The RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia delivered another instant classic on Saturday night as the Ahmedabad Defenders pulled off a remarkable comeback to defeat the Delhi Toofans in a pulsating five-set encounter at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.
The defending champions looked in trouble early on, dropping the first two sets, but roared back with resilience and precision to clinch the match 13–15, 13–15, 15–13, 15–8, 18–16, sealing a memorable 3–2 victory.
Star attacker Angamuthu was named the Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance that anchored Ahmedabad’s comeback.
The match began with Delhi in complete control. Captain and setter Saqlain Tariq orchestrated the offense beautifully, using his middles effectively and keeping the Ahmedabad block guessing. Delhi’s Venezuelan import Jesus Chourio was electric from the right flank, combining power and placement to pierce through the Defenders’ defense.
The Toofans’ momentum was bolstered by Carlos Berrios, whose “super serve” aces helped them win crucial points. His service pressure and ability to swing the momentum kept Ahmedabad on the defensive. Anu James and Jasim added strength at the net Jasim particularly impressed with his early blocking, reading the opposition’s attack pattern well.
With Delhi dictating play and showing better energy in transition, they took the first two sets 15–13, 15–13, building what appeared to be a commanding 2–0 lead.
But as volleyball often proves, momentum can turn in a flash.
The Turning Point: Ahmedabad’s Counterattack Begins
Trailing two sets down, Ahmedabad needed a spark and it came in the form of Shon T. John. Introduced midway through the third set, Shon’s entry changed the game’s rhythm. His aggression at the net and composure in serve reception immediately lifted the Defenders.
Ahmedabad’s gamble to call for a risky Super Point a move that doubles the value of the next rally paid off spectacularly. Shon unleashed a thunderous spike down the middle to win the Super Point, igniting the crowd and the bench alike. The Defenders suddenly looked alive, their body language transformed.
The introduction of Abhinav also proved decisive. His energy and positional awareness tightened Ahmedabad’s backline, allowing them to transition faster from defense to attack. Setter Muthusamy began mixing up his plays, varying tempo between the quick middle hits of Akhin and high balls to the wings for Angamuthu and Shon.
Ahmedabad edged the third set 15–13, and suddenly, Delhi’s control began to fade.
Delhi Falters as Ahmedabad Finds Its Flow
The fourth set was all Ahmedabad. With their confidence restored, the Defenders began playing their trademark fast-tempo volleyball. Angamuthu, who had been quiet in the opening sets, found his rhythm, combining athleticism and accuracy on the left flank.
His back-to-back spikes early in the fourth set set the tone. Meanwhile, Battur Batsuri, the Mongolian powerhouse, began asserting himself at the net, converting quick sets into points and frustrating Delhi’s blockers.
On the defensive end, Akhin was exceptional, his timing on the blocks disrupting Delhi’s middle attack repeatedly. The Toofans began to lose shape, committing unforced errors both in serve and defense. Ahmedabad ran away with the set 15–8, leveling the match at 2–2 and setting up a grandstand finish.
Decider Drama: Ahmedabad Holds Nerve in Photo Finish
The fifth set delivered everything PVL fans love drama, tension, and breathtaking rallies. Both teams traded points early on, with Angamuthu continuing to lead Ahmedabad’s attack, while Chourio tried to keep Delhi in contention with his angled winners.
At 12–12, the match was finely poised. Delhi’s Saqlain attempted a quick dump shot, but Akhin’s reflex block turned it around. Then, with the score at 15–15, Ahmedabad once again relied on Angamuthu, who hammered home consecutive spikes from the left to bring up match point.
Delhi saved one with a powerful serve from Berrios, but Ahmedabad’s composure under pressure proved the difference. A perfectly executed play Muthusamy’s quick set to Batsuri at the middle sealed the decider 18–16, sparking celebrations on the Ahmedabad bench.
Named Player of the Match, Angamuthu summed up Ahmedabad’s performance patient early, dominant late. His consistency in the final three sets, especially his ability to find gaps between the Delhi blockers, was instrumental in the turnaround.
Head coach Cyril Joseph praised his team’s mental resilience.
“We started slow, but what impressed me was how we stayed calm. Volleyball is a game of momentum once we found ours, we didn’t let go,” he said post-match. “Angamuthu led from the front, and the youngsters like Shon and Abhinav showed great maturity under pressure.”
Despite the loss, the Delhi Toofans earned plaudits for their strong start and fighting spirit. Saqlain Tariq’s tactical acumen in the opening sets and Chourio’s attacking range were standout positives. However, their inability to close out the third set after leading 11–8 proved costly, allowing Ahmedabad to swing the match’s rhythm.
Head coach Vijay Kumar acknowledged that composure will be key in upcoming games. “We played two great sets but lost focus when Ahmedabad increased the tempo. The league is short; we must recover quickly and move forward,” he said.
For Ahmedabad, the victory reinforces why they remain one of the most consistent teams in the PVL. Their ability to bounce back from two sets down reflects championship DNA built on fitness, belief, and the depth of their bench.
With this win, Ahmedabad picks up two points and builds crucial early-season momentum in their title defense campaign. As the league unfolds in Hyderabad, fans can expect more fireworks from a side that seems to thrive under pressure.
