PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 15, U Mumba vs Bengaluru Bulls

Bengaluru Bulls will look to get their first win of PKL 12 against U Mumba.

U Mumba have had an interesting start to their Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) campaign. They have played two tie-breakers in their first three matches and lost the recent one against the defending champions, Haryana Steelers.

With two wins and a loss, U Mumba are placed third. On Friday, September 4, 2025, Mumba will play against Bengaluru Bulls, who are yet to win a match in PKL 12.

Bengaluru Bulls are a relatively new side, with most of their players being inexperienced, and this has been evident in their first two matches. The team collapsed under pressure, especially the raiders, who failed to score points against Dabang Delhi.

Although it is early to speak on it, the team is certainly capable of changing the momentum in their favour under the guidance of the two-time PKL-winning coach, BC Ramesh.

However, if the Bulls are to end up on the winning side this Friday, they must win at least two of the three player battles mentioned below. On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between the U Mumba and Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 12.

Sunil Kumar vs Aashish Malik

Aashish Malik has been a consistent player for Bengaluru Bulls in the first two contests. Malik scored 16 points in two matches and has been a good second raider. He needs to maintain his consistency and do the same in the upcoming clash against U Mumba.

However, Malik’s way to consistency won’t be easy. He has an amazing defence lineup against him, led by Sunil Kumar. Kumar’s captaincy has been phenomenal throughout his PKL career, along with his strong defensive tactics.

He has scored 4 tackle points in three matches, which might seem less. However, his contribution in defence is much larger than that. If Malik has to thrive on Friday, he needs to get the better of Mumba’s captain.

Also Read: PKL 12: U Mumba vs Bengaluru Bulls prediction, possible starting 7, head-to-head & free live stream

Lokesh Ghosliya vs Akash Shinde

Akash Shinde is playing as a main raider for the first time in his PKL career. He did a great job in the first match, where he scored a Super 10. However, when exerted under pressure in the second match, he struggled.

It’s still a learning phase for Shinde, but he must pick up the pace and get back on track soon. The Bulls’ performance will depend on Shinde, and if he finds his rhythm early in the match, he might be able to put pressure on the opponents.

On the other hand, Lokesh Ghosliya has been in stellar form this season for U Mumba. Ghosliya has scored 11 tackle points in 3 matches, and has been consistent throughout. If he can continue his form in the upcoming clash and keep Shinde under pressure, that might be a match-winning performance for his team.

Ajit Chouhan vs Ankush Rathee

Ajit Chouhan is U Mumba’s main raider and has been brilliant since his debut in the last season. Chouhan is slowly getting into his rhythm, and his performance has improved with each match this season. He scored a Super 10 against Haryana, unfortunately ending on the losing side in the tie-breaker.

However, if Chouhan continues to stay in his rhythm, U Mumba’s job will get much easier in the upcoming matches. Unfortunately for the Bulls, their captain, Ankush Rathee, has not been in his best form.

Although he struck a solid High 5 in the season opener, Rathee failed to score any points in the second match. Rathee’s performance had an impact on the team’s performance, because Yogesh Dahiya at the other end has not been able to make any impact so far.

If Rathee and Shinde can come together and replicate the performance of the first match of the season, the Bulls might spark a chance of winning against U Mumba. Otherwise, U Mumba can steal a dominating win against Bengaluru Bulls in their upcoming clash.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Kabaddi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.