PKL 12: Why did U Mumba release head coach Rakesh Kumar ahead of auction?

Rakesh Kumar was appointed the head coach in February this year.

With only a week left for the Pro Kabaddi League 12 auction, which is scheduled to be held in Mumbai on May 31 and June 1, U Mumba parted ways with their head coach Rakesh Kumar on Sunday.

The franchise shared the news through their official social media handle, stating: “After multiple conversations and with careful consideration towards the time and commitment needed in the immediate future of U Mumba through Pro Kabaddi and the rest of the year, the Team and Head Coach Rakesh Kumar have mutually decided to respectfully part ways.”

Former India captain and Arjuna Awardee, Rakesh Kumar, who represented U Mumba as a player in Seasons 3 and 4, was appointed in February. After a tumultuous season, U Mumba had lost to Patna Pirates in Eliminator 1 under the then head coach Gholamreza Mazandarani, prompting the management to bring in Rakesh for a fresh direction.

Also Read: PKL 12: List of players released, retained by U Mumba ahead of auction

CEO Suhail Chandhok explains the reason behind parting ways with Rakesh Kumar

U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok later released a video message to explain the reasoning behind the decision.“Since then, we have had a couple of changes. Our direction for each year has changed a little. The commitment we wanted now goes beyond Pro Kabaddi, which includes the Yuva Mumba campaign and it requires 365 days of work. We have had quite a few conversations with Rakesh regarding this. We have lot of respect for each other, and we will revisit this on a later date. “

“We still continue to keep up with our goals, to win and nurture talents, and the new Pro Kabaddi policies align with them. So it was better to make the decision now. Our release and retentions were done in accordance with the new coaching staff, whom we will announce shortly.”

U Mumba’s player Retentions and surprising releases

As part of their PKL 12 preparations, U Mumba have retained key performers from their previous campaign. Captain Sunil Kumar leads the list, while impactful all-rounder Rohit Raghav and Iranian star Amir Mohammad Zafardanesh also continue.

Youngsters like Mukilan Shanmugam, Ajit Chouhan, Lokesh Ghosliya, Sunny Sheokand, and Deepak Kundu have also been retained under the NYP category.

However, the list of released players includes several big names. In a surprising move, long-time defender and vice-captain Rinku Sharma, who had been with the team since Season 8, was released.

Defenders Parvesh Bhainswal and Sombir, along with raider Manjeet Dahiya—seen as a key part of their attack—were also let go.

Heading into the auction on May 31 and June 1 in Mumbai, U Mumba will be aiming to fill gaps in their corner defence and possibly sign an experienced raider to support Ajit Chouhan and Zafardanesh.

The upcoming signings and the announcement of a new head coach are expected to shape the team’s roadmap for Season 12.

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