Rising Ajit, Backing Youth: What We Learned From U Mumba’s Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 Campaign

For U Mumba, Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 signaled a change in approach and, consequently, in fortunes. The Mumbai-based franchise is a legacy team in PKL, participating in every edition since the very first in 2014. In the time elapsed, U Mumba have won one title and reached three finals, all in the first three years of PKL.

Having braced a slump over the past three editions, U Mumba returned to their near-best in PKL Season 11 and secured a playoff berth for the first time since 2019. The Mumbai side won 12 games, their most since Season 7, and stormed through to the latter stages of the tournament on the back of a strong core and standout individual performances. Despite falling in the playoffs, here is what we learned from U Mumba’s campaign:

One of the fresh faces of Pro Kabaddi League Season 11, 19-year-old Ajit Chouhan made an instant impact. Hailing from Pune and idolising Indian legend Anup Kumar, who was a part of the U Mumba outfit that won PKL in 2015, Ajit enjoyed a stellar season, announcing himself as one to watch for the present and the future.

Ajit was scouted following his excellent performances in the Yuva Kabaddi Series, where he showcased his readiness for the bigger stage that is PKL. He emerged as one of the league’s top raiders, topping the charts for Super Raids with nine in 23 games. He also scored the fifth-most points overall (186) and ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in Super Raids and Successful Raids categories. His ability to execute match-winning raids under pressure was instrumental in U Mumba’s playoff run.

Since the appointment of Suhail Chandhok as CEO in 2023, U Mumba’s approach to PKL auctions has marked a strategic shift, prioritising young talent over marquee signings. This was evident in their pre-season recruitment ahead of Season 11, which introduced promising 19-year-olds like Ajit Chouhan and Lokesh Ghosliya while retaining the likes of 24-year-old Rinku and 20-year-old Iranian All-Rounder Amirmohammad Zafardanesh. These players rapidly grew into pivotal contributors, becoming the backbone of the team as the season unfolded.

The mix of emerging stars like Ajit and Amirmohammad with experienced players like Sunil Kumar, Parvesh Bhainswal, and Manjeet created a balanced and dynamic squad. U Mumba’s focus on nurturing potential supercharged their campaign and positioned them as a team to watch in the coming seasons, with the groundwork for sustained success now in place.

Acknowledging the need for leadership on and off the mat, U Mumba made a significant investment by signing Sunil Kumar for over ₹1 crore in the PKL Season 11 auction. Sunil was immediately entrusted with the captaincy and rose to the occasion spectacularly.

Under his leadership, not only did U Mumba reach their first playoffs since 2019 but Sunil himself set personal milestones, becoming the most successful captain in PKL history. His ability to lead from the front and inspire teammates was a cornerstone of U Mumba’s resurgence.

U Mumba’s start and finish to the regular season were identical in their symmetry, yet they told vastly differing tales. The Mumbai-based franchise started slow, winning two, losing two, and tying one of their first five games–doing enough to stay close to the playoff spots. Towards the end of the season, U Mumba showed grit and determination to eke out wins and cross the finish line, winning three, losing three, and tying one of their seven games.

PKL, however, witnessed the best of U Mumba in between those two spells. Peaking at the right time, the team won seven and lost just three of their ten games between November 3 and December 3, building a robust platform for the season ahead, which culminated in a playoff run.

U Mumba’s rejuvenation this season was driven by a well-balanced squad that combined youthful energy with seasoned experience. Key new signings like Ajit Chouhan, Parvesh Bhainswal, and Manjeet led the charge, while retained players like Rinku and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh ensured consistency and depth.

Guided by head coach Gholamreza Mazandarani and assistant coach Anil Chaprana, U Mumba focused on building not just a starting seven but a bench that could impact games at crucial moments. Captain Sunil Kumar, star raider Ajit Chouhan, and experienced heads Parvesh Bhainswal and Manjeet played in all 23 games; Rinku participated in 22 matches, while Amirmohammad Zafardanesh in 21. Rohit Raghav, who joined as an injury replacement, delivered strong performances whenever given the chance. This mix of energy and experience proved vital in close contests and highlighted the team’s depth and planning.

U Mumba’s PKL Season 11 campaign may not have ended with a title, but it marked the start of an exciting new chapter for the franchise. By embracing youth, investing in strong leadership, and developing a resilient core, the team has laid a solid foundation for future success.