Chennai, India: On Thursday (February 22, 2024), at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai, the Kolkata Thunderbolts engaged in a gripping five-set battle against the Chennai Blitz, ultimately falling short with a scoreline of 16-14, 20-21, 5-15, 19-17, 8-15. The match, part of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, showcased remarkable athleticism and determination, with Raman Kumar emerging as the Player of the Match.
The clash commenced with Sudheer Shetty and Akhin GS showcasing their prowess in the middle for their respective teams. Vinit Kumar’s attacking prowess for Zone 2 and Ashwal Rai’s dominance in the middle bolstered the Thunderbolts’ performance. However, Chennai’s Raman Kumar’s offensive maneuvers kept the match fiercely competitive. Despite Vinit’s powerful spikes giving Kolkata a slight edge, the contest remained tightly contested.
Kolkata gained momentum with Prabagaran’s aggressive play, but Dhilip Kumar’s stellar performance for Chennai ensured a constant challenge. The formidable duo of Ashwal and Vinit posed a significant challenge for Chennai, yet a pivotal super point win shifted the momentum in their favor, with Sameer’s strategic plays reigniting their chances.
As the match progressed, Raman Kumar’s formidable spikes posed a serious threat to Kolkata. Despite valiant efforts, Kolkata’s occasional errors and communication lapses allowed Chennai to extend their lead. Vinit’s consistent attacks attempted to turn the tide for Kolkata, but Chennai’s defensive resilience, coupled with Joel Benjamin’s impactful contributions, ultimately secured victory for Blitz in the final set.
