Spikers Roaring In Kochi Before The Beginning WIPL And IPL Crescendos

When Indian fans are ready to welcome the first Women's Indian Premier League and the IPL a little later in the same month, another league of a very popular sport also tries to sparkle in the three cities- Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Kochi. Though it made a greater presence felt in southern India, the quality of the games in the league is really heartwarming for volleyball lovers across India.

Defending champion Kolkata Thunderbolts is once again looking powerful before its semifinal match against Bengaluru Torpedoes.  Kolkata Thunderbolts' co-owner Pawan Kumar Patodia says, "Kolkata Thunderbolts' performance has been better than last year. Not just us, but all the teams have been better this year." He adds, "We feel great to have made it to the playoffs. But in this 15-point format, with super points and super serve as factors, it is very hard to predict which team will emerge as the winners. One or two mistakes can make the whole difference. One mistake and the pressure is built. We will try our best and our morale is high. The rest we will see how the game goes."  With a total of 31 matches being played across three cities, the league of the eight franchises - Kolkata Thunderbolts, Kochi Blue Spikers, Calicut Heroes, Hyderabad Black Hawks, Ahmedabad Defenders, Bengaluru Torpedoes, Chennai Blitz, and Mumbai Meteors - it has witnessed some wonderful, top class and exciting duels amongst the aforesaid teams.

Rohit Kumar of Haryana, who represented India in the 2018 Asian Games, became the most expensive player (Kochi Blue Spikers) of the league, bagging Rs. 17.5 lakhs. The winner of this second  RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 will be richer by Rs. 40 Lakhs. Though India is ranked 68th in the FIVB world