PKL Season 12 Match 98 Preview: U Mumba vs Haryana Steelers – Elite Defences Collide in Top-8 Battle

U Mumba face Haryana Steelers in Match 98 of PKL 12 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. Both teams are locked in an intense Top-8 battle, with U Mumba (6th position, 8 wins from 15 matches) seeking to maintain momentum following their impressive victory over Telugu Titans, whilst Haryana Steelers (5th position, 8 wins from 15 matches) arrive riding back-to-back wins and having comprehensively outplayed UP Yoddhas in their last match.

Probable Starting 7

• U Mumba

• Right Corner – Rinku
• Right In – A Zafardanesh
• Right Cover – Sunil Kumar (C)
• Centre – Sandeep
• Left Cover – Parvesh Bhainswal
• Left In – Ajit Chouhan
• Left Corner – Vijay Kumar

Haryana Steelers

• Right Corner – Rahul Sethpal
• Right In – Shivam Patare
• Right Cover – Neeraj
• Centre – Sahil Narwal
• Left Cover – Jaideep (C)
• Left In – Vinay
• Left Corner – Hardeep

Headlines

➢ Two of the best defensive units take on each other

➢ Both teams are right in the midst of battle for Top-8

➢ Both have 8 wins and 7 losses in PKL 12, Haryana Steelers are 5th and U Mumba are 6th in table

➢ U Mumba coming off a hard-fought win over Telugu Titans

➢ Ajit Chouhan looks back to his best after injury

➢ Haryana Steelers are coming off back-to-back wins

➢ Shivam Patare was dominant in the last match, getting 15 raid points

➢ Jaideep is continuing his dream run in defence this season, has High 5s in the last two games

Top Stories of the Match

Two Top Defensive Units Take on Each Other in This Game

U Mumba possess the second-best average tackle points whilst Haryana Steelers have the third-best (tied) in PKL 12.

Best average tackle points in PKL 12:

Puneri Paltan: 12.2 average at 47% SR

U Mumba: 11.4 average at 44% SR

Haryana Steelers: 11.3 average at 43% SR

Haryana Steelers are coming off an amazing defensive performance against UP Yoddhas in their previous match. This was the highest tackle points they've garnered in a single match this season.

Haryana Steelers defence vs UP Yoddhas in M#90:

Tackles: 25

Tackle points: 19

Tackle SR%: 76%

There is a clear correlation between their defensive performance and the team's results. They maintain a tackle strike rate greater than 50% in wins.

Haryana Steelers' defence in PKL 12:

Wins vs losses:

8 matches vs 7 matches

210 tackles vs 184 tackles

112 tackle points vs 58 tackle points

14.0 average tackle points vs 8.3 average tackle points

53% tackle SR% vs 32% tackle SR%

Jaideep has been defending well this season and is the best defender for Haryana Steelers. Compared to previous seasons in his career, he has a tackle strike rate of 65% this season, which is the highest in any season so far.

Jaideep in PKL (season-wise):

PKL 12: 54 tackle points at 65% SR

PKL 8: 66 tackle points at 55% SR

PKL 10: 68 tackle points at 51% SR

Jaideep has the second-most tackle points in the league this season.

Most tackle points in PKL 12:

Nitesh Kumar: 62 tackle points

Jaideep: 54 tackle points

Gaurav Khatri: 50 tackle points

Jaideep has been in excellent form and has scored 2 High 5s in the last two games. In the last match against UP Yoddhas, he had a tackle strike rate of 100%.

Jaideep in PKL 12 (last 2 matches):

vs UP Yoddhas: 6 tackles, 6 tackle points at 100% SR

vs Patna Pirates: 9 tackles, 6 tackle points at 67% SR

Jaideep also possesses the most super tackles this season by a clear margin.

Most super tackles in PKL 12:

Jaideep: 11 super tackles

Lokesh Ghosliya: 6 super tackles

Nitin Panwar: 5 super tackles

Rahul Sethpal at right corner has also been contributing well, and he has been the best defender behind Jaideep for Haryana Steelers.

Rahul Sethpal in PKL 12:

Matches: 15

Tackle points: 39

Average tackle points: 2.6

Tackle SR%: 52%

Similar to Haryana Steelers, U Mumba defence's performance also has a direct impact on the results of the team.

U Mumba defence in PKL 12:

Wins vs losses:

8 matches vs 7 matches

204 tackles vs 184 tackles

111 tackle points vs 60 tackle points

13.9 average tackle points vs 8.6 average tackle points

54% tackle SR% vs 33% tackle SR%

Captain Sunil Kumar and Rinku have been the best defenders for U Mumba this season.

U Mumba defence in PKL 12:

Sunil Kumar: 41 tackle points (2.7 average, 55% SR, 4 High 5s)

Rinku: 35 tackle points (2.3 average, 47% SR, 2 High 5s)

They had an excellent outing in the last match against Telugu Titans and were the main reason for the win. They now have 3 consecutive games where they've garnered more than 10 tackle points in the game.

U Mumba defence in last three games:

vs Telugu Titans M#89: 26 tackles, 14 tackle points at 54% SR

vs UP Yoddhas M#82: 25 tackles, 11 tackle points at 44% SR

vs Bengal Warriorz M#76: 31 tackles, 16 tackle points at 52% SR

Captain Sunil Kumar has been their best defender and has completely turned around his season after a slow start. In the last 11 matches, he's been averaging almost 3.4 tackle points at a tackle strike rate of 65%.

Sunil Kumar defence in PKL 12:

First 4 matches vs next 11 matches:

18 tackles vs 57 tackles

4 tackle points vs 37 tackle points

1.0 average tackle points vs 3.4 average tackle points

22% tackle SR% vs 65% tackle SR%

0 High 5s vs 4 High 5s

Sunil Kumar performs significantly better in the second half than the first half this season.

Sunil Kumar performance by half in PKL 12:

1st half: 17 tackle points at 49% SR

2nd half: 24 tackle points at 60% SR

Ajit and Sandeep Leading the Team – Need Support in Super Tackle Situations

U Mumba's raiding unit is a concern for them, as they are one of four teams in the league averaging less than 20 raid points per game. They possess the second-lowest raid strike rate in the league this season.

Lowest raid SR% in PKL 12:

Gujarat Giants: 42% at 18.3 average raid points

U Mumba: 45% at 19.5 average raid points

Tamil Thalaivas: 46% at 19.0 average raid points

Ajit Chouhan has returned from injury for U Mumba and has had back-to-back Super 10s in previous games, with U Mumba winning both those matches. After a poor outing against UP Yoddhas, he performed well against Telugu Titans in their last match and led the team to victory.

Ajit Chouhan in last four games:

vs Telugu Titans M#89: 11 raids, 8 raid points at 73% SR

vs UP Yoddhas M#82: 13 raids, 4 raid points at 31% SR

vs Bengal Warriorz M#76: 15 raids, 12 raid points at 80% SR

vs Puneri Paltan M#72: 13 raids, 10 raid points at 77% SR

Ajit Chouhan has acquired almost 85% of his raid points when there are 6-7 defenders on the mat. He has struggled when there are 4-5 defenders on the mat, with a raid strike rate under 20%. He has not performed well in 2-3 DIP either, showing a significant gap in his raiding skills.

Ajit Chouhan raiding DIP-wise in PKL 12:

6-7 DIP: 65 raid points at 83% SR

4-5 DIP: 6 raid points at 18% SR

2-3 DIP: 3 raid points at 33% SR

Sandeep has scored 100 raid points in a season for the first time in his career, and there is considerable talent yet to emerge from this youngster.

Sandeep in PKL 12:

Matches: 13

Raid points: 103

Average raid points: 7.9

Raid SR%: 51%

Super 10s: 5

Sandeep has been in unbelievable form and stepped up when Ajit Chouhan had to miss games with injury.

Sandeep raiding in PKL 12:

First 5 matches vs next 8 matches:

41 raids vs 162 raids

20 raid points vs 83 raid points

4.0 average raid points vs 10.4 average raid points

49% raid SR% vs 51% raid SR%

He also struggles in 2-3 DIP with a raid strike rate of 40%. Sandeep starts both halves very strongly but loses steam in the second 10-minute intervals of both halves.

Sandeep raiding interval-wise in PKL 12:

1-10 mins: 29 raid points at 63% SR

11-20 mins: 19 raid points at 40% SR

21-30 mins: 30 raid points at 56% SR

31-40 mins: 25 raid points at 45% SR

U Mumba possess some well-known support raiders in Anil and Zafardanesh, but neither has been performing well this season. Both maintain a raid strike rate under 40%. Satish Kannan has shown flashes but has not had sufficient opportunities to prove himself yet.

U Mumba support raiders in PKL 12:

A Zafardanesh: 32 raid points (2.7 average, 38% SR)

Anil: 31 raid points (2.8 average, 34% SR)

Satish Kannan: 21 raid points (2.3 average, 57% SR)

U Mumba require a raider who can support Ajit and Sandeep in 2-3 DIP situations and during do-or-die raids.

Shivam Patare and Vinay – Darling Duo of Haryana Steelers

Haryana Steelers have been one of the best raiding units of PKL 12, led by the dynamic duo of Shivam Patare and Vinay. Both raiders have completed 100 raid points in PKL 12; they have contributed approximately 67% of the Steelers' raid points.

Haryana Steelers raiding unit in PKL 12:

Matches: 15

Raid points: 334

Average raid points: 22.3

Raid SR%: 53%

Haryana Steelers raiding duo in PKL 12:

Vinay vs Shivam Patare:

102 raid points vs 121 raid points

7.3 average raid points vs 8.1 average raid points

47% raid SR% vs 62% raid SR%

4 Super 10s vs 5 Super 10s

Shivam has been their primary raider and has demonstrated he can carry the mantle following Naveen Kumar's injury. Vinay has performed excellently, offering support and excelling in do-or-die raids while scoring crucial points.

Shivam Patare has performed well in all three DIP situations and maintains respectable strike rates.

Shivam Patare in PKL 12 (DIP-wise):

6-7 DIP: 79 raid points at 70% SR

4-5 DIP: 26 raid points at 46% SR

2-3 DIP: 16 raid points at 64% SR

In fact, Shivam Patare possesses the second-best raid strike rate in 4-5 DIP among all raiders with 15+ raid points in PKL 12.

Best raid SR% in 4-5 DIP in PKL 12 (15+ raid points):

Ayan: 38 raid points at 49% SR

Shivam Patare: 26 raid points at 46% SR

Ali Samadi: 26 raid points at 44% SR

Vinay excels at starting and finishing games but does not maintain strong raid strike rate in the two middle intervals.

Vinay raiding interval-wise in PKL 12:

1-10 mins: 43 raid points at 61% SR

11-20 mins: 13 raid points at 31% SR

21-30 mins: 13 raid points at 30% SR

31-40 mins: 33 raid points at 55% SR

Vinay and Shivam have performed well in do-or-die situations, maintaining raid strike rates above 50% in PKL 12.

Vinay and Shivam Patare in PKL 12 (do-or-die raids):

Vinay vs Shivam Patare:

25 raids vs 17 raids

13 raid points vs 10 raid points

52% raid SR% vs 59% raid SR%

The support raiders have not contributed sufficiently to the Steelers' success but have demonstrated glimpses of talent in isolated matches. Although they haven't accumulated substantial points, their strike rates remain high, indicating they perform effectively in limited raids.

Support raiders for Haryana Steelers in PKL 12:

Mayank Saini: 21 raid points (2.1 average, 45% SR)

Ashish Narwal: 18 raid points (3.0 average, 62% SR)

Vishal Tate: 16 raid points (3.2 average, 80% SR)

Ghanshyam Magar: 13 raid points (2.6 average, 72% SR)

Jaya Soorya: 10 raid points (2.0 average, 67% SR)

Team Stories

U Mumba – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

M#89 vs Telugu Titans – Won 33–26

M#82 vs UP Yoddhas – Lost 24–40

M#76 vs Bengal Warriorz – Won 48–29

M#72 vs Puneri Paltan – Lost 27–37

M#60 vs Gujarat Giants – Won 40–25

U Mumba fought back after their previous loss to beat Telugu Titans by 7 points in their last match. They now occupy 6th position in the table and remain right in the mix for a Top-8 spot.

Ajit Chouhan appears to have returned to his usual best following his injury, and now he and Sandeep form an equal 1-2 raiding duo. U Mumba's defence has improved significantly and now represents a well-functioning unit.

Captain Sunil Kumar leads from the front defensively, possessing the most tackle points and assists for U Mumba. His resurgence from a slow start has been crucial to their Top-8 push. However, the raiding limitations remain concerning, with both primary raiders struggling in compact defence situations.

Haryana Steelers – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

M#90 vs UP Yoddhas – Won 53–26

M#81 vs Patna Pirates – Won 39–32

M#71 vs Telugu Titans – Lost 29–46

M#70 vs Dabang Delhi – Lost 33–33 (tie-breaker 3-9)

M#62 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Lost 33–45

Haryana Steelers have recovered following a period where they suffered four consecutive losses. They've now fought back to win two consecutive matches, comprehensively outplaying UP Yoddhas in their last outing with a 27-point victory margin.

They currently occupy 5th position in the table and represent strong favourites to secure Top-8 qualification. Shivam Patare and Vinay have formed a formidable raiding partnership, raiding superbly throughout recent matches, with Shivam recording 15 raid points in the last game.

Rahul and Jaideep, the experienced defenders, have consistently delivered match after match, maintaining Haryana Steelers' status as one of the league's premier defensive units. Jaideep has been performing at an elite level and has secured back-to-back High 5s in the last two games, demonstrating his high-level consistency.

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 18 | U Mumba – 7 | Haryana Steelers – 9 | Tied – 2

Haryana Steelers maintain historical superiority, though the record has become closer in recent seasons. Significantly, Haryana Steelers remain unbeaten in their last 6 encounters against U Mumba, winning 5 matches with one ending in a tie.

Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):

M#12 PKL 12: Haryana Steelers won 36–36 (tie-breaker 7-6)

M#128 PKL 11: Haryana Steelers won 30–47

M#48 PKL 11: Haryana Steelers won 39–48

M#124 PKL 10: Haryana Steelers won 40–46

M#66 PKL 10: Tied 44–44

Even when the two sides faced each other earlier this season, the match ended with identical scores, with Haryana Steelers subsequently winning via tie-breaker in a thrilling contest.

Key Player Battles

U Mumba Raiders vs Haryana Steelers' Defenders

Ajit Chouhan 6–4 Jaideep

Ajit Chouhan 5–2 Rahul Sethpal

Ajit Chouhan 4–1 Neeraj

A Zafardanesh 4–2 Neeraj

Haryana Steelers' Raiders vs U Mumba Defenders

Shivam Patare 3–2 Sunil Kumar

Shivam Patare 7–3 Parvesh Bhainswal

Shivam Patare 6–1 Rinku

Vinay 8–1 Sunil Kumar

Vinay 3–5 Rinku

What to Expect

This encounter represents a critical Top-8 battle between two elite defensive outfits seeking to secure their positions in the knockout stages. Both teams possess identical 8-7 records, with Haryana Steelers occupying 5th position whilst U Mumba languish 6th, suggesting any advantage accrues to the Steelers based on recent momentum.

The critical matchup centres on opposing raiding combinations. Ajit Chouhan and Sandeep must penetrate Haryana Steelers' formidable defence led by Jaideep (54 tackle points at 65% strike rate) and Rahul Sethpal (39 tackle points at 52% strike rate). Chouhan's head-to-head records suggest competitive encounters (6-4 vs Jaideep, 5-2 vs Rahul), but his weakness in compact defence situations (18% strike rate in 4-5 DIP) presents vulnerability against elite defences.

Conversely, Shivam Patare (121 raid points at 62% strike rate) and Vinay (102 raid points at 47% strike rate) face U Mumba's emerging defensive excellence. Patare's positive records against both Sunil Kumar (3-2) and Parvesh Bhainswal (7-3) suggest confidence, whilst Vinay's overwhelming 8-1 head-to-head advantage against Sunil Kumar provides significant psychological edge.

However, Haryana Steelers' raiding vulnerability in middle intervals (11-20 and 21-30 minutes) could provide U Mumba opportunities. If Sandeep maintains his exceptional recent form and U Mumba's defence continues their three-match streak of 10+ tackle points, an upset remains possible.

Haryana Steelers' recent defensive excellence – 19 tackle points at 76% strike rate against UP Yoddhas – and their unbeaten run against U Mumba (5 wins, 1 tie in last 6 encounters) provide substantial confidence. Their recovery from four consecutive losses demonstrates resilience, suggesting they've identified defensive vulnerabilities U Mumba's attacking limitations would struggle to exploit.

U Mumba's raiding unit limitations – ranked second-lowest in average raid points and strike rate – represent their critical weakness. With Ajit Chouhan unable to perform in compact defences and Sandeep unproven against elite defensive units over 40 minutes, their scoring ceiling appears limited.

Expect Haryana Steelers to extend their dominance over U Mumba, securing victory to consolidate their 5th position. Their superior defensive credentials, unbeaten recent head-to-head record, and momentum from consecutive victories should overcome U Mumba's improving but still inconsistent defensive efforts. The battle between Jaideep and the U Mumba raiders will provide compelling theatre, but Haryana's overall team balance should prove decisive in this crucial Top-8 encounter.

Match Details

• Match: U Mumba vs Haryana Steelers – Match 98, PKL Season 12
• Date: Sunday, 19th October 2025
• Time: 8:30 PM IST
• Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi
• 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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