“The 4-1 win over Awadhe Warriors Lucknow has boosted our morale a great deal,” said BOP Banga Beats’ U. Vimal Kumar on the eve of the team’s departure for Pune on Wednesday.
“The win has given us seven points from two matches, a distinct advantage, and fourth place in the six-team league. But, a lot hinges on the next two rounds (away at Pune Pistons on Friday, and hosting Delhi Smashers on Sunday),” he said.
“A good sprinkling of experienced top-notch foreign players, like Carsten (Mogensen), can lend spine to the teams — that’s the biggest positive I have noticed over the last week of action. The European players may not be great at singles play, but in doubles they are good.
“And that’s what I hope our players will be exposed to We lag a lot behind in the doubles, and these league matches should help us bridge the gap,” said Vimal.
Talking of Banga Beats, Vimal said he was optimistic of the team’s chances.
“Some top players have been rather patchy, like with Kashyap in the first round against Mumbai Masters.
“Since then, however, there has been great camaraderie among the players, and that reflected in the team’s fine showing against Awadhe Warriors Lucknow.
“Wins against Pistons and Smashers in the next two rounds should put us in the semifinals — and, then on, it’s anybody’s call. Performances on the day will count.
