Shubham — Mumbai’s meteor
In the midst of the craze for cricket, volleyball has found a gem that is shining bright. Mumbai Meteors’ universal Shubham Chaudhury has emerged as a key player in the ongoing Prime Volleyball League.
Shubham was a big fan of the willow game and wanted to become a cricketer, even getting the jersey number of Virat Kohli by accident. “I love cricket and I played a lot during my childhood. Volleyball came much later,” he told The Hindu.
With a tally of 134 points, the 30yearold has been Mumbai’s meteor. He managed just 46 points playing for Kochi Blue Spikers last season, but the change of dugout has worked wonders. “During the preseason camp, we worked a lot on movement and fitness. I’m moving better and feeling better.”
Despite representing Haryana at the National level, the Karnalborn Shubham is yet to break into the international stage. The impressive performances in the PVL could turn things his way. Though he has thrived as a universal, Shubham’s passion lies in offence. He has scored 103 attack points with a success rate of 44.41, ranking fourth in the league.
More than the numbers, it is the way he has operated on the court that has caught the eye. He never shies away from a responsibility, either while serving in crunch moments or delivering fierce spikes when needed the most. Shubham was instrumental in helping Meteors advance to the Super 5 stage.
“I like to contribute in every department. My position demands me to be equally skilful in receiving and setting, but to be honest, I love smashing the most.” Shubham credited his franchise for creating a team atmosphere where it was easy to settle in.
He felt that Meteors coach Sunny Joseph has brought out the best in him. “Training under the guidance of Joseph sir has helped me understand the game differently. I’ve become more disciplined, something that is required for our system,” he said.
The 203cm tall hoopster said his father encouraged him to take up volleyball.
“My father Mahavir Singh was a Statelevel volleyball player and he encouraged me to take up the sport as I started to grow tall in my teenage years.” The move is indeed paying dividends.