U Mumba Aims for PKL Glory with New Coach and Young Talent

U Mumba, the champions of Pro Kabaddi League Season 2, is prepping to secure their second title as PKL Season 12 kicks off on August 29. Led by skipper Sunil Kumar, the team ended the last season with a solid record of 12 victories in 22 matches, securing a spot in the playoffs for the first time in three years, only to fall to Patna Pirates in Eliminator 2.

In a significant development, the franchise replaced its head coach Gholamreza Mazandarani with Anil Chaprana for the upcoming season. Chaprana, who previously served as U Mumba's head coach and later as an assistant coach for the Patna Pirates, returns to lead U Mumba. Under Chaprana's guidance as an assistant, U Mumba reached the playoffs in Season 11 for the first time since 2019.

The team strengthened its lineup by retaining key players and securing strategic signings, notably acquiring all-rounder Aanil Mohan at the PKL Season 12 Player Auction. However, U Mumba faces challenges such as the exit of key raider Manjeet and overall squad inexperience, which could impact their performance as they open their campaign against the Gujarat Giants on August 30.

(With inputs from agencies.)