The Pro Kabaddi League Season 9 has witnessed some breathtaking encounters between the 12 teams so far.
U Mumba, who have had an inconsistent campaign so far, have bagged nine wins and as many losses in the 18 matches played so far.
They have won three consecutive matches only once when they defeated Gujarat Giants, Bengal Warriors and Telugu Titans earlier in the competition.
While the raiders Guman Singh and Ashish have been on top in the raiding department, defender Rinku’s exquisite performances time and again have seen him feature among the top defenders in PKL Season 9.
U Mumba, arguably, could have found themselves in a better position if not for the recent results that have gone downhill. The Surinder Singh-led side has lost four of their five matches and has lost ground to the other teams in the race for the knockouts.
Nonetheless, all is not over for the two-time runners-up.
With the league stage approaching its business end, U Mumba are currently placed in seventh position in the Pro Kabaddi League season 9 points table, one place off the eliminator berth as the top six teams will battle it out in the knockouts for a spot in the final.
Here’s how the Season 2 champions can make it to the knockouts this time out.
How U Mumba can qualify for playoffs in Pro Kabaddi League Season 9?
U Mumba have four fixtures in hand to decide their fate.
Three of these matches are against the sides positioned above them in the points table, namely U.P. Yoddhas, Dabang Delhi K.C. and Bengaluru Bulls. If U Mumba manage to win two of these three matches, then they will surely qualify for the knockouts.
Their hopes for one of the top two spots, realistically, can be ruled out. The first and the second positions are currently occupied by Jaipur Pink Panthers and Puneri Paltan, who have amassed 69 points each.
The top two teams will qualify directly for the semi-finals.
In an event where U Mumba manage to win only one match of the remaining four, the chances of them making it to the eliminator would be very slim.
Moreover, U Mumba’s season would come to an early end if they get only one win from their remaining matches and Dabang Delhi K.C., who are one spot better off, manage to get even two points from their last three contests.
If the above-mentioned scenario does come true, then the results of the other participants would be immaterial to U Mumba’s case.
Featured image: Alamy
