PKL 12: U Mumba bank on strong defence, young stars after Manjeet’s exit
U Mumba enter PKL Season 12 with a strong defence led by Sunil Kumar and new coach Anil Chaprana. With Manjeet gone, Ajit Chouhan and youngsters carry the team’s hopes.
Hyderabad: Pro Kabaddi League Season 2 champions U Mumba will be aiming to reclaim the PKL title in Season 12, starting on August 29.
Led by captain Sunil Kumar, U Mumba finished the last campaign with 12 wins in 22 games to qualify for the PKL Playoffs after three seasons. However, their run ended with a loss to the Patna Pirates in Eliminator 2.
Despite qualifying for the Season 11 Playoffs, U Mumba announced that head coach Gholamreza Mazandarani would not continue. Anil Chaprana has been named the new head coach for Season 12. Chaprana earlier served as U Mumba’s head coach before being replaced in 2022, later working as assistant coach at Patna Pirates and then returning to U Mumba as assistant in Season 11.
Meanwhile, U Mumba have retained their core squad and invested ₹4.905 crore to sign eight players at the Season 12 Player Auction.
Retained core
Captain Sunil Kumar, left raider Ajit Chouhan, right raider Satish Kannan, corners Deepak Kundu and Lokesh Ghosliya, covers Sunny and Mukilan Shanmugam, and all-rounders Amir Mohammad Zafardanesh and Rohit were all retained.
Strengths: Solid defensive unit
U Mumba’s defence remains their biggest strength. Skipper Sunil Kumar, one of the league’s top defenders with 390 career tackle points (fifth all-time), will once again lead the backline.
They also re-signed Parvesh Bhainswal using the FBM card for ₹25.10 lakh. Parvesh notched 38 tackle points in 23 matches last season. Alongside him, Rinku (right corner), Lokesh Ghosliya, Deepak Kundu, Sunny, Mukilan Shanmugam and Ravi add defensive depth.
Key signing: Aanil Mohan
U Mumba secured all-rounder Aanil Mohan for ₹78 lakh, making him the most expensive Category D player in PKL history. Considered a top young prospect, Aanil could be a game-changer.
Weaknesses: Loss of Manjeet
The attack looks less experienced following the departure of lead raider Manjeet Dahiya to Jaipur Pink Panthers. With 730 raid points, his absence leaves a gap in U Mumba’s frontline.
Concern: Left corner inexperience
Lokesh Ghosliya (11 matches) and Deepak Kundu (2 matches) are the only options at left corner, an area that lacks experience.
Opportunities: Chaprana’s big chance
Promoted as head coach, Chaprana has the opportunity to build on U Mumba’s playoff return. He played a key role as assistant coach last season.
Ajit’s moment to shine
Ajit Chouhan impressed on debut in Season 11 with 185 raid points in 23 matches. With Manjeet gone, Ajit now has the chance to cement his place as lead raider.
Youngsters in focus
Aanil Mohan, Lokesh Ghosliya, Deepak Kundu, Mukilan Shanmugam, Amarjeet and Ravi will look to grab their chances and break into U Mumba’s starting seven.
Threats: Inexperience overall
One of U Mumba’s biggest concerns is the lack of overall experience. Several squad members are yet to make their PKL debut or have only played a handful of games.
Lack of senior raider
With Manjeet’s departure, U Mumba may be overly reliant on 20-year-old Ajit Chouhan. While he showed promise last season, his consistency will be tested in Season 12.
