Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction: 3 players U Mumba should target ft. Pardeep Narwal
Former champions U Mumba will enter the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction with ₹2.88 crore in their purse. U Mumba were among the most consistent teams of PKL in the initial seasons, but as the years have passed, the Mumbai-based franchise's performance has declined.
Last season, U Mumba failed to qualify for the playoffs after recording only six victories in 22 matches. The team management showed enormous faith in young talent. However, the results did not meet the expectations, which has compelled the coaches to release the majority of the big names from the squad.
U Mumba have retained their star Iranian all-rounder Mohammadamir Zafardanesh for the new season. Even Rinku Sharma and Shivam Thakur have been retained ahead of the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction, but the team still needs to fill up a lot of positions. Here are three players which the Mumbai-based franchise should target at the auction.
#1 U Mumba should go hard for Pardeep Narwal at Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction
U Mumba have a solid young raider in Mohammadamir Zafardanesh. They now need an experienced raider, who can form a lethal pair with Zafardanesh. Former three-time PKL-winning raider Pardeep Narwal can be an excellent option for this role.
Narwal was with the UP Yoddhas in the last three seasons, and the team qualified for the playoffs twice. Known as the 'Dubki King of PKL', Narwal owns the record for the highest raid points by a player in the tournament's history.
Plus, he has enormous captaincy experience under his belt, having captained in more than 100 PKL matches of his career. If U Mumba rope in Narwal, he can not only be Zafardanesh's raiding partner but also the team's skipper, helping the team solve two problems with one signing.
#2 Surjeet Singh
Another position which U Mumba need to fill at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction is the right cover defender. Once again, the Mumbai-based franchise should look for an experienced campaigner, and Surjeet Singh can be a perfect fit here.
Singh was with the Bengaluru Bulls last season. The block specialist earned 56 points in PKL 10. Still, the Bulls did not retain him. Considering the experience and skills that Singh brings to the table, U Mumba should try to acquire his services at the Pro Kabaddi 2024 Auction.
#3 Darpan Chauhan
U Mumba also need a left cover defender in their squad. There aren't too many experienced options available in that category, but a rising star like Darpan Chauhan can do the job for U Mumba at this position.
Darpan turned up for the Bengal Warriorz in his debut PKL season last year and scored 13 points in nine matches. Although he could not record a High 5 or execute a super tackle, Darpan showed signs of becoming a top defender in the future.
Since U Mumba showed so much faith in young players last season, they should aim to recruit Darpan this year and give him opportunities at the left cover position. The duo of Surjeet Singh and Darpan can work wonders for the team if they gel well.