As the Pro Kabaddi League Season 11 is about to kick-off, U Mumba is looking to regain the glory that it has managed to capture during its Season 2.
The Mumbai-based team that has famously shown aggressive vigor and is known for their tenacity has done much-needed changes in the squad to give them a good chance of winning the title again. Here's how they are going to get their journey started with a grueling opener against Season 8 Champions Dabang Delhi K.C on October 18, 2023, in Hyderabad.
Let's dive into U Mumba's schedule, their renewed squad, and how they'll turn the tables after recent disappointments.
The New PKL 11 Format: A Cluster Caravan
The PKL, this season, is conducted in a cluster caravan format, where matches are held across three cities- Hyderabad, Noida, and Pune. Every day is a doubleheader with back-to-back games, and with just two rest days throughout the league stage, the action is relentless. Fast action means fast starters, and that is the way it is for teams.
U Mumba campaign begins in Hyderabad, playing all of their seven matches, then the second leg of their journey in Noida, and finishing off the league stage in Pune, which is their home state though a different city from their usual home ground.
U Mumba's Hyderabad Leg: Bumpy Ride
U Mumba will begin with a tightly contested couple of matches-on-the-tap. Dabang Delhi K.C. await in the league opener; the arch-rivals Jaipur Pink Panthers on October 31; and then defending champions Puneri Paltan on November 3-three early matches that can dictate much of the rest of their season.
But that isn't the only challenge for U Mumba. The match against Patna Pirates on November 6 is going to be a much-awaited one as it's their last game in Hyderabad. This will be a very important game, as U Mumba will look to pick up useful points before shifting to the Noida leg.
Hyderabad Leg Must-Watch Games:
18 Oct: Dabang Delhi K.C., 9:00 PM
31 Oct: Jaipur Pink Panthers, 9:00 PM
3 Nov: Puneri Paltan, 8:00 PM
November 6: vs Patna Pirates, 9:00 PM
U Mumba in Noida: Tough Challenge to Face
U Mumba will have to face some of the tougher opponents in the league. The Noida leg begins with a game against UP Yoddhas on 10 November. They will also play two matches against Bengaluru Bulls and conclude this leg with a much-needed game against Telugu Titans on 28 November.
The home leg is going to be challenging for U Mumba, and they have to be very tactical not to commit a single mistake in this phase.
Noida Leg Must Watch Matchs:
Nov 10: vs UP Yoddhas, 8:00 PM
Nov 14: vs Tamil Thalaivas, 9:00 PM
Nov 25: vs Bengaluru Bulls, 8:00 PM
Nov 28: vs Telugu Titans, 9:00 PM
Pune Leg: Last Gasp of the Playoffs
U Mumba's homecoming, but this time around in Pune, promises to be a thrilling phase of the league stage. They begin by locking horns with the defending champions Puneri Paltan on December 3 and will see out their eight games in Pune. Every one of those games will prove crucial for seeking a fourth spot and possibly a playoff berth.
Some quality league matches, due to some familiar faces lined up in the last games, shall define the success of U Mumba in the Pune leg-Matches against Jaipur Pink Panthers, Patna Pirates, and Bengal Warriorz will show the results of the league in the last few games.
Key Matches at Pune Leg:
December 3: vs Puneri Paltan, 9:00 PM
December 5: vs Jaipur Pink Panthers, 9:00 PM
December 19: vs Patna Pirates, 9:00 PM
December 24: vs Bengal Warriorz, 9:00 PM
Can U Mumba Retain Their Brilliance?
U Mumba haven't been able to make it to the playoffs since their semifinal show in Season 7, despite an early promise last season when they strung together five consecutive wins. But what was yet to come was completely catastrophic and subsequently found them ending at a lowly 10th position with a dismal 45 points after failing to win any of their final 14 games.
As a bid to change their fortunes, U Mumba have gone about changing their squad wholesale. Of the major acquisitions for the gaffer, two of the most experienced and successful cover defenders in PKL history—Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bhainswal—are touted as game changers by this writer. This duo might provide the stability U Mumba has been missing in defense, and with them around, U Mumba must be given control over the tempo of the game.
In the raiding department, Manjeet Dahiya's signing will help support retained stars Rinku and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh. It will add depth and experience to the team.
U Mumba's Star Players for PKL 11
Sunil Kumar and Parvesh Bhainswal:
This defensive combination has excellent experience. They will be able to hold down U Mumba's defence. Co-ordination will be key in shutting opposition raiders.
Manjeet Dahiya:
A constant raider, Manjeet should spearhead the attack for U Mumba and make great combinations with Rinku and Amirmohammad Zafardanesh.
Rinku:
Sustained from the previous season, the agility of Rinku along with smart raiding makes him one player to watch out for.
U Mumba had been through a lot of transformation to break the disappointment inflicted on them in recent matches. They are now blessed with a fresh squad, backed by a powerful defence and a capable raiding unit-the necessary tools to break away with great performance. However, their test would be to keep this consistency in all three legs: Hyderabad, Noida, and Pune.
Their journey to the second PKL title will have many twists and turns but if the new signings can click in quick time, and the players remain fit, U Mumba is as good as anybody for a long-drawn playoff phase. Fans will be eagerly looking forward to seeing if the Men in Orange and Black can deliver and make their mark in PKL 11.
U Mumba's Entire Schedule in PKL 11
Hyderabad Leg
Oct 18: Dabang Delhi K.C., 9:00 PM
Oct 23: Gujarat Giants, 8:00 PM
Oct 26: Bengal Warriorz, 8:00 PM
Oct 31: Jaipur Pink Panthers, 9:00 PM
Nov 3: Puneri Paltan, 8:00 PM
Nov 5: Dabang Delhi K.C., 8:00 PM
Nov 6: Patna Pirates, 9:00 PM
