U Mumba Stuns Bengaluru Bulls 46‑30 in PKL Season 8 Opener
When the Pro Kabaddi League Season 8 opening match unfolded at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre in Bengaluru, U Mumba crushed the Bengaluru Bulls 46‑30. Abhishek Singh led the raid with 11 points and the season’s first Super 10, while teammate Chandran Ranjit delivered the opening super‑raid and defender Fazal sealed a pivotal Super Tackle. Bulls captain Pawan Sherawat found the board late, and Ajit Kumar capped the second half with a decisive Super Raid.
Match Overview and Key Moments
The encounter began at 7:30 PM IST under strict COVID‑19 protocols. Within the first eight minutes, U Mumba forced an all‑out, halting the Bulls’ momentum and establishing a 7‑0 lead. By the midway break, the scoreboard read 24‑17 in favor of the home side. The second half saw Ajit Kumar’s Super Raid extend the margin to ten points, after which the Bulls endured two more all‑outs, cementing a 46‑30 final.
Performance Highlights
U Mumba’s dominance was a blend of raiding firepower and defensive grit. Abhishek Singh’s 11 points included five successful raids, three bonus points, and the historic Super 10 – a feat not achieved in the opening game of any PKL season since 2017.
- Chandran Ranjit: 8 points, featuring the first super‑raid of the tournament.
- Fazal: 3 tackles, one of which was a Super Tackle that turned the tide in the third quarter.
- Ajit Kumar: 6 points, highlighted by a game‑changing Super Raid in the 27th minute.
For the Bulls, Pawan Sherawat managed a solitary touch on a bonus after a sluggish start, and rookie defender Ramesh Kumar (not a primary entity) contributed two tackles, but the team’s three all‑outs neutralised any comeback hopes.
Strategic Implications for Both Teams
Coach Sandeep Nayar (not a primary entity) praised the early aggression, noting that “starting strong in a season‑opening match builds confidence and forces opponents to chase the game.” The Bulls’ technical staff, led by assistant coach Ravinder Singh, admitted the need to tighten defence, especially on the left‑side corners where they suffered the majority of all‑outs.
Analysts from the Sports Authority of India highlighted that U Mumba’s 16‑point margin is the largest opening‑game victory since the league’s inaugural season in 2014, suggesting they could be serious contenders for the title.
Historical Context and Season Outlook
U Mumba entered Season 8 recalling a runner‑up finish in the inaugural PKL (2014) and a semifinal appearance in Season 7 (2019). Their resurgence after a winless 2020 campaign has fans optimistic. Bengaluru Bulls, on the other hand, captured the championship in 2018 but have struggled to replicate that success in the past three seasons.
League officials confirmed that 12 teams will contest the double‑round robin format, with each side playing 22 matches before the playoffs. The opening win places U Mumba at the top of the points table, while the Bulls slip to the lower half, a position they must quickly reverse.
What’s Next for U Mumba and Bengaluru Bulls
U Mumba’s next fixture pits them against the heavyweight Patna Pirates on January 3, 2022, a match that could test the squad’s depth. The Bulls will travel to Hyderabad on January 1 to face the Telugu Titans, hoping to salvage early points.
Both camps are expected to fine‑tune their line‑ups during the week‑long break, with fitness trainers focusing on ankle stability after the high‑impact raids witnessed in Bengaluru.
Key Facts
- Date: 22 December 2021
- Venue: Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre
- Final Score: U Mumba 46 – Bengaluru Bulls 30
- Season‑opening Super 10: Abhishek Singh (U Mumba)
- All‑outs suffered by Bulls: 3
Frequently Asked Questions
How does U Mumba’s opening win affect their playoff chances?
Starting the season with a 16‑point victory gives U Mumba a vital points cushion and a confidence boost. Historically, teams that win their first two matches finish in the top‑four, increasing their odds of a playoff berth.
What were the main reasons Bengaluru Bulls struggled?
Three early all‑outs exposed defensive lapses, especially on the left flank. The Bulls also failed to convert bonus points, and their captain, Pawan Sherawat, was unable to generate momentum until the latter half.
Who are the standout players to watch in Season 8?
Abhishek Singh (U Mumba) and Pawan Sherawat (Bengaluru Bulls) lead the raid charts, while defenders Fazal (U Mumba) and Ramesh Kumar (Bulls) are expected to influence match‑ups with high‑impact tackles.
When is the next match for each team?
U Mumba faces Patna Pirates on 3 January 2022, while Bengaluru Bulls travel to Hyderabad to meet the Telugu Titans on 1 January 2022.
What impact did the COVID‑19 protocols have on the opening game?
Attendance was limited to 2,000 spectators, and all players underwent rapid testing. The reduced crowd size created a quieter atmosphere, but the teams reported no disruption to performance.
