The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 rolls on with another thrilling clash as reigning champions Haryana Steelers lock horns with a rejuvenated U Mumba in Match 12 at the Vishwanadh Sports Club, Vizag. Both teams have contrasting starts to their campaigns, making this encounter a high-stakes battle early in the season.

Probable Starting 7

Haryana Steelers

  • Right Corner: Rahul Sethpal
  • Right In: Shivam Patare
  • Right Cover: N Manikandan
  • Centre: Naveen Kumar
  • Left Cover: Jaideep (C)
  • Left In: Vinay
  • Left Corner: Rahul Ahri

U Mumba

  • Right Corner: Rinku
  • Right In: Zafardanesh
  • Right Cover: Sunil Kumar (C)
  • Centre: Anil
  • Left Cover: Parvesh Bhainswal
  • Left In: Ajit Chouhan
  • Left Corner: Lokesh Ghosliya

Headlines

  • Coach vs Captain: Manpreet Singh’s tactical brain faces Sunil Kumar’s youthful leadership.
  • Naveen Kumar’s test: The ‘Naveen Express’ eager to stamp his authority for the Steelers.
  • Young raiders on show: Shivam and Vinay to lead Haryana’s attack.
  • Mumba’s new energy: Ajit Chouhan and Zafardanesh powering the young raiding unit.
  • Fresh blood in defence: Lokesh Ghosliya shaping up as U Mumba’s new left corner star.

Top Stories of the Match

Coach Manpreet Singh vs Captain Sunil Kumar

This match isn’t just a battle on the mat, but also on the sidelines. Manpreet Singh, Haryana’s fiery coach, is one of PKL’s most decorated figures — having become the first person to win the title both as a player and coach. Known for his aggressive style and ability to back youth, he transformed Haryana into champions in Season 11.

On the other side, Sunil Kumar leads U Mumba’s new brigade. Having captained Gujarat Giants in the past, Sunil now shoulders the responsibility of guiding a young, energetic Mumba side back to glory. His leadership against Manpreet’s tactical nous is one of the biggest storylines of this clash.

Naveen Express Looking to Get Going

Haryana Steelers added Naveen Kumar, one of PKL’s most feared raiders, ahead of this season. While his start has been quiet in PKL 12, his ability to turn games single-handedly cannot be underestimated. Alongside Shivam Patare and Vinay, the Steelers’ raiding trio is expected to test Mumba’s experienced defensive unit of Sunil, Parvesh, and Rinku.

Mumba’s Young Raiders Making Noise

U Mumba may no longer have the old guard, but their youngsters have made a statement already. Ajit Chouhan has led the line brilliantly, with Iranian star Zafardanesh adding flair and speed. Their back-to-back wins — a tie-breaker thriller against Telugu Titans and a narrow comeback win over Tamil Thalaivas — have made U Mumba one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.

Team Stories

Haryana Steelers – Champions with a Point to Prove

  • Season-by-Season Performance:
    • PKL 5 – Eliminator
    • PKL 6 – Group Stage
    • PKL 7 – Eliminator
    • PKL 8 – League Stage
    • PKL 9 – League Stage
    • PKL 10 – Runners-up
    • PKL 11 – Champions

After years of inconsistency, Haryana Steelers finally tasted glory in PKL 11, lifting their maiden title under Manpreet Singh. Their growth under him has been remarkable — from 7th in PKL 9 to finalists in PKL 10 and champions in PKL 11. They now look to build a legacy, with Naveen Kumar spearheading their offence. However, they started PKL 12 with a 10-point loss to Bengal Warriorz, highlighting areas that still need improvement.

U Mumba – The Young Guns Rising Again

  • Season-by-Season Performance:
    • PKL 1 – Runners-up
    • PKL 2 – Champions
    • PKL 3 – Runners-up
    • PKL 4 – Group Stage
    • PKL 5 – Group Stage
    • PKL 6 – Eliminator
    • PKL 7 – Semi-finals
    • PKL 8 – Group Stage
    • PKL 9 – Group Stage
    • PKL 10 – Group Stage
    • PKL 11 – Eliminators

U Mumba were once PKL’s most dominant side, reaching three straight finals (PKL 1-3) and winning the Season 2 title. But after years of inconsistency, they have turned to a younger squad to revive their fortunes. Their run to the playoffs in PKL 11 hinted at resurgence, and their PKL 12 start has been promising — two wins from two matches. With Sunil Kumar’s leadership and the energy of Ajit Chouhan and Zafardanesh, U Mumba look hungry to reclaim their old glory.

Head-to-Head in PKL

  • Overall: 17 Matches → Haryana Steelers 8 | U Mumba 7 | Tied 2
  • Recent Form: Haryana Steelers are unbeaten against U Mumba in the last two seasons.

What to Expect

  • Tactical battle: Manpreet Singh’s aggressive coaching vs Sunil Kumar’s calm captaincy.
  • Raiders to watch: Naveen Kumar’s revival vs Ajit Chouhan and Zafardanesh’s consistency.
  • Defensive duel: Haryana’s Jaideep and Rahul Sethpal up against Mumba’s Parvesh and Rinku.

Match Details

  • Match: Haryana Steelers vs U Mumba
  • Tournament: Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 – Match 12
  • Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025
  • Time: 9 PM IST
  • Venue: Vishwanadh Sports Club, Vizag

📺 Live Streaming: Watch live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar. For live scores and updates, visit prokabaddi.com or download the Pro Kabaddi Official App.


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