Pro Kabaddi 2024: 5 players U Mumba might retain before PKL 12 ft. Ajit Chouhan, Sunil Kumar
Pro Kabaddi League Season 2 champions U Mumba had a decent outing in PKL 2024. The Mumbai-based franchise qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2019, but their campaign ended in the Eliminator round at the hands of Patna Pirates.
U Mumba finished fifth in the Pro Kabaddi League 2024 points table, having earned 71 points from 22 matches. The Mumbai-based team registered 12 wins, eight defeats and two draws in the league stage. In the Eliminator, they lost by 23-31 against the Patna Pirates.
Overall, it was a decent season for U Mumba, and they might prefer retaining the following five players for the next edition of the PKL.
#1 U Mumba will likely retain Ajit Chouhan
Left raider Ajit Chouhan was the find of the season for U Mumba in PKL 2024. The rising star is among the top 5 raiders of the competition, having scored 185 raid points in 23 matches.
Chouhan's swiftness helped him trouble the opposition defenders a lot throughout the season. He scored nine Super 10s and also executed nine super raids, which is why the Mumbai-based franchise should retain him.
#2 Sunil Kumar
Captain Sunil Kumar played a huge role in the success of the Mumbai-based franchise in Pro Kabaddi 2024. His leadership ensured that the team returned to the playoffs for the first time in five years.
Kumar not only did a great job as a captain but he also played his part well in the defense. The right cover specialist scored 54 points in 23 matches. Notably, he recorded three High 5s and eight super tackles.
#3 Parvesh Bhainswal
Although Parvesh Bhainswal's individual performance was not up to the mark, the Mumbai-based franchise should retain him for the next season. The reason behind it is Parvesh's excellent comination with Sunil.
When the duo of Parvesh and Sunil is together at the covers, the opposition raider is always under pressure. An experienced player like Parvesh can bounce back stronger in PKL 12 if backed by the franchise.
#4 Satish Kannan
Right raider Satish Kannan was bought for just ₹13 lakh by the Mumbai-based franchise at the Pro Kabaddi League 2024 Auction. Satish did not get too many opportunities to play, but he impressed fans whenever he got a chance.
In all, Satish scored 12 points in five matches at a raid strike rate of 71%. U Mumba should retain him for the next season and groom him during the off season so he can start with Ajit Chouhan in the playing seven.
#5 Rohit Raghav
All-rounder Rohit Raghav was a late addition to the Mumbai-based franchise. He earned 79 points in 21 matches, but most importantly, Rohit scored points for the team when they needed it the most. In a press conference during the season, captain Sunil Kumar highlighted Rohit's importance and said:
"First and foremost, let's talk about Rohit. I think he is the best replacement signing of season 11. He was unlucky to go unsold at the auction. He is such a good raider and all-rounder. He did not deserve to go unsold, but he was unlucky. But afterwards, our team called him. I think there have been at least 8-10 matches, where Rohit has turned the momentum in our favor."
If U Mumba retain Sunil Kumar as captain for the next season, it should not be a surprise if they end up keeping Rohit Raghav in the squad as well. In fact, Raghav could feature in the playing seven regularly in PKL 12.