PKL 2024: Who is Ajit Chavan? All you need to know about U Mumba's raider in PKL 11
Ajit Chavan has quickly emerged as one of the most promising talents in Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 11, proving himself as a game-changing raider for U Mumba. Known for his agility, skill, and confidence, the young raider has already established a reputation for his ability to perform under pressure, often securing crucial points for his team when they need them the most.
Born on August 10, 2005, Ajit Chavan has shown early promise in Maharashtra's kabaddi circuits, particularly at the Khelo India Youth Games, where his impressive performances have set him apart as a rising star.
His performance in the 2023 KMP Yuva Kabaddi Series was particularly notable; Chavan scored an impressive 239 raid points in just 19 matches, averaging 12.89 raid points per game, which earned him the Best Raider award. Additionally, his skills were on display at the senior level as well, as he won the Best Player award at the state-level Satej Tournament in 2023.
Chavan joined U Mumba this season as a New Young Player (NYP) signing and made an instant impact, grabbing the spotlight with his fearless approach and commendable consistency. Making his PKL debut against Dabang Delhi, he wasted no time in delivering, achieving a Super 10 in his very first match.
With a background of notable achievements, including the title of Best Raider in the 2023 KMP Yuva Kabaddi Series and Best Player at the Satej Tournament, Chavan is now showcasing his talent at the highest level in PKL 11.
Ajit Chavan's showdown against Patna Pirates
One of Ajit Chavan's standout performances this season so far came against the Patna Pirates, where he played a pivotal role in U Mumba's narrow 42-40 victory at the GMCB Indoor Stadium.
Chavan’s attacking skills were on full display as he racked up an impressive 19 raid points from 18 raids, overshadowing Patna's raider Devank Dalal, who managed 15 points. Though Patna Pirates secured the game’s first all-out thanks to a two-point raid by Ayan, Chavan quickly shifted the momentum. His timely Super Raid not only closed the gap but eventually led to Patna’s all-out, putting U Mumba in the lead.
As the first half concluded with U Mumba leading 24-21, Chavan’s presence on the mat made it challenging for Patna Pirates to regain control. His raiding success prevented Patna from taking a secure lead despite their consistent scoring efforts.
In the final moments of the match, Ajit Chavan’s strategic raids leveled the score and left the Pirates on the verge of defeat, eventually allowing Amirmohammad Zafardanesh to secure an all-out and seal U Mumba’s victory by two points.
Impressive stats in debut season so far
The young sensational raider has taken everyone by storm already in the PKL. Since joining U Mumba this season, Ajit Chavan has participated in eight matches, proving his potential with a stellar record already.
He has accumulated 66 raid points at an average of 8.25 raid points per game, which includes three Super Raids and three Super 10s. His ability to deliver clutch performances against top teams like Patna Pirates and Dabang Delhi has already made him a standout player in his debut season.