Mumbai, Oct 24 (NationPress) Former PKL champions U Mumba orchestrated one of the most remarkable comebacks in Pro Kabaddi 2025, driven by a spirit of unity, belief, and determination.

After facing early challenges, they secured six victories in their last nine matches, clinching a well-deserved playoff position and proving that perseverance can triumph over adversity.

Their resurgence began during the Chennai leg, a venue famous for its luck with the team. It was here that U Mumba initiated a new chapter, both mentally and strategically.

A surprising boost came from a team outing to watch Kantara 2. The film's themes of faith, endurance, and redemption resonated with the players, reinvigorating their collective spirit, which soon translated into better performances on the field.

A pivotal moment in U Mumba’s revival was when lead raider Ajit Chouhan suffered an ankle injury that threatened to derail their momentum. Instead of surrendering, the team rallied together. Young raider Sandeep Kumar shone brightly, achieving four consecutive Super 10s, while the defense, led by Sunil Kumar, Parvesh, and Rinku, remained steadfast.

When Ajit made his return towards the end, Sandeep’s consistent performance combined with Ajit’s burst of energy rejuvenated U Mumba’s offense, culminating in Ajit’s critical 15-point game against the Jaipur Pink Panthers, which nearly guaranteed their playoff berth.

Reflecting on the turnaround, U Mumba CEO Suhail Chandhok remarked, “We faced several near misses, but we needed to change our approach, and we recognized that early on. Between Ajit’s injury and some matches slipping through our fingers, it became clear that it was more than just tactics. It was about reconnecting with what U Mumba embodies: trust, resilience, and unity. Every player, coach, and staff member plays a vital role, and every contribution counts. The Chennai leg reminded us of that, and the boys’ response was outstanding. We were just a tackle or raid away from a Top 4 finish, and that illustrates how tight the margins have been this season. However, a Top 6 placement gives us the chance to keep fighting, and back-to-back playoff appearances after years show that we are progressing as a franchise.”

Behind the scenes, U Mumba’s medical and support staff deserve immense credit for maintaining the team’s fitness during the season's toughest times. Their coordinated rehabilitation strategy enabled Ajit to recover swiftly, while consistent strength and conditioning sessions across the team kept energy levels high and fatigue at bay during a grueling schedule. Initial scans suggested a potential long-term ankle issue, prompting the support team to consult specialists in Chennai and Mumbai before opting for a non-surgical rehabilitation plan that included physiotherapy and targeted strength training. One physiotherapist was dedicated solely to Ajit, while another worked with the entire team. This focused approach resulted in rapid recovery, with Ajit returning ahead of schedule for the match against Puneri Paltan.

Now, with momentum on their side and a revitalized squad, U Mumba is gearing up to face the Patna Pirates in the play-ins, aiming to sustain their impressive late-season surge and chase another title.