U Mumba have been one of the most successful teams in Pro Kabaddi League history, especially during the early years of the competition. The franchise built its success around a strong defensive unit and produced several outstanding defenders.
From Mohit Chhillar and Jeeva Kumar to Surjeet Singh and Rinku Sharma, U Mumba have had some of the best defensive players in the league. However, when it comes to identifying the U Mumba best defender, one name stands above the rest: Fazel Atrachali.
Known as the “Sultan”, the Iranian became the defensive face of U Mumba and remains one of the greatest defenders in PKL history.
Fazel Atrachali: The Sultan of U Mumba
Fazel first represented U Mumba in Season 2 and immediately became an important part of the team’s defensive structure. He helped the franchise win its maiden PKL title and established himself as one of the competition’s most dangerous corner defenders.
His association with U Mumba continued across five seasons, including Seasons 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8. That longevity allowed Fazel to leave his mark across different eras of the franchise.
His best individual campaign for U Mumba came in Season 7. As captain, Fazel scored 82 tackle points and finished as the league’s Best Defender of the Season.
He also produced 83 tackle points in Season 6, giving him back-to-back seasons with more than 80 tackle points for U Mumba.
Fazel’s overall career numbers are equally impressive. He remains the Pro Kabaddi League’s all-time leading tackle point scorer, making his case as one of the greatest defensive players the sport has produced.
Mohit Chhillar: Early Defensive Powerhouse
Mohit Chhillar is another major name among U Mumba legends.
The right corner defender formed a formidable partnership with Surender Nada during U Mumba’s dominant early years. Chhillar scored 42 tackle points in Season 2 and followed it with 44 in Season 3.
He played a key role as U Mumba reached three consecutive finals and helped establish the franchise as one of the strongest teams in the league.
Jeeva Kumar’s Tactical Influence
Jeeva Kumar was another important part of U Mumba’s early defensive success.
Operating primarily as a cover defender, Jeeva was known for his tactical intelligence and timely dashes. He represented the franchise during its first four seasons and played a significant role in the team’s Season 2 championship victory.
His contributions were not always reflected by headline numbers, but his ability to make important tackles in high pressure matches made him an essential part of the defense.
Surjeet Singh and Rinku Sharma
Surjeet Singh also made a major impact during Season 3. He played an important role in U Mumba’s remarkable 11-match winning streak and collected 48 tackle points in just 12 matches.
In the modern era, Rinku Sharma became an important right-corner for the franchise. His ankle holds and consistency helped him cross the 40-tackle point mark across multiple seasons.
Why Fazel Is No. 1
The best defender U Mumba have produced is ultimately Fazel Atrachali.
Mohit Chhillar and Jeeva Kumar helped establish U Mumba’s early defensive dominance, while Surjeet Singh and Rinku Sharma made important contributions in different eras.
Fazel, however, combined longevity, leadership, individual excellence and championship success. He won the league’s Best Defender award while captaining U Mumba, recorded consecutive 80-plus tackle point seasons and remains the PKL’s leading tackle point scorer.
For those reasons, the “Sultan” is the clear choice as the greatest defender in U Mumba history.
