The Mumbai Meteors continued their imperious run in the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia, brushing aside the Delhi Toofans in straight sets 15-12, 15-10, 15-11 at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.
With this win, Mumbai registered their third successive 3-0 victory, maintaining a perfect record so far in Season 5. Setter Om Lad Vasant was named the Player of the Match for his exceptional orchestration and distribution, which kept the Delhi defense constantly under pressure throughout the encounter. The Toofans began brightly when Muhammad Jasim surprised the Meteors with an ace serve early on, briefly unsettling the defending champions. However, Abhinav Salar responded in style with an ace of his own to earn Mumbai an early super point, swinging momentum immediately back in their favour.
While Delhi’s defensive structure initially held firm, Shubham Chaudhary’s sharp attacking angles repeatedly found gaps in their backline. Captain Amit Gulia maintained service pressure on Delhi libero Anand, making it difficult for the Toofans to build rhythm in their reception and transition play.
As the set progressed, Mumbai’s balance across positions shone through. Carlos Berrios’s blistering spike fetched Delhi a super point, but the Meteors’ composure and control in key moments ensured they closed the opening set 15-12 without much alarm.
Om Lad and Abhinav orchestrate dominance
The second set saw Mumbai’s engine room setter Om Lad Vasant and outside hitter Abhinav Salar dictate the tempo. Vasant’s intelligent distribution created consistent one-on-one matchups for his hitters, while Abhinav’s precision from the service line earned another ace and a super point to extend the lead. Delhi’s skipper Saqlain Tariq attempted to rally his side, using quick plays and calling for an aggressive push. A successful review decision briefly lifted the Toofans, but Mumbai’s defensive organization stood tall.
When Jesus Chourio, Delhi’s most powerful hitter, looked to break through, he was met with an impenetrable three-man block led by Abhinav a defining moment of the second set. The Meteors’ composure and structured defense nullified Delhi’s attack, allowing them to take the set 15-10. With Delhi’s resistance fading, the Meteors’ foreign duo Mathias Loftesnes and Petter Alstad Ostvik dominated the net in the third set. Their timing and coordination in blocking frustrated Chourio and Jasim, who found it increasingly difficult to penetrate Mumbai’s wall-like defense.
Despite a late surge from Delhi spearheaded by Chourio’s heavy hitting Mumbai’s controlled aggression and clinical execution left no room for a comeback. Setter Om Lad continued to mix short sets and quick tempo plays that disoriented the Toofans’ blockers, ensuring Mumbai maintained command throughout. In the end, a perfectly executed block and a final spike from Loftesnes wrapped up the match 15-11, handing Mumbai their third straight clean sweep of the season.
Unbeaten and unshaken: Mumbai’s rise continues
Mumbai’s dominance this season has been built on a well-balanced core, tactical depth, and impeccable chemistry between their Indian and international stars. With three consecutive straight-set wins, the Meteors have emerged as the most complete side in the competition so far combining clinical attacking with one of the most organized defensive units in the league.
For Delhi, the loss exposed their struggle to convert opportunities and maintain intensity against top-tier opposition. Though the Toofans showed glimpses of resilience, particularly through Saqlain Tariq’s leadership and Chourio’s late efforts, Mumbai’s superior organization proved too much to handle.
As the league progresses, the Mumbai Meteors look every bit the team to beat unbeaten, unflappable, and flying high at the top of the PVL 2025 standings.
Match Summary: Mumbai Meteors bt Delhi Toofans 3-0 (15-12, 15-10, 15-11)
Player of the Match: Om Lad Vasant
Key Performers:
- Om Lad Vasant – Tactical control, creative setting
- Abhinav Salar – 2 aces, 1 super point, 1 block assist
- Shubham Chaudhary – Consistent attacking from the wings
- Mathias Loftesnes & Petter Alstad Ostvik – Dominant at the net
