Two of Pro Kabaddi League’s most iconic teams are set to lock horns once again as Jaipur Pink Panthers host U Mumba in Match 48 of Season 12. This fixture isn’t just about points—it revives the memory of the inaugural PKL final when Jaipur beat U Mumba to claim the very first title.
Both sides arrive with identical records this season (4 wins, 3 losses), making this contest crucial in the race for playoff spots. While Jaipur’s momentum is on the rise, U Mumba must overcome injury concerns to keep their campaign steady.
Probable Lineups
Jaipur Pink Panthers
- Right Corner – Deepanshu Khatri
- Right In – Nitin Kumar
- Right Cover – Aashish
- Centre – Aryan Kumar
- Left Cover – Reza Mirbagheri
- Left In – Ali Choubtarash
- Left Corner – Nitin Rawal (C)
U Mumba
- Right Corner – Rinku
- Right In – A Zafardanesh
- Right Cover – Sunil Kumar (C)
- Centre – Anil
- Left Cover – Parvesh Bhainswal
- Left In – Ajit Chouhan
- Left Corner – Vijay Kumar
Rivalry
From PKL’s very first game to the 2014 final, Jaipur and U Mumba share history like no other. Their head-to-head is balanced at 11 wins each, with three draws across 25 matches. But recent seasons lean towards Jaipur, who have taken four of the last six meetings since Season 9.
That psychological advantage could play a big role, especially with both teams neck-and-neck in the mid-table.
Nitin Kumar: Jaipur’s Game Changer
If there’s one player who can tilt the match in Jaipur’s favour, it’s Nitin Kumar. The Iranian raider has been sensational this season—second only to Devank in raid average—with 87 raid points at 12.4 per match.
He already boasts six Super 10s in just seven outings and has shown incredible consistency against all defensive setups. With Ali Choubtarash providing efficient support, Jaipur’s attack looks increasingly dangerous.
Sunil Kumar’s Return
For U Mumba captain Sunil Kumar, this fixture is more than just another game. He famously led Jaipur to their Season 9 crown, and now faces his former team. After a slow start this year, Sunil has rediscovered his form with nine tackle points in the last three games—including a High 5.
His partnership with corner defender Rinku (16 tackle points so far) is vital for U Mumba, especially against a red-hot Nitin Kumar.
Jaipur’s Defence Still a Concern
While Jaipur’s raiding has flourished, their defence has been the weak link. They average just 8.6 tackle points per game—the second-lowest in PKL 12—and are the only team yet to register a High 5 this season.
Reza Mirbagheri and skipper Nitin Rawal have shown sparks of improvement, but consistency remains missing. If their defence falters again, even Nitin’s brilliance may not be enough.
U Mumba’s Attacking Struggles Without Ajit Chouhan
U Mumba’s campaign has been disrupted by the absence of star raider Ajit Chouhan, who picked up an injury after a strong start (39 raid points in 5 matches). His absence has forced the likes of A Zafardanesh and Anil to step up, though the results have been mixed.
Without Ajit’s reliability, U Mumba’s attack has lacked punch, putting more pressure on their defence to deliver.
Both teams sit on the playoff bubble, and this game could go a long way in shaping their mid-season trajectory. Jaipur will look to extend their recent dominance, while U Mumba need to prove they can win big matches without their lead raider.
Expect a tense, tactical battle where fine margins decide the outcome. If Jaipur’s defence holds up, their raiders could carry them home. But if U Mumba’s defenders continue their resurgence, they might just pull off an upset.
Match Details
- Fixture: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs U Mumba, Match 48 – PKL Season 12
- Date: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur