“This is not the time for it” – Sunil Kumar reflects on close defeat against UP Yoddhas and missing out on Top 4 in Pro Kabaddi 2025
**U Mumba Skipper Sunil Kumar Reflects on Close Defeat Against UP Yoddhas in Pro Kabaddi 2025**
U Mumba captain Sunil Kumar rued the mistakes made by his team following their narrow 32-35 defeat against UP Yoddhas on Thursday, October 23, in Pro Kabaddi 2025. This loss meant that U Mumba failed to secure a top-four spot in the league standings, finishing sixth with 20 points and a score difference of eight.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Sunil Kumar admitted that small errors cost them the match. “We made small mistakes. Even then the score was level till the end. But it was a big loss as we would have been in the top four,” he said.
Kumar stressed that at this stage of the tournament, there was little room for learning from mistakes. “There is no learning from mistakes now. This is not the time for it. That can be done at the start of the league. If we make mistakes now things will not work. We had a very good chance. But we are in the top eight and we will fight,” he added.
U Mumba will now face Patna Pirates in the second Play-in match of the playoffs.
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**UP Yoddhas’ Assistant Coach Upendra Malik Reflects on Team’s Campaign**
UP Yoddhas’ assistant coach Upendra Malik offered his insights on the team’s performance throughout Pro Kabaddi 2025. He acknowledged that while they had a solid team, they should have performed better and secured qualification.
“The way our team was, we could not do well. It was a team that should have gone higher. There have been mistakes which is why we are at this situation,” Malik remarked. He added, “We will take it as a learning and try to do well. We could definitely have qualified. There were many games that we should have won.”
Malik also pointed out that although they had 6-7 good raiders, there was no single raider who led the team consistently.
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**UP Yoddhas Head Coach Jasveer Singh’s Resignation**
On the recent resignation of UP Yoddhas head coach Jasveer Singh, Malik shared his surprise but acknowledged there could be reasons behind the decision. Singh stepped down following their loss to Jaipur Pink Panthers.
“His decision was surprising. But maybe he did not take the call suddenly. Maybe he thought that he could not deliver as expected after being with the team for many years,” Malik said.
He also praised Singh’s commitment, highlighting that under his leadership, the team reached the semi-finals three times. “He always looks to give his 100% wherever he is. He believes a lot in doing well for those who trust him,” Malik added.
UP Yoddhas finished the season in ninth position with 18 points, narrowly missing out on the playoffs.
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**About the Author**
*Rishab Vm*
Rishabh Vm is an Indian sports writer at Sportskeeda covering Kabaddi, Hockey, Indian football, and Olympic sports. With over three years of experience, Rishabh has contributed to My Khel and interned at The News Minute, Times Network, and Deccan Herald. He holds an MA in Media and Communication Studies and has also been part of Sportskeeda’s Communications team, winning the ‘Commentator of the Month’ award twice.
Rishabh began following sports closely after the 2020 Olympics and his experience watching Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. His favorite athlete is Neeraj Chopra, whose historic gold medal at the 2020 Olympics inspired him greatly.
He strives for accuracy in his reporting by verifying information from reliable sources. Outside of work, Rishabh enjoys playing badminton and football.
*Edited by Rishab Vm*
https://www.sportskeeda.com/kabaddi/news-this-time-it-sunil-kumar-reflects-close-defeat-up-yoddhas-missing-top-4-pro-kabaddi-2025
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