Delhi coach lauds Iranian duo after win over Mumbai

U Mumba’s losing run at home continued after Dabang Delhi K.C. pulled off a slender 33-32 win over them at the Dome@NSCI SVP Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday. Meraj Sheykh (11 points) and Abolfazl Maghsodlou (8 points) were on top of their game against Mumbai and Delhi coach Dr. Ramesh Bhendigiri was full of praise for his Iranian duo as well as his defence.

It was Mumbai’s third consecutive loss at home this season and a theme in keeping with Season 5 with the exception of Gujarat Fortuneginats, who remained undefeated in their home leg. When asked if he felt there was any added pressure on the home team this season, Bhendigiri said: “Yes there is [extra pressure] because first the home team used to play four matches now it’s six. I think that is the reason why we have more players in the squad but it all depends on injuries. If the injury levels are low then there won’t be any problem.”

“Both the teams needed a win. We targeted Anup Kumar because if you send him to the bench, you can put some pressure on U Mumba. Meraj and Abolfazl raided well and got the points for the team, and the defence also performed well,” Bhendigiri told reporters at the post-match press conference.

Meanwhile, Mumbai captain Anup pointed a finger at his defence, saying Delhi edged them because of the defensive errors made by his team. “I think the raiding was quite okay but the defence was very loose today. If we hadn’t made the mistakes in the last moments, I think we could have won the game.”