The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 has been an exciting spectacle of skill, strategy, and fierce competition, and the upcoming clash between Gujarat Giants and U Mumba is set to be no different. The last encounter between these two teams on August 30th ended in a dramatic tie-breaker victory for U Mumba, but it wasn’t without its fair share of drama and rivalry. Now, as the two teams prepare to face off again, Gujarat Giants are ready to settle the score, with Mohammadreza Shadloui at the forefront of their quest for revenge.
Gujarat Giants Vs U Mumba: A Nail-Biting Tie and a New Rivalry
The previous encounter between Gujarat Giants and U Mumba was a thrilling affair, with both sides showcasing their strengths. U Mumba eventually triumphed in a tie-breaker, but the match was far from straightforward. After the defeat, U Mumba’s veteran defender, Sunil Kumar, teased Shadloui, which only fueled the desire for revenge in the Iranian powerhouse.
Shadloui, a key figure in the Gujarat Giants’ roster, was clearly not pleased with the outcome of the last match. His competitive spirit, along with the stinging remarks from Sunil, has fired up the team. “This time is different,” Shadloui says confidently. “I am coming for revenge.”
Gujarat Giants’ Resurgence in the Chennai Leg
Gujarat Giants entered the Chennai leg of the season on a positive note, securing a convincing 33-27 victory over UP Yoddhas. The win was crucial for the Giants, who had suffered a few narrow defeats earlier in the season. In this contest, the team displayed a more balanced and strategic approach, with Mohammadreza Shadloui leading the charge.
Shadloui, who is known for his all-around skills, contributed significantly to the win by scoring eight points — including four touch points and four tackle points. His performance was a testament to his versatility, playing both as a raider and a defender. Reflecting on the win, Shadloui expressed, “We changed our strategy and played very well today. Rakesh handled the raiding, while I focused on defense. If we keep playing like this, we have a better chance to win.”
The Road to Improvement
Despite the victory, the Gujarat Giants know there’s still work to be done. Head coach Jaivir Sharma echoed Shadloui’s sentiments, highlighting that several of their defeats this season have been by narrow margins. The team analyzed those losses, focusing on the areas where they fell short. Sharma added, “The hard work paid off today, and this victory has motivated the whole team. We have corrected our mistakes, and now we are focused on winning the remaining matches.”
Shadloui, who has been a key player for the Giants, further emphasized the importance of consistency and learning from past mistakes. “We lost a few matches due to silly mistakes, but we have corrected them, and now we will not let that happen again.”
The Big Showdown: Revenge in the Air
As Gujarat Giants look ahead to their next game, all eyes are on the rematch with U Mumba, scheduled for October 2nd. Shadloui is clearly eager to make amends for the previous tie-breaker defeat. “I made a mistake in the last game. I accept it. But this time, it’s different. We will show them,” Shadloui declared, with an intensity that suggests he’s ready for battle.
The rivalry between Shadloui and Sunil Kumar has now become one of the key storylines of the season. While Sunil is respected as a top-tier defender and captain, Shadloui’s response is all about proving a point. “Sunil is a good captain and a good player,” Shadloui admitted, “But this match is going to be different.”
Fans’ Support: A Driving Force
Shadloui also took a moment to thank the fans in Chennai for their unwavering support, which played a big part in their recent victory. The passionate fanbase is one of the cornerstones of the PKL, and Shadloui acknowledged their role in giving the team the confidence to push through tough matches. “Thank you to the fans who supported me. Tonight was a good night for us, but I’m not happy yet. We need to focus on the next match and ensure that we win.”
What’s Next for Gujarat Giants?
Gujarat Giants are clearly a team on a mission. After a series of close losses, they have bounced back with a solid win, and their eyes are set firmly on their next challenge: U Mumba. The revenge factor, combined with their newfound confidence, makes this upcoming clash a must-watch. For Shadloui, it’s not just about winning; it’s about making a statement.
With Gujarat Giants having found their rhythm and with Shadloui leading the charge, the match on October 2nd promises to be an epic encounter. Both teams are evenly matched, but one thing is clear: the Gujarat Giants are coming for revenge, and they are determined to settle the score.
