The Pro Kabaddi League 2025 gears up for one of its fiercest rivalries as Puneri Paltan lock horns with U Mumba in Match 72 on Wednesday in Chennai. Both sides enter the Maharashtra Derby in contrasting moods—Pune looking to tighten their grip on the top two, while Mumba arrive on the back of renewed confidence after consecutive victories.
Defensive Walls Ready to Collide
This clash is expected to showcase two of the sharpest defensive line-ups in PKL 12. Pune, led by corner duo Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj, have been rock solid all season, combining for a series of High 5s and maintaining tackle success rates over 60%. Their consistency has been central to Puneri Paltan’s nine wins in 12 matches.
U Mumba, meanwhile, have found defensive rhythm at just the right time. Captain Sunil Kumar has rediscovered his best form, producing back-to-back High 5s, while veterans Rinku and Lokesh Ghosliya have chipped in crucial points. Their unit now ranks second only to Pune in average tackle points this season.
Raiders in the Spotlight
On the raiding front, Pune will once again rely on Aditya Shinde, whose efficiency has made him one of the league’s most reliable scorers. Shinde, already sitting on 94 raid points, has built a reputation for delivering in crunch phases, particularly in the third quarter when he often turns matches in Pune’s favour. Support has come from Pankaj Mohite, who has rediscovered form with three Super 10s in his last seven outings.
For Mumba, the story of the season has been Sandeep’s rise as lead raider. With four consecutive Super 10s and 72 raid points in just nine matches, he has carried the attack in Ajit Chouhan’s absence. However, Sandeep’s tendency to dip in the final quarter remains a concern, especially against a defence as disciplined as Pune’s.
A Rivalry Balanced by History
The Maharashtra Derby has always been a contest of fine margins. In 25 meetings so far, both sides have secured 11 wins each, with three ending in draws. Pune, however, have had the upper hand recently, winning four of the last seven encounters since Season 9—including a commanding 40–22 triumph earlier this season.
What to Expect
Fans can expect a tactical showdown where defence may well overshadow raiding fireworks. Pune’s ability to strangle oppositions early will be tested by Sandeep’s explosive starts, while Mumba’s resurgent defensive trio must find a way to contain Shinde and Mohite.
With both teams averaging over 11 tackle points per game, this contest could turn into a low-scoring grind where patience and composure matter as much as skill. A single error could tilt the balance in this evenly-matched rivalry.
Match Details
- Fixture: Puneri Paltan vs U Mumba – PKL Season 12, Match 72
- Date: Wednesday, 8th October 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai