There are only two points separating them but the Calicut side are sitting atop the standings after winning all three games they have played till now.
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Table toppers Calicut Heroes will go against last year’s runners-up Ahmedabad Defenders in a RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 fixture on Monday. This contest holds its own significance for various reasons. There are only two points separating them but the Calicut side are sitting atop the standings after winning all three games they have played till now. On the other hand, the Defenders have collected four points from their last two games. Their ability to bounce back from any position has been praised by the supporters.
Earlier this week, Calicut Heroes registered a thrilling last-minute win over the defending champions Kolkata Thunderbolts at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium. That win over the reigning champions have not only made Calicut Heroes as one of the favourites to go all the way but it was also a big-morale booster for them. Calicut Heroes attacker Jerome Vinith, as per a release, said, “After beating Kolkata, we have gained a lot of confidence to face any other team. So, our players are definitely feeling more energetic and we will look to get a good win in the remaining games.”
Jerome then extended his praise to the Ahmedabad Defenders squad and felt that his side has learnt from their defeat to Ahmedabad last year. “We know how Ahmedabad Defenders plays because they have kept the core of their squad intact. They are a very good team and we lost to them last year. So, we have learned from them. They do not lose any places because they are fighters. So, we have to prepare hard,” he elaborated.
Read More – Kolkata Thunderbolts vs Mumbai Meteors: Prime Volleyball League 2023 Live Streaming, When and Where to Watch, Schedule & Results
On the other hand, Angamuthu, who has been the star player for Ahmedabad Defenders, spoke about his team playing back-to-back matches in successive days. After playing Chennai Blitz on Sunday, they will face Calicut Heroes on Monday. He reckons this will help his team maintain their composure and momentum. “No, I do not think that playing back-to-back matches is a matter of any concern at all. We are on the winning run right now and the quicker we play matches, the easier it will be for us to continue the momentum,” Angamuthu said.
Notably, Kolkata Thunderbolts won the title last year after overcoming Ahmedabad Defenders 15-13, 15-10, 15-12 in the final. This year though Ahmedabad will be focussed on going one step further in the competition. But for that they need to maintain their winning momentum for now. On being asked about any specific strategies that Ahmedabad will employ against Calicut, Angamuthu said, “We have to plan that out. We know Calicut are a strong team and we are working on that. But we know we have to try and win the contest.”
| Kolkata Thunderbolts | Ahmedabad Defenders |
| Calicut Heroes | Kochi Blue Spikers |
| Hyderabad Black Hawks | Chennai Blitz |
| Bengaluru Torpedoes | Mumbai Meteors |
| Date | Match | Time (IST) |
| 20 February | Kolkata Thunderbolts vs Mumbai Meteors | 7 pm |
| 20 February | Ahmedabad Defenders vs Calicut Heroes | 9:30 pm |
The Prime Volleyball League 2023, which is held from February 4 to March 5, will consist of 31 matches. The games commence at 7pm. On the double header days, the second match begins at 9:30pm. The Season 2 will be broadcast exclusively by Sony Sports Network across Sony Sports Ten 1, Sony Sports Ten 3 and Sony Sports Ten 4. It can also be livestreamed on SonyLIV. Besides, the 2nd edition of the PVL will be streamed globally on Volleyball World across all countries (except the Indian Subcontinent).
