TEAM PREVIEW: Local boy Ajay and star shuttler Sung Ji to take Mumbai ahead
MUMBAI ROCKETS did qualify for the semi-finals in the first season of Premier Badminton League but they will want to better that this time. With some interesting additions to the squad, they will look to reach the finals and win the title.
The presence of Ajay Jayaram should be an added advantage. He played a key role for Delhi Acers who won the title last season. Ajay had a great outing in the first season of PBL and would want to continue the same for his city.
He along with HS Prannoy who was retained will play a crucial role in Mumbai's success. Both had a good start but towards the end inconsistency and injuries took over, therefore ending the season on a low.
Both will look to start the new year on a high. Prannoy was the face of the team in the last season, this time he has Ajay with whom he can shoulder the responsibility.
Though these two will attract the crowd to the stadium, fans will be eager to see the experienced Sun Ji Hyun. She is likely to lead the team from up front. And it will be an exciting match when she faces the likes of PV Sindhu, Carolina Marin and Saina Nehwal, a real treat for the fans.
In the men's and mixed doubles category, there are Nipitphon Puangpuapech, Lee Yong Dae and Nadiezda Zieba. Partnering Zieba in the mixed doubles category will be Lee Yong as he has played both at an international level.
Nipitphon ended as runners-up at French and Denmark Open while Lee Yong won the China Masters this year. The Polish Zieba didn't have a great outing in 2016 but nonetheless she will be crucial for the Rockets.
Mumbai has tons of experience in the doubles category as they are senior shuttlers but it remains to be seen of they can sustain with the new scoring system.
Coach Vijaydeep Singh who is a former national level champion in doubles will play a key role as to how will the team function. His experience too will count in the team's success. He will be put to test and whether he comes out with flying colours, one will have to wait and watch.
The best three from Mumbai would likely be: men's singles- HS Prannoy; women's singles- Sung Ji Hyun; men's doubles- Lee Yong Dae/ Nipitphon.
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