The race to the playoffs intensifies as U Mumba lock horns with Patna Pirates in Play-In 2 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. This is not just another match — it’s a do-or-die battle between history, momentum and raw individual brilliance. Patna ride into this fixture on the back of a five-game winning streak, inspired by young sensation Ayan. Meanwhile, U Mumba bank on defensive assurance under their captain and defensive leader, Sunil Kumar.
Patna Pirates – Revival Fueled by Ayan’s Heroics
Not long ago, Patna Pirates were struggling in the lower half of the table. Fast forward to now — they’re one of the most dangerous sides heading into the knockouts. And most of this turnaround is credited to Ayan, the breakout star of PKL 12.
With over 240 raid points to his name and 12 Super 10s, Ayan has cemented his place among the league’s top raiders. He has repeatedly dismantled opposition defences, especially in the second half of the season, delivering more than 15 raid points in three of his last four games. His success against six or seven defenders, super tackle setups, and pressure situations makes him a constant threat.
Patna’s defence, however, remains their biggest concern. Despite recent improvement, they still finished the league stage with the lowest average tackle points. Navdeep has been the saving grace for Patna’s backline, emerging as one of the most consistent right corners of the season. Captain Ankit and Balaji have shown glimpses of form but inconsistency continues to haunt this unit.
U Mumba – Defence Led by Sunil Kumar Takes Centre Stage
Unlike Patna, U Mumba’s journey has been built on defensive discipline. Skipper Sunil Kumar has led the side with unmatched consistency, becoming the only player in PKL 12 to record 50+ tackle points and 50+ assists. His ability to lead from the left cover and produce match-defining tackles in crunch moments has been integral to U Mumba’s campaign.
Defensively, U Mumba boast one of the best units this season. They are among the top two sides in average tackle points and enter the knockouts after securing at least 14 tackle points in each of their last four encounters. Rinku has been a dependable presence at the right corner, adding steel to their formation.
Raiding, however, remains their weaker link. While Ajit Chouhan and Sandeep have done enough to keep U Mumba competitive, they lack the explosiveness of other top raiding units. Ajit found form at the right time with back-to-back Super 10s, and Sandeep provides steady support, but both have struggled in super tackle situations — an area Patna may exploit.
Key Duel: Ayan vs Sunil Kumar
This match could boil down to one of the most enthralling battles of the season — Ayan’s fearless raiding against Sunil Kumar’s sharp defensive instincts. Ayan thrives against full defensive setups and loves taking on super tackles, while Sunil is known for his composure, body balance and timing.
Their head-to-head earlier this season saw Ayan score 21 raid points, but U Mumba’s defence is far more structured now. One defining moment between these two could swing the match.
What’s at Stake?
- Winner advances to the Eliminator; loser exits PKL 12.
- Patna seek to extend their five-match winning momentum.
- U Mumba want to prove defence still wins knockout games.
- Ayan’s brilliance vs Sunil Kumar’s leadership – a battle of generations.
Head-to-Head Narrative
Historically, U Mumba have dominated this rivalry with 14 wins in 24 matches. They also won the previous meeting this season by a single point (40–39), proving this matchup often goes down to the final raid. But Patna’s recent momentum makes this clash unpredictable and compelling.
Match Details
Match: U Mumba vs Patna Pirates – Play-In 2, PKL Season 12
Date: Saturday, 25 October 2025
Time: 9:00 PM IST
Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi