PKL 12: U Mumba Squad Analysis for Pro Kabaddi League Season 12
U Mumba, one of the most popular teams, is ready to compete for the title in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12. After a mixed performance in PKL 11, where they reached the playoffs but lost in the eliminator to Patna Pirates, U Mumba has revamped its squad for PKL 12. With a strong defensive unit, a mix of young and experienced raiders, and versatile all-rounders, the team looks balanced but faces challenges.
U Mumba, the Season 2 champions, have a rich history in the Pro Kabaddi League. They were runners-up in Season 1 and reached the final in Season 3, showing their dominance early on. However, the team has struggled to reclaim the title since their 2015 victory. In PKL 11, U Mumba finished fifth with 12 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, scoring 71 points.
Despite a strong start, they faltered in the playoffs, losing 23-31 to Patna Pirates. For PKL 12, U Mumba has made strategic changes, including appointing Anil Chaprana as head coach after parting ways with Gholamreza Mazandarani. Let’s break down the U Mumba squad for PKL 12 to understand their potential.
U Mumba’s Full Squad for PKL 12
The U Mumba squad for PKL 12 is a mix of experienced players and young talents. Here’s the complete list:
- Raiders: Ajit Chouhan, Sathish Kannan, Mukesh Kannan, Sandeep Kumar, Abhimanyu Raghuvanshi
- Defenders: Sunil Kumar, Parvesh Bhainswal, Rinku, Lokesh Ghosliya, Deepak Kundu, Shanmugam Mukilan, Sunny, Ravi
- All-Rounders: Amirmohammad Zafardanesh, Rohit Raghav, Aanil Mohan, Mohammad Ghorbani, Amarjeet Yadav
This squad combines defensive strength with raiding potential, but it also has areas that need improvement. Let’s analyze the U Mumba squad through its strengths and weaknesses.
Strengths of U Mumba in PKL 12
One of the biggest strengths of the Mumba is its defense, led by captain Sunil Kumar. Sunil, bought for INR 1.015 crore in the PKL 11 auction, is one of the best defenders in the league, with 390 tackle points in his career. In PKL 11, he earned 54 tackle points in 23 matches, averaging 2 successful tackles per game, with 8 Super Tackles and 3 High 5s. His not-out percentage of 97.26% shows his reliability on the mat.
Moreover, Sunil is joined by Parvesh Bhainswal, who has 348 tackle points. Rinku, with 192 tackle points, adds depth to the right corner. Other defenders like Lokesh Ghosliya, Deepak Kundu, Mukilan Shanmugam, Sunny, and Ravi provide solid backup.
The U Mumba squad includes talented all-rounders like Amirmohammad Zafardanesh, Rohit Raghav, Aanil Mohan, Mohammad Ghorbani, and Amarjeet Yadav. Zafardanesh, an Iranian star, scored 141 raid points in his debut season (PKL 11) and is expected to lead the raiding department. Rohit Raghav was a standout in PKL 11, earning 79 points (68 raid points and 11 tackle points) in 21 matches. His 43.31% raid success rate and 74.52% not-out rate show his consistency.
Additionally, Aanil Mohan, bought for INR 78 lakh, is a gamble that could pay off. His experience in the other Kabaddi tournaments makes him a promising addition. These all-rounders give U Mumba flexibility, allowing them to adapt to different game situations in PKL 12.
U Mumba retained nine players from PKL 11, including four Elite Retained Players (Sunil Kumar, Amirmohammad Zafardanesh, Rohit Raghav, Sathish Kannan), one Retained Young Player (Mukilan Shanmugam), and four Existing New Young Players (Ajit Chouhan, Deepak Kundu, Lokesh Ghosliya, Sunny). This blend of experience and youth creates a balanced squad. Young players like Ajit Chouhan, who scored 186 raid points in PKL 11, bring fresh energy, while veterans like Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bhainswal provide leadership.
Weaknesses of U Mumba in PKL 12
The biggest weakness in the U Mumba squad is its raiding department. After losing Guman Singh, their main raider in PKL 10 and 11, U Mumba relies heavily on Ajit Chouhan and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh. Ajit was exceptional in PKL 11, scoring 185 raid points at an average of 8.04 points per match. However, Zafardanesh, despite his potential, has not consistently performed as a lead raider. Other raiders like Sathish Kannan, Mukesh Kannan, Sandeep Kumar, and Abhimanyu Raghuvanshi are relatively unproven.
Furthermore, the lack of a star raider could hurt U Mumba against teams with strong defenses like Haryana Steelers or Puneri Paltan. If Ajit or Zafardanesh face injuries or loss of form, the team may struggle to score raid points in PKL 12.
Another concern for the U Mumba squad in PKL 12 is the inexperience of several players. Ten players in the squad are yet to make their PKL debut, and others, like Sandeep Kumar and Abhimanyu Raghuvanshi, have limited experience. This inexperience could lead to early-season challenges, as these players may need time to adapt to the fast-paced, high-pressure PKL format. The team’s success will depend on how quickly these young players gel with the veterans.
U Mumba’s performance in PKL 12 heavily depends on a few key players like Sunil Kumar, Ajit Chouhan, and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh. If any of these players underperform or get injured, the team could face difficulties. For example, Parvesh Bhainswal had a poor PKL 11, scoring only 8 tackle points in 15 matches. If he fails to regain his form, the defense will rely heavily on Sunil and Rinku, putting extra pressure on them.
Key Players to Watch in PKL 12
1. Sunil Kumar (Defender)
As captain and lead defender, Sunil Kumar is the backbone of the U Mumba. His ability to stay calm and execute tackles in crucial moments makes him a key player. His partnership with Parvesh Bhainswal could be a game-changer if both perform at their best.
2. Ajit Chouhan (Raider)
Ajit Chouhan emerged as U Mumba’s top raider in PKL 11, with 185 points in 23 matches. His 69.76% not-out percentage and ability to score under pressure make him vital for PKL 12. He will need to carry the raiding unit against strong opponents.
3. Amirmohammad Zafardanesh (All-Rounder)
Zafardanesh’s versatility makes him a crucial part of the U Mumba squad. His 141 raid points in PKL 10 showed his potential, but he needs to step up as a lead raider. His defensive contributions also add balance to the team.
4. Rohit Raghav (All-Rounder)
Rohit Raghav’s all-round performance in PKL 11 (79 points) makes him a player to watch. His ability to contribute in both raiding and defense gives U Mumba flexibility in their strategies.
Opportunities for U Mumba in PKL 12
The U Mumba has several opportunities to shine. Ajit Chouhan can establish himself as a top raider, while Zafardanesh has a chance to prove his consistency. Parvesh Bhainswal, after a disappointing PKL 11, can redeem himself alongside Sunil Kumar. The young players, like Sandeep Kumar and Aanil Mohan, have an opportunity to make a mark in PKL 12 and become future stars.
Moreover, the new coach, Anil Chaprana, brings fresh ideas to the team. His ability to guide underdog players, as seen in PKL history, could help U Mumba surprise stronger teams. The team’s playoff appearance in PKL 11 gives them confidence to aim for a deeper run in PKL 12.
Challenges for U Mumba in PKL 12
Despite their strengths, the Mumba may faces challenges in PKL 12. The lack of experienced raiders could lead to low raid points against teams with strong defenses. Injuries to key players like Ajit Chouhan or Zafardanesh would leave the team vulnerable. Additionally, the inexperience of many squad members could affect team cohesion early in the season. Finally, Parvesh Bhainswal’s form remains a concern, as his poor performance in PKL 11 could repeat if he doesn’t regain confidence.
The U Mumba’s squad for PKL 12 is a mix of strong defenders, versatile all-rounders, and young raiders with potential. Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bhainswal lead a solid defensive unit, while Ajit Chouhan and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh are key to the raiding department. However, the lack of experienced raiders and the inexperience of many players could pose challenges. Under new coach Anil Chaprana, U Mumba aims to build on their PKL 11 playoff appearance and fight for the title in PKL 12. With the right strategies and performances, this squad could bring back U Mumba’s glory days.
FAQs About Mumba Squad Squad Analysis
1. Who is the captain of U Mumba in PKL 12?
Sunil Kumar, a top defender with 336 career tackle points, is the captain of the PKL 12 U Mumba squad.
2. Who are the key raiders in U Mumba’s PKL 12 squad?
Ajit Chouhan, who scored 185 raid points in PKL 11, and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh, with 141 raid points in his debut season, are the key raiders for U Mumba in PKL 12.
3. What is the biggest weakness of U Mumba in PKL 12?
The PKL 12 U Mumba squad lacks experienced raiders, relying heavily on Ajit Chouhan and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh, which could be a challenge against strong defenses.
