PKL 12: Top five best players of U Mumba in Pro Kabaddi 2025

U Mumba have retained the core of their squad.

U Mumba finally qualified for the playoffs in the previous edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL), for the first time since the seventh instalment of the competition. Their performance was full of ups and downs, but they eventually finished fifth in the league table with 71 points, having won 12, lost 8, and drawn two matches. However, the season-two champions were eliminated in the Eliminator of PKL 11, where they lost 23-31 against Patna Pirates.

U Mumba management has decided to back most of the players. While the likes of Sunil Kumar, Ajit Chouhan and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh were retained, Rinku and Parvesh Bhainswal were brought back into their ranks by exercising the FBM (Final Bid Match) Card. Interestingly, they have shelled out a lot of money on two young raiders: Rs. 78 lakhs for Aanil Mohan and Rs. 49 lakhs for Sandeep Kumar in PKL 12.

Also Read: Exclusive: PKL likely to undergo big changes with possible alterations in format, duration

As the season approaches, let us now have a look at the top five players in the squad, who can play a huge role in determining where the team finishes in PKL 12.

5- Parvesh Bhainswal

Parvesh Bhainswal is an experienced campaigner in the league, having featured in eight seasons and is placed ninth in the list of most tackle points in the history of the tournament. He has scored a total of 348 tackle points in 160 matches, at a tackle strike rate of 47% (nineteen high 5s).

The left cover had formed a stellar pair with Sunil Kumar, representing the Gujarat Giants in three seasons and was united with his cousin last time at U Mumba. The 28-year-old had the second-best stats for a left cover in PKL 11, with 38 tackle points in 23 outings.

4- Amirmohammad Zafardanesh

Iranian all-rounder Amirmohammad Zafardanesh has arguably the quickest feet in the league. However, he has to convert potential into performance. Having been picked up at a massive price by U Mumba ahead of the tenth edition, he accumulated 141 raid points in 20 matches at a success rate of 51.08% with six super 10s.

However, he couldn’t replicate this in the next season, scoring just 65 raid points in 21 games. Hearteningly, though, he had a crucial role in defence. Not only did he score 23 tackle points (at 47%), but he also had several assists.

3- Rinku Sharma

Rinku Sharma has cemented himself as the right corner for U Mumba in the last four seasons. He has a tally of 192 tackle points in 72 games at a rate of 47%, including nine high 5s. While the lad from Sonipat was the sixth on the list of most tackle points in the eighth and ninth editions, he was ruled out due to an injury in PKL 10 after playing nine matches.

That seemed to have an impact in the subsequent season, as he scored 45 tackle points in 22 outings, at a tackle strike rate of just 41%. Nevertheless, the team has decided to put their faith in the 24-year-old again.

2- Ajit Chouhan

Ajit Chouhan was drafted in as a New Young Player (NYP) ahead of PKL 11. Fair to say, he set the stage on fire on his debut for U Mumba. He racked up a total of 185 raid points in 23 matches, at a raid strike rate of 61.46% (nine super 10s). The Maharashtrian lad finished as the fourth-best raider.

His power was a standout feature, as he managed to burst through defensive units, depicted by the fact that he had the most number of super raids (9). Having slackened in the second half, the season 2 champions would be looking for an even bigger season from him in PKL 12.

Also Read: PKL 12: Telugu Titans full squad list ft. Vijay Malik

1- Sunil Kumar

Sunil Kumar, the most successful skipper in the history of the competition, will again have to play a huge role if U Mumba has to go all the way. Having debuted in the fourth season, the right cover has accumulated 390 tackle points in 160 matches, at a strike rate of 49% with twenty-three high 5s.

Having won the title with the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the ninth instalment of the league, he broke his own record being the most expensive Indian defender in the PKL 11 auctions. The 28-year-old from Sonipat delivered with 54 tackle points in 23 games, apart from also having the most number of assists.

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