After six weeks of intense competition, spanning across eight cities and capturing millions of hearts, the Star Sports Pro Kabaddi has reached its Grand Finale. Emerging on top, the two finalists Jaipur Pink Panthers and U Mumba are ready and itching to stake their claim on the stunning trophy, tomorrow at the beautifully decked up NSCI, Mumbai. On the eve of the final showdown, the two captains Navneet Gautam of Jaipur and Anup Kumar of Mumbai looked back at their journey and expressed their thoughts on the D-day. Here's what they had to say:

1. Most important win during the league stages which can be deemed as the turning point for the team in league.

Navneet Gautam (NG): During the Kolkata leg Matches against Patna and Vizag were the most crucial ones and proved to be turning point for us in the tournament, giving us a good lead in the initial phases.

Anup Kumar (AK): The most important win for U Mumba was in Bangalore against Dabang Delhi where we won by seven points, qualifying for the semis. I feel this match was a turning point because the team really stepped up to the challenge and played wonderfully well under pressure, making us very confident for the ones to follow.

2. Thoughts on the opponent team.

NG:Mumbai have been always tough competitors from day one. They have some outstanding players but we are also well prepared and won't leave any stone unturned for the final.

AK: Jaipur is a very strong, well-rounded unit. Their defence is impenetrable and their attack is very sharp. Though they are a dangerous team, we are preparing accordingly for the finale and are confident that we will play our best game yet to give Jaipur a run for their money.

3. Your first match was the same fixture. In terms of performance, how much has this changed since then?

NG:There is huge change. I guess in the first match pressure was on us to perform (considering the fans and supporters) but now table has turned around pressure will be on the Mumbai to perform in front of their home crowd considering the fact that we ended at the top of the table in the league stages.

AK: Though we have come a long way there have not been many changes in the performance of the team and we have been consistently doing well. Unfortunately, we did lose a few matches in the second half of the League, but I am happy that the team is back to its winning ways and is high on confidence. We are hoping and are working hard to see an encore of the first fixture.

4. How much of a difference will the backing of the crowd make to the result?

NG: I don't think that the crowd will make any such difference since wherever we played the fans supported us and were amazing and we have lot of supporters in Mumbai so that will definitely encourage us to do better.

AK: Home support always makes a positive difference and it is indeed a privilege for us to play at our home ground yet again. With the crowd supporting us, our confidence will get a boost and we will go that extra mile to give them more reasons to cheer.

5. Amongst the youngsters in the team who has improved the most.

NG:According to me Maninder Singh and Balbir Singh have improved a lot since this league started. They have been up to the mark ever since the league started and have consistenly done well.

AK: I have been very fortunate to captain a side like U Mumba, who have always been the perfect mix of young and experienced players. I am very proud of the fact that not just a few, but all the youngsters have stepped up and have improved immensely throughout. The combination of their exuberance and the experience of the senior players will be a key factor for us in the Finale.

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