U Mumba, a name synonymous with early Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 2025) success, is gearing up for Season 11 with hopes of reclaiming the glory that seems to have eluded them in recent years. The Mumboys, champions in Season 2, have struggled in recent campaigns, but with a solid defensive line and fresh faces, they are ready to rewrite their fortunes. Let’s dive into what makes this team tick and what we can expect from them this season.
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The Head Coach: Gholamreza Mazandarani
Leading the charge for U Mumba in PKL Season 11 is the experienced Iranian coach, Gholamreza Mazandarani. Having previously coached the team in Seasons 6 and 10, Mazandarani is no stranger to the U Mumba setup. His tactical acumen was evident when he guided the Iranian national team to gold at the 2018 Asian Games. This season, his focus will be on optimizing U Mumba’s strengths and addressing their weaknesses, especially in a revamped squad.
U Mumba’s Performance in Previous Seasons
The last three seasons have been underwhelming for U Mumba, with early exits during the league stage. Despite showing promise, inconsistencies in both defence and raiding led to their downfall. In Season 8, they lacked a reliable raider to step up in crucial moments. Season 9 saw defensive lapses costing them critical matches, while Season 10 highlighted their struggles with maintaining momentum throughout the campaign. Learning from these, the management decided to overhaul the squad for Season 11.
| Seasons | Total | Wins | Tied | Losses | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 16 | 9 | 3 | 4 | Runners-Up |
| Season 2 | 16 | 14 | 0 | 2 | Champions |
| Season 3 | 16 | 13 | 0 | 3 | Runners-Up |
| Season 4 | 14 | 7 | 1 | 6 | 5/8 |
| Season 5 | 22 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 7/12 |
| Season 6 | 23 | 15 | 2 | 6 | 3/12 |
| Season 7 | 24 | 13 | 2 | 9 | 4/12 |
| Season 8 | 22 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 10/12 |
| Season 9 | 22 | 10 | 0 | 12 | 9/12 |
| Season 10 | 22 | 6 | 3 | 13 | 10/12 |
Revamping the Squad for Season 11
U Mumba’s management made bold moves during the PKL Season 11 Auction, securing players who can add balance to both attack and defence. The major acquisition was Sunil Kumar, one of PKL’s most experienced defenders, who will lead the defensive unit. The addition of promising young talents and seasoned all-rounders showcases the team’s intent to build a well-rounded squad capable of competing at the highest level.
The Defensive Line-up
A major highlight for U Mumba is their formidable defensive setup. Sunil Kumar, a veteran with 336 tackle points, headlines the defence. Joining him are stalwarts like Parvesh Bhainswal and Rinku. These players bring not only experience but also a reputation for performing in high-pressure situations. With Gokulakannan M, Bittu, and Sombir also in the mix, U Mumba’s defence looks solid on paper.
- Sunil Kumar’s Role and Impact: Sunil Kumar, with his impressive track record, will be the linchpin for U Mumba’s defence. His leadership qualities and tackling ability make him a crucial figure in the team’s plans.
- Key Defenders: Parvesh Bhainswal and Rinku: Both defenders have been consistent performers in the PKL. Parvesh, with 310 tackle points, and Rinku, with 147, offer depth and reliability, making them vital components of U Mumba’s strategy.
All-rounder Options: Zafardanesh and Manjeet
With Guman Singh no longer part of the squad, U Mumba’s raiding responsibilities will fall heavily on Amirmohammad Zafardanesh and Manjeet. Zafardanesh, U Mumba’s second-highest raid points scorer in Season 10, is a versatile player who can contribute in both offence and defence. Manjeet, with over 600 raid points to his name, has the potential to become a primary raider. The challenge will be whether he can rise to this new role.
U Mumba Squad for PKL Season 11
Amirmohammad Zafardanesh, Rinku, Shivam, Bittu, Gokulakannan M, Mukilan Shanmugam, Sombir, Sunny, Deepak Kundu, Lokesh Gosliya, Ajit Chouhan, Sunil Kumar, Manjeet, Amin Ghorbani, Parvesh Bhainswal, Shubham Kumar, M. Dhanasekar, Stuwart Singh, Vishal Choudhary, Aashish Kumar, Sathish Kannan.
U Mumba’s Offensive Strategy
The departure of Guman Singh leaves a significant gap in the raiding department. However, this provides an opportunity for Manjeet and Zafardanesh to establish themselves as elite raiders. With the support of Shivam, another promising raider, U Mumba’s attack might surprise opponents who underestimate their capabilities.
The Threat of Inexperience
One of the biggest challenges for U Mumba this season is the inexperience within the squad. Ten players are yet to debut in the PKL, and several others have limited exposure at this level. If their key players underperform, the team will have to rely on these newcomers to fill the gaps. Whether they can step up to the challenge remains a critical question.
Opportunities for Young Players
PKL Season 11 offers a platform for emerging talents like Shivam to prove their worth. With the backing of experienced players and a strategic coach, these young players have the potential to become future stars of the league.
Key Matches to Watch in PKL Season 11
U Mumba’s fixtures against top teams like Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls will be pivotal. These matches will test their defensive strategies and the effectiveness of their raiding unit.
U Mumba’s Rivals in the League
Teams like Bengal Warriors, Dabang Delhi, and Patna Pirates pose significant threats to U Mumba’s title ambitions. Analyzing their strengths and devising strategies to counter these teams will be crucial for U Mumba’s success.
Fan Support and Home Advantage
U Mumba’s fan base is one of the most passionate in the PKL. Home games offer a morale boost, and their support could be a game-changer in close contests.
Predictions and Expectations for PKL Season 11
Experts suggest U Mumba could be dark horses this season. If their defence clicks and their raiders find form, they have the potential to make a deep run in the playoffs.
U Mumba Schedule for PKL 2025
| Date | Day | Team A | Team B | City | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-Oct | Friday | Dabang Delhi KC | U Mumba | Hyderabad | 21:00 |
| 23-Oct | Wednesday | Gujarat Giants | U Mumba | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
| 26-Oct | Saturday | U Mumba | Bengal Warriorz | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
| 31-Oct | Thursday | U Mumba | Jaipur Pink Panthers | Hyderabad | 21:00 |
| 03-Nov | Sunday | Puneri Paltan | U Mumba | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
| 05-Nov | Tuesday | U Mumba | Dabang Delhi KC | Hyderabad | 20:00 |
| 06-Nov | Wednesday | Patna Pirates | U Mumba | Hyderabad | 21:00 |
| 10-Nov | Sunday | UP Yoddhas | U Mumba | NOIDA | 20:00 |
| 12-Nov | Tuesday | U Mumba | Haryana Steelers | NOIDA | 21:00 |
| 14-Nov | Thursday | Tamil Thalaivas | U Mumba | NOIDA | 21:00 |
| 18-Nov | Monday | Bengaluru Bulls | U Mumba | NOIDA | 20:00 |
| 20-Nov | Wednesday | Telugu Titans | U Mumba | NOIDA | 21:00 |
| 25-Nov | Monday | U Mumba | Bengaluru Bulls | NOIDA | 20:00 |
| 28-Nov | Thursday | U Mumba | Telugu Titans | NOIDA | 21:00 |
| 03-Dec | Tuesday | U Mumba | Puneri Paltan | Pune | 21:00 |
| 08-Dec | Sunday | U Mumba | Gujarat Giants | Pune | 21:00 |
| 11-Dec | Wednesday | U Mumba | Tamil Thalaivas | Pune | 21:00 |
| 15-Dec | Sunday | U Mumba | UP Yoddhas | Pune | 21:00 |
| 19-Dec | Thursday | U Mumba | Patna Pirates | Pune | 21:00 |
| 24-Dec | Tuesday | Bengal Warriorz | U Mumba | Pune | 21:00 |
FAQs on U Mumba’s PKL Journey
U Mumba won their only PKL title in Season 2.
Gholamreza Mazandarani is leading the team as head coach for PKL Season 11.
Sunil Kumar, Parvesh Bhainswal, and Rinku are crucial defenders for the team.
The team’s biggest challenge is the inexperience of their squad and the loss of their primary raider.
Manjeet and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh are expected to lead the raiding department.
With a strong defence and if the raiders perform well, U Mumba has a good chance of making it to the playoffs.
