Bolstered by two commanding victories, the home side will aim for a third consecutive win against Hyderabad, who lost their season opener to the Bengaluru Jawans on January 24. Mumbai have won seven matches across their two ties, drawn once, and currently is at the second position in the points table with 22 points, trailing table-toppers Bengaluru, who lead with 25 points.
“We are super excited about our match against the Hyderabad Super Stars. My players have been thoroughly professional and impressive in their performances so far. Not only have they been tactically astute, but they’ve also entertained spectators with their dynamic gameplay. I hope that these traits continue in the next match,” said coach Sam Basford.
Brandon Lane, 30, who boasts a 65% win rate across his 245-match career, will be eager to maintain his stellar form. Having won both his men’s singles and mixed doubles matches in Mumbai’s two previous ties, Lane has proven to be a critical asset for Basford’s team. His powerful serves and clever net play set the tone for Mumbai, and his performance against Hyderabad will be pivotal in securing their playoff berth.
In women’s doubles, Mumbai have been fielding the duo of Glauka Carvajal Lane and Katie Morris. While they faced a tough battle against Alexa Schull and Isha Lakhani in their last game, the pair will be looking for a more dominant performance this time. Glauka, 26, a Spaniard with consecutive 60% win rates in 2023 and 2024, has been in exceptional form. Her consistency will be crucial not only in women’s doubles, but also in mixed doubles, where her partnership with Brandon has been a major strength for Mumbai.
The men’s doubles pairing of Mayur Patil and Eung Wong Gwon also delivered a solid performance in their last outing against the Dilli Dilwale, bouncing back after a setback against Pune United. Their match, scheduled third in the five-match tie, will play a critical role in determining the momentum. The pair’s improved coordination and recent success could give them the edge against Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, Mihae Kwon, ranked No. 1 in the Pickleball Global – Asia singles rankings, is riding high after an impressive 17-8 victory over Alexa Schull in her last match. At just 24, Kwon has already claimed 21 medals, including nine golds, and continues to deliver in the women’s singles category. Coach Basford has strategically capitalised on her exceptional form, making her a consistent choice for singles matches.