PKL 12 U Mumba Vs Patna Pirates Play-in 2 Preview: The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) is heading into its most thrilling phase, with knockout drama set to unfold in the Play-In 2 clash between U Mumba and Patna Pirates. The match will be played on Saturday, 25th October 2025, at 9 PM IST, at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi.
This is not just another PKL fixture—it’s a battle for survival between two of the league’s most decorated teams. Both sides have lifted the PKL trophy in the past, but now they must fight it out in a “do-or-die” contest to stay alive in the race for the Season 12 title. The loser will be knocked out, while the winner will progress to face the Play-In 1 winner in Eliminator 1.
Current Form and Team Situation
Patna Pirates have scripted a stunning turnaround this season. After a slow start, they finished their league campaign on a five-match winning streak, clinching a Top-8 spot in their final league encounter. The team’s confidence is sky-high, especially after rediscovering their winning rhythm just when it mattered the most.
U Mumba, on the other hand, have been one of the most consistent sides this season, finishing in 6th position on the points table. They come into this clash on the back of two successive wins and will be banking on their solid defence, which has been one of the most organized setups in PKL 12.
Both sides have shown glimpses of brilliance, but consistency will be the key in this high-pressure playoff game.
U Mumba vs Patna Pirates Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry between these two sides has always been intense. So far, 26 matches have been played between them in PKL history:
- U Mumba Wins: 14
- Patna Pirates Wins: 9
- Tied: 1
While U Mumba have won three of the last four encounters, it’s worth remembering that Patna Pirates’ only win in that period came in the semi-final last season, a match that broke Mumba’s dream run. This shows how evenly matched these two sides are when it comes to big games.
Key Players to Watch
U Mumba – Sunil Kumar (Captain)
Captain Sunil Kumar has been the backbone of U Mumba’s defence throughout PKL 12. He has accumulated 51 tackle points with a 54% success rate, including four High 5s. What makes him unique is his ability to not just defend but assist—he is the only player in the entire league with 50+ tackle points and 50+ assists this season.
Sunil has been particularly dominant in the second half of matches, maintaining around 60% success post-interval. Supported ably by Rinku Sharma, Sunil’s leadership and defensive awareness could prove decisive against Patna’s star raider.
Patna Pirates – Ayan Lohchab
Ayan Lohchab has been the heart and soul of Patna Pirates’ revival this season. With nearly 250 raid points, he stands among the top two raiders in PKL 12. His speed, agility, and ability to score under pressure have made him a nightmare for defenders.
Ayan’s performances have been nothing short of sensational—he almost single-handedly dragged Patna into the playoffs. Against U Mumba’s tight defence, Ayan’s aggressive raiding and game awareness will be the Pirates’ biggest hope.
Probable Starting 7
U Mumba:
- Sandeep
- Amirmohammad Zafardanesh
- Parvesh Bhainswal
- Sunil Kumar (C)
- Ajit Chouhan
- Rinku Sharma
- Vijay Kumar
Patna Pirates:
- Milan Dahiya
- Ayan Lohchab
- Ankit Rana
- Deepak Singh
- Balaji D
- Navdeep,
- Ankit Jaglan (C)
What to Expect from the Match
This Play-In clash promises to be a tactical battle between Ayan Lohchab’s raiding brilliance and U Mumba’s defensive masterclass led by Sunil Kumar. Patna’s attacking prowess has carried them through tough games, but their defensive inconsistency could be a real worry in this knockout setting.
U Mumba’s dual raiding options offer better balance, while their defensive discipline often frustrates opposition raiders. Patna, on the other hand, will rely heavily on Ayan, which could make them predictable if he gets contained early.
Given their recent form and the high stakes, fans can expect a close and thrilling contest—a game where every tackle and raid could shift the momentum. Their last meeting ended in a one-point thriller, and this clash could be just as nerve-wracking.
U Mumba vs Patna Pirates Match Prediction
Based on recent form and overall team balance, U Mumba start as slight favourites. Their experience in crunch moments, coupled with Sunil Kumar’s leadership and an in-form defence, gives them an edge.
Patna Pirates have shown great fighting spirit, but over-reliance on Ayan Lohchab could cost them if U Mumba’s defenders succeed in neutralizing him.
Predicted Winner: U Mumba (stronger defensive balance and big-match composure)
When and Where to Watch U Mumba vs Patna Pirates – PKL 12 Live
- Match: U Mumba vs Patna Pirates, PKL 12 Play-In 2
- Date: Saturday, 25th October 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi
- Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
- Online Streaming: JioHotstar (App & Website)
- Live Updates: Available on Pro Kabaddi’s official website and mobile app
This U Mumba vs Patna Pirates Play-In 2 clash has all the ingredients of a kabaddi blockbuster — star power, playoff pressure, and a history of close finishes. For U Mumba, it’s about maintaining defensive discipline and composure. For Patna, it’s about Ayan Lohchab’s brilliance inspiring another magical win.
Fans can brace themselves for a high-intensity, edge-of-the-seat encounter that could easily go down as one of the best matches of PKL Season 12.
