Ahmedabad Defenders showcased remarkable resilience and tactical maturity as they rallied from a set down to defeat the defending champions Calicut Heroes 12–15, 15–12, 15–12, 16–14 in a thrilling encounter of the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Friday.
Battur Batsuuri’s explosive all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award. The contest began with Calicut Heroes taking early control, capitalising on Ahmedabad’s tentative start. The defending champions looked sharp in transition, with Ashok Bishnoi and Shameemudheen forming an effective two-man block to neutralise Angamuthu’s attacking threat. Calicut’s defensive coordination was matched by crisp passing and quick attacks from the backline, allowing them to seal the opening set 15–12.
However, Ahmedabad quickly regrouped. In the absence of their key attacker Shon T John, the responsibility fell on Mongolian star Battur Batsuuri, who rose to the occasion with a dominant display of power and precision. His thunderous spikes and clever placement kept Calicut’s defence guessing, while Muthusamy Appavu, the Ahmedabad skipper, controlled the tempo with intelligent setting and leadership from the front.
As the second set unfolded, Abdul Raheem continued to be a vital presence for Calicut across all departments from attacking at the net to digging in defence. His energy and consistency gave Calicut early momentum, but Ahmedabad’s improved serve-receive combination began to shift the balance. Nandhagopal, known for his flair and versatility, produced a stunning sequence that included a cross-court spike and a super serve to turn the tide. His aggression at the net ignited Ahmedabad’s comeback, as they levelled the match with a 15–12 win in the second set.
The third set followed a similar pattern Calicut’s composure tested by Ahmedabad’s newfound rhythm. Mohan Ukkrapandian, the Calicut captain, kept his side in contention with sharp setting and accurate distribution, while Santhosh added attacking variety. But Ahmedabad’s defensive organisation, anchored by Appavu and Akhin, proved difficult to breach. Batsuuri continued his relentless attacking run, combining with Angamuthu to target gaps in Calicut’s block line. Their sustained pressure paid off as Ahmedabad clinched the third set 15–12, taking a crucial lead.
The fourth set was a display of top-tier volleyball intense rallies, strategic timeouts, and fine margins. Calicut fought hard to stay alive, with Raheem and Bishnoi once again leading their response. Every point was contested fiercely as both sides traded leads in a set that saw long exchanges and acrobatic defensive saves. At 14–14, the atmosphere inside Gachibowli was electric. Calicut pushed for the tiebreaker, but Ahmedabad’s composure under pressure made the difference. Skipper Appavu’s timely set created an opening for Akhin, who unleashed a thunderous spike past the Calicut block to seal victory 16–14.
It was a fitting finish to a gripping contest that highlighted Ahmedabad’s depth and fighting spirit. After a shaky start, the Defenders found their rhythm through Batsuuri’s commanding performance, supported by Angamuthu’s consistency and Appavu’s leadership. For Calicut, the defeat was a reminder of the competitiveness of PVL Season 4. Despite strong performances from Raheem and Ukkrapandian, the defending champions could not capitalise on their early dominance.
With this win, Ahmedabad Defenders have firmly re-established themselves as title contenders, displaying the balance and mental strength that could define their campaign.
Final Score: Ahmedabad Defenders beat Calicut Heroes 12–15, 15–12, 15–12, 16–14
Player of the Match: Battur Batsuuri (Ahmedabad Defenders)
