Pro Kabaddi League: What is the longest winning streak in PKL history?
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 is in full swing, having commenced on October 18. Over the past decade, the league has seen countless records and standout performances, keeping fans glued to the action. Among these records, one question remains at the forefront for many fans - which team hold the longest winning streak in PKL history?
In the storied history of PKL, several teams have gone on dominant runs, but none can match the remarkable achievement of U Mumba. The Mumbai-based franchise hold the record for the longest winning streak in the league, with 11 consecutive victories. This extraordinary run took place during PKL 3, following their title-winning campaign in PKL 2, further cementing U Mumba's status as a powerhouse in the early seasons of the league.
U Mumba, under the inspirational leadership of legendary captain Anup Kumar, was a dominant force in the formative years of PKL. They reached the finals in the inaugural season, claimed the title in PKL 2, and made their way to the finals again in PKL 3. During this third season, U Mumba embarked on their record-breaking 11-game winning streak, a feat that remains unbeaten.
Fresh off their PKL 2 triumph, U Mumba entered Season 3 brimming with confidence. They finished at the top of the points table with an impressive 12 wins in 14 matches, 11 of which came consecutively.
Their remarkable run continued into the semifinals of PKL 3, where they defeated Bengal Warriorz 41-29, inching closer to another title. However, their winning streak came to a heartbreaking end in the final. Despite a valiant effort, U Mumba lost to Patna Pirates by a narrow margin of 28-31. While their streak was broken, their record of 11 consecutive wins remains intact to this day.
U Mumba’s performance in PKL over the years
U Mumba’s early seasons in PKL were marked by unprecedented success. Reaching the finals in the first three seasons, including a title win in PKL 2, the team established itself as a PKL giant. However, after their loss in the PKL 3 final, U Mumba's form began to wane. They struggled in PKL 4 and 5, failing to qualify for the playoffs in both seasons.
While U Mumba showed flashes of their former selves in PKL 6 and 7, reaching the playoffs in both editions, they have yet to replicate their early dominance or return to a final since PKL 3. The past few seasons have been particularly tough, with U Mumba missing out on the playoffs for three consecutive years.
U Mumba will hope to turn their fortunes around under the captaincy of defender Sunil Kumar in PKL 11. After a mixed start to the season, they currently stand with one win and one loss in their first two games. They began PKL 11 with a 36-28 defeat to Dabang Delhi KC but bounced back in their second fixture, securing a 27-33 victory against Gujarat Giants. U Mumba will next face Bengal Warriorz on Saturday, October 26, where they will aim to build momentum and climb the PKL standings.