PVL 2023: Kolkata Thunderbolts’ Vinit Kumar confident of dominating Bengaluru Torpedoes in first semifinal

Vinit, the upside gun, is keen to move forward and is optimistic about his team’s chances of making it to back-to-back finals.
Kumar’s Kolkata Thunderbolts are confident of taking on Bengaluru Torpedo in the first semi-final of the second edition of the Premier Volleyball League.

Upside gun Vinit is positive about his team’s chances of reaching back-to-back finals and is eager to move forward. “We plan our strategy according to our next opponent team according to our coaches and support staff,” he told Sportstar.

Senior players subbed in to finish the match after winning the third set against defending champions Ahmedabad Defenders.

“We won the match 3-0, so we want to test the strength of our bench. “Because it’s the semi-final now, we can’t put an extra load on key players.”

Vinit, 32, was Kolkata’s top scorer in the last league with 10 out of 12 strike points.

Thunderbolts’ Gunners are confident of dominating the semifinals after defeating Torpedo 3-2 in the league opener.

Vinit, who Torpedoes head coach David Lee named during the Thunder’s game against the Defenders, was unfazed.

When asked what notes he took from the game, Lee said, “I do that every game. Every time I turn around, I take note of who they’re doing and where they’re hitting the ball. For me to understand what they’re doing in a specific circle .”

While he takes pointers to understand how other teams play, Lee feels that no amount of pointers can change the Torpedoes’ need under pressure, and this night is no exception. “There are some twists and turns where we understand what the team is trying to do, but ultimately it depends on how we perform. “If we can serve the ball as well as we can, we should win this game.”

Lee aims to bounce back with a revamped Bengaluru side after losing once to Kolkata. His team was deemed unprepared in their first game.

He expressed concern about Vinit and Captain Ashwal Rai, two Thunderbolts veterans, stating, “We have a plan to stop their strong offense, but they are good, experienced, and athletic, so it won’t be easy.”

Both the teams are aiming for their best performance and Kolkata will win by head and numbers.