PBL 2018-19: Two-time finalists Mumbai Rockets hoping to succeed in quest for elusive title with intelligent purchases

Owned by the Bombay Badminton Pvt Ltd, two-time Premier Badminton League finalists Mumbai Rockets have shaped up an extremely competitive squad for the upcoming season of the tournament. With some smart buys in their lineup, the franchise aims to go all guns blazing to break the jinx and lift their maiden PBL crown.

Singles:

Lee Yong-Dae (Icon): One of the most successful doubles player across the globe, South Korean dynamo Lee Yong-Dae will be leading the Mumbai Rockets for the upcoming edition of PBL. With an extensive haul of medals in his collection, including a gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and a silver at the 2012 London Olympics, Lee Yong-Dae is a name to watch out for.

A part of the Mumbai franchise for the past two editions, the 3-time World Championship silver winner is accustomed to Indian conditions and is currently focussed on taking Mumbai to the zenith of success in the new season.

Anders Antonsen (Men’s Singles): European Championship silver winner in 2017, young Danish shuttler Anders Antonsen is all ready to make his foray into the Premier Badminton League. Heralded for his agility and swiftness on the court, Antonsen also possesses deft stroke play and his addition in the line up makes Mumbai Rockets a more complete team.

Sameer Verma (Men’s Singles): Having plied his trade across three franchises in the first three editions, dynamic singles shuttler Sameer Verma is all ready to don the Mumbai Rockets outfit for PBL4.

Sameer will be coming into the new season on the back of some fine performances that saw him win the Swiss Open and the Syed Modi International tournament.

Pratul Joshi (Men’s Singles): Making his debut with the North-Eastern Warriors in the last season of PBL, Pratul Joshi is renowned for his wide array of shots and strong smashes,

Doubles:

Manu Attri (Men’s Doubles): After featuring for the Mumbai Rockets in the very first edition, versatile doubles shuttler Manu Attri is geared up to make his return and is a clinical addition to the doubles department.

Winning the Lagos International earlier in the year, Manu Attri will be keen to continue his fine form for Mumbai Rockets.

Kim Gi Jung (Mixed Doubles): Two time World Championship bronze winner, Kim Gi Jung is a star doubles attraction in the Mumbai Rockets squad. With an illustrious career ever since his foray, the South Korean shuttler has heralded an international repute and would be an asset to any team.

Pia Zebadiah (Mixed Doubles): A part of the PBL3 winning Hyderabad Hunters squad, dynamic mixed doubles shuttler Pia Zebadiah will be seen plying her trade for the Mumbai Rockets in the upcoming edition. Pia is a hardworking athlete who relies on tact and control and it will be an intriguing contest to watch the Indonesian shuttler’s exploits in the doubles department.

Indian Juniors:

Kuhoo Garg (Mixed Doubles): An integral member of the Mumbai Rockets last year, Kuhoo Garg continues her association with the franchise this time around. She has made a rapid progress up the ranks and will be one of the marquee youngsters to watch out for in this season.

Winning the Iceland International and finishing runners-up at the Lagos International, Garg has already garnered international repute.

Anura Prabhudesai (Women’s Singles): A meteoric climb through the national rankings in 2017 saw the 19-year-old shuttler become the first badminton player from Goa to attain the Indian #1 in both women’s singles and doubles.

Moving swiftly and gracefully, Anura looks like she is gliding across the court with her racquet in hand, dispatching opponents with ferocity and her quick victories on the court have led to an even speedier rise up the charts of Indian badminton.

To view the full schedule of the Premier Badminton League 2018-19, click here.

To view profiles of other teams in the Premier Badminton League 2018-19, click here.