In one of the most dramatic contests of the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia, Chennai Blitz produced a spirited performance to defeat Ahmedabad Defenders 15-10, 10-15, 15-11, 12-15, 15-13 in a pulsating five-set battle at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Wednesday.
Led by captain Jerome Vinith, who was named Player of the Match, the Blitz showcased exceptional resilience and tactical sharpness to pull off a must-win result that keeps their campaign alive. The victory lifted Chennai to sixth place on the table with six points from five matches, keeping them in contention for a semifinal berth. The opening set saw Chennai come out with intent and aggression. Captain Jerome Vinith, known for his explosive serves, immediately put the Ahmedabad defence on alert. His early super serve tilted momentum in Chennai’s favour as the Defenders struggled to settle into rhythm.
Setter Muthusamy Appavu dictated play beautifully, targeting Ahmedabad’s receiver Nandhagopal to disrupt their counter-attack structure. The plan worked well in the initial stages, with Chennai converting quick middle attacks and forcing errors from the Defenders. Ahmedabad, however, found some breathing space when Battur Batsuuri’s misfired shot off the block fetched them a vital super point, momentarily narrowing the gap. But Chennai maintained their intensity through Appavu’s sharp distribution and precise coordination with middle blocker Azizbek Kuchkorov, who was making his first start of the season.
The Blitz closed out the opening set 15–10, with Jerome’s finishing power and Appavu’s strategic setting combining seamlessly.
Ahmedabad Strike Back
The second set saw a much-improved performance from Ahmedabad, led by Akhin GS in defence and Angamuthu in attack. Akhin’s diving saves and net blocks halted Chennai’s momentum, while Angamuthu’s backcourt spikes began finding space. Batsuuri, after a shaky start, found his range with aggressive cross-court hits, forcing Chennai’s backline into errors. The Defenders also gained from improved service pressure, particularly from Nandhagopal, who delivered a super serve that turned the set around.
Despite flashes of brilliance from Chennai’s middle combination, Ahmedabad’s superior consistency and blocking helped them level the match by taking the second set 15–10. The third set was a statement of Chennai’s adaptability. Realising the need to reassert control, Jerome shifted to deeper serves, forcing Ahmedabad’s first passes further away from setter Perotto Luiz Felipe.
Tarun Gowda’s super serve reignited Chennai’s energy, and with Azizbek Kuchkorov delivering timely blocks, the Blitz regained control at the net. Perotto, who alternated between offensive setups and quick middle passes, became more influential as Chennai’s attack diversified. Chennai’s tactical switch paid off, with their serve-targeting strategy keeping Ahmedabad on the defensive. Despite spirited resistance from Angamuthu, the Blitz clinched the third set 15–11, moving one step closer to victory.
Defenders Force a Decider
Ahmedabad, known for their fighting spirit, responded with ferocity in the fourth set. Nandha’s service game came alive again, delivering another super serve that rattled Chennai’s reception. The Defenders’ bench erupted as they began to claw back momentum. Setter Sameer maintained composure to distribute the ball efficiently, while Suraj Chaudhary showcased remarkable defensive awareness, keeping rallies alive against Jerome’s power hits.
At 12–12, both sides traded crucial points in a tense exchange. Chennai’s block misread a quick from Perotto, allowing Ahmedabad to seize a late advantage. Nandha then sealed the set 15–12 with a decisive smash, taking the match into a winner-takes-all fifth set. The decider brought out the very best from both sides. Chennai’s Azizbek Kuchkorov once again rose to the occasion, executing two massive blocks early on to deny Angamuthu and Batsuuri. But Ahmedabad weren’t backing down. Akhin produced a brilliant block on Jerome’s spike to level the scoreline, adding a fresh twist to the tense finale.
Momentum swung rapidly as both teams traded points, with the scoreboard locked at 13–13. Muthusamy and Perotto combined to execute a smart double block on Batsuuri, giving Chennai a crucial edge and a super point opportunity. Jerome, who had carried Chennai’s attack all evening, delivered when it mattered most producing a thunderous spike that left Ahmedabad’s defence helpless and sealed the set 15–13. The Chennai bench erupted in celebration as the team clinched a memorable 3–2 victory to stay alive in the tournament.
The win highlighted Chennai Blitz’s evolving chemistry and newfound resilience under pressure. Captain Jerome Vinith’s leadership and consistent serving were instrumental, while Azizbek Kuchkorov’s blocking presence transformed the defensive phase. Muthusamy Appavu’s playmaking through the middle provided structure to the team’s offensive rhythm, and Tarun Gowda’s crucial serving spell in the third set shifted the match’s momentum. For Ahmedabad, Nandhagopal’s service bursts and Angamuthu’s attacking range were standout positives. However, inconsistency in reception and failure to close out long rallies cost them vital points in crunch moments.
With this result, Chennai Blitz moved to sixth in the table with 6 points from 5 matches, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Their ability to close tight contests will be key in upcoming fixtures as they chase a semifinal spot. For Ahmedabad Defenders, the narrow loss is a setback but not a fatal blow. With strong individual performances and glimpses of cohesion, they remain contenders for the knockout stages.
The Prime Volleyball League 2025 continues to deliver thrilling, high-quality matches, with the Chennai -Ahmedabad clash standing out as one of the season’s most gripping encounters a perfect showcase of the growing competitiveness and tactical depth of Indian volleyball.
