U Mumba look home comfort

The NSCI Stadium in Worli brings nothing but good memories for U Mumba captain Anup Kumar. The last time he and his side played in the city, in 2015, they were crowned champions of the Pro Kabaddi League. It's a return to home comforts for Kumar & Co. as the defending champions begin their home leg against the Jaipur Pink Panthers at the NSCI Stadium, Worli, on Sunday.

For Kumar, vice-captain of the Indian national team, it seems the best has been saved for the last. Having won last six matches, the momentum is at an all-time high for the holders who will play their last four games of the season in front of their home crowd.

The Mumbai team are still in with a shout of entering the last four stage as they have 40 points from 10 games, and lie behind league toppers Patna Pirates, who have already booked a semifinal berth. Still in with a chance of making the semis, Kumar has every reason to feel optimistic.

"It does make a lot of sense to have the final leg of games in front of your home support. Unlike last time, there was a bit of pressure to win those first four games at home. This time, we go into our home leg having played each of these sides earlier and that is a huge advantage. It's the reason we've won six on the trot. We've saved the best for our home fans," said Kumar on the eve of his side's match on Satuday.

Playing today (Live on Star Sports 2): U Mumba vs Jaipur Pink Panthers (8:00 pm), Telugu Titans vs Patna Pirates (9:00 pm)