Pro Kabaddi: U Mumba players hail coach Bhaskaran E. ahead of final

Bhaskaran Edachery (2nd from R) with Vishal Mane (L) and Anup Kumar (C) alongwith the other U Mumba players during the team’s match against Patna Pirates

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U Mumba coach, Bhaskaran Edachery paints an apprehensive picture on the sidelines. But you have to wonder why? His team is in a commanding position against the Patna Pirates yet he seems worried about giving away cheap points. He urges Vishal Mane and company to keep it tight even in the dying seconds of the match. Bhaskaran is a coach who expects a virtuous performance from his players every time they step on the mat.

Speaking to the players, it becomes evident why the team from Mumbai has looked cohesive throughout the competition. Bhaskaran brings with him years of experience at the international level. U Mumba captain, Anup Kumar considers him to be the best coach in the tournament.

He said, “Bhaskaran Sir is technically one of the best coaches around. He comes from an army background. He has also coached team India in 2010 and 2014 and you know they can’t just let anyone coach India. I don’t intend on bragging but I believe he is the best coach around right now and you can see that from our results.”

Defender, Vishal Mane too echoed his captain’s sentiments. “More than a coach, Bhaskaran Sir is a friend. He tries to understand the needs of a player which is a rare trait. He focuses on fitness a lot. Apart from the regular gym sessions, we have also had regular yoga sessions, so he brings in a lot of variations in our training sessions,” he said.

Formation wise, Bhaskaran seems to be pretty flexible in the way his team line up. When down to five men, U Mumba has been known to switch from 2-2-1 to 2-1-2 on regular occasions. He seems to have got the team chemistry bang on. As the big final beckons us, we will have to wait and watch if Bhaskaran and his men exhibit yet another master class.