A high-stakes rematch loaded with rivalry and redemption
Match 60 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 brings an electrifying clash as Gujarat Giants face U Mumba at the SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai. This is no ordinary contest—it’s the reverse fixture of their season opener, which ended in a dramatic tie-breaker where U Mumba’s skipper Sunil Kumar tackled Mohammadreza Shadloui in the decisive raid, sealing a famous win.
Now, both captains return to the mat with contrasting fortunes: U Mumba riding the momentum of their resurgence, and Gujarat Giants still searching for consistency.
Sunil Kumar vs Shadloui – A Rivalry Renewed
The captaincy duel takes centre stage once again.
- Sunil Kumar enters this clash in resurgent form after a High 5 (6 points, 86% SR) against Tamil Thalaivas. His revival has transformed U Mumba’s defence, lifting them from mediocrity to dominance.
- Shadloui, meanwhile, finally found rhythm against UP Yoddhas with a complete performance—8 points (4 raid, 4 tackle)—reminding everyone of his world-class stature despite an otherwise underwhelming season.
The psychological battle is undeniable: Sunil’s iconic tackle in the opener gave U Mumba bragging rights, but Shadloui’s history against them (35 tackle points in 9 matches, including 4 High 5s) makes him a constant threat.
U Mumba: Resurgence Built on Defence and Raiding Depth
After a three-game slump, U Mumba roared back with a 42–24 demolition of Tamil Thalaivas. Their transformation was led by defence—16 tackle points at 67% success, a far cry from their earlier struggles.
- Sunil Kumar (captain): 19 tackle points in his last 6 matches at 59% SR
- Lokesh Ghosliya: 24 tackle points (56% SR), emerging as the corner rock
- Rinku: 21 tackle points (46% SR), adding balance on the right side
On the raiding front, Sandeep is the form man with 3 consecutive Super 10s, while Ajit Chouhan’s return from injury restores balance. Ajit began the season as U Mumba’s lead raider (39 raid points in 5 matches), and together with Sandeep (57 raid points in 8 matches), they form a reliable duo.
Gujarat Giants: Defence Holds, Attack Falters
The Giants finally broke a five-match losing streak by beating UP Yoddhas, powered by their defence.
- Ankit Dahiya recorded his first High 5 (6 tackle points at 75% SR).
- Shadloui delivered his best all-round outing this season (8 points total).
- Their defensive stats underline the pattern: 14 tackle points at 60% SR in wins vs just 9 tackle points at 42% SR in losses.
However, their attack remains the weakest in the league:
- Lowest average raid points (16.9 per match)
- Worst raid success rate (39%)
- No consistent second option beyond Rakesh (59 raid points, 44% SR).
Without a reliable support raider, Gujarat’s playoff hopes hang by a thread.
Head-to-Head: Giants Lead, but U Mumba Closing In
- Overall: Gujarat Giants 10 – 6 U Mumba | Tied – 1
- Since PKL 9: Giants lead narrowly, 4–3
- Earlier this season: U Mumba won in tie-breaker thriller
The rivalry has produced tight finishes in recent years, with four of the last five meetings decided by single-digit margins.
Key Player Battles
- Sunil Kumar vs Shadloui: Leadership and legacy on the line
- Sandeep vs Nitin Panwar/Shadloui: In-form raider vs elite defenders
- Rakesh vs Rinku/Sunil: Gujarat’s only consistent raider against U Mumba’s defensive core
What to Expect
This clash promises another nail-biting finish. U Mumba arrive with confidence after their complete performance against Thalaivas, while Gujarat Giants will lean heavily on their defensive wall to mask raiding struggles.
The result may hinge on whether Sandeep continues his Super 10 streak or Shadloui rediscovers his defensive dominance against his old rival Sunil Kumar.
Either way, fans can expect a battle of captains, strategies, and pride in what could be another PKL classic.
Match Details
- Fixture: Gujarat Giants vs U Mumba – Match 60, PKL Season 12
- Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai