and why they are a formidable contender this season.

“Our team excels in both defense and raiding, which are critical strengths. A team that aspires to win matches or championships needs a robust defense. The team with the finest defense often prevails. Our management and coaches have equipped us with some of the league's best raiders, resulting in impressive bench strength. Our raiders have consistently scored in every match we've played so far. While we made some defensive errors initially, we've been improving, and our defense performed admirably in the last match. Hence, our strength lies in a solid defense alongside effective offense.”

As they prepare for the highly awaited Maharashtra Derby against Puneri Paltan, Sunil stressed the significance of remaining grounded and focused.

“Both teams have dedicated fan bases. As captain, my goal is to keep our fans delighted by leading the team to victory. Overthinking before a match can hinder performance on the mat. Puneri Paltan is a strong team, featuring players like Aslam Inamdar, Pankaj Mohite, and Gaurav Khatri, who are performing exceptionally well as a cohesive unit. We will devise a solid strategy and give it our all.”

Beyond specific matches, Sunil reflected on the broader implications of PKL for kabaddi as a sport and the players' lives.

“Kabaddi has gained international recognition, largely due to the Pro Kabaddi League. The PKL has inspired many countries to adopt kabaddi, enhancing the competition on a global scale. Previously, few acknowledged kabaddi players or even legendary coaches. However, PKL has transformed that perception. Even if a player participates in just 5-6 matches in a season, they receive recognition as PKL players when abroad. The PKL has provided players with both respect and financial benefits. It's a significant platform that has greatly contributed to the growth of kabaddi.”

U Mumba's next challenge is against Telugu Titans, currently ranked fourth on the leaderboard, scheduled for Wednesday.