The stage is set for an intense clash in Match 52 of PKL Season 12, as Jaipur Pink Panthers host Tamil Thalaivas at the SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur. Both teams arrive with contrasting fortunes – the Panthers hitting form at the right moment, and the Thalaivas desperate to halt a three-game losing skid. Adding drama to the encounter is the homecoming of Arjun Deshwal, who faces the franchise where he won the PKL 9 title.
Probable Lineups
Jaipur Pink Panthers
- Right Corner: Deepanshu Khatri
- Right In: Nitin Kumar
- Right Cover: Aashish
- Centre: Aryan Kumar
- Left Cover: Reza Mirbagheri
- Left In: Ali Samadi
- Left Corner: Nitin Rawal (C)
Tamil Thalaivas
- Right Corner: Arulnanthababu
- Right In: Arjun Deshwal (C)
- Right Cover: Ronak
- Centre: Moein Shafaghi
- Left Cover: Suresh Jadhav
- Left In: Narender Kandola
- Left Corner: Nitesh Kumar
Headlines
- Arjun Deshwal faces former team Jaipur Pink Panthers after four championship-defining seasons.
- Nitin Dhankar continues to dazzle with 7 Super 10s in 8 matches, making him PKL 12’s standout raider.
- Panthers on a roll with 4 wins in their last 5 games, climbing to 5th in standings.
- Thalaivas’ three-match losing streak threatens their playoff hopes.
- Nitesh Kumar emerges as Thalaivas’ defensive pillar with 26 tackle points.
- Jaipur remains the only team in PKL 12 yet to record a High 5.
- Arjun Deshwal struggled in last outing, registering just 2 raid points.
Arjun Deshwal’s Emotional Homecoming
The spotlight shines on Arjun Deshwal as he returns to face Jaipur Pink Panthers, the team that shaped his rise as a kabaddi superstar. Between PKL 8-11, Arjun accumulated 1,066 raid points at 11.6 average, leading the league and guiding Panthers to PKL 9 glory.
This season with Tamil Thalaivas, his performances have been inconsistent:
- In wins: 42 raid points at 14.0 average, 62% success
- In losses: 39 raid points at 7.8 average, 48% success
Facing former teammates adds a psychological twist, with Arjun eager to prove his worth against familiar opposition, making this more than just a tactical battle.
Nitin Dhankar’s Raiders vs Thalaivas’ Defence
Nitin Dhankar’s brilliance has been the catalyst for Jaipur’s resurgence. With 101 raid points in 8 matches and 7 Super 10s, Dhankar excels across all defender scenarios:
- 6–7 defenders: 58 points at 66%
- 4–5 defenders: 22 points at 52%
- 2–3 defenders: 19 points at 61%
However, Dhankar has yet to score a Super 10 against Thalaivas, creating a tactical subplot for this encounter. The Panthers’ offensive firepower versus Thalaivas’ fragile defence could define the outcome.
Team Form and Recent Matches
Jaipur Pink Panthers:
- M#48 vs U Mumba – Won 38-38 (tie-break)
- M#39 vs Bengal Warriorz – Won 45-41
- M#31 vs UP Yoddhas – Won 41-29
- M#29 vs Bengaluru Bulls – Lost 23-28
- M#24 vs Gujarat Giants – Won 30-30 (golden raid)
Tamil Thalaivas:
- M#46 vs UP Yoddhas – Lost 22-39
- M#44 vs Haryana Steelers – Lost 36-38
- M#42 vs Telugu Titans – Lost 29-43
- M#36 vs Bengaluru Bulls – Won 35-29
- M#30 vs Bengal Warriorz – Won 46-36
Jaipur’s late-season surge contrasts sharply with Thalaivas’ struggles, highlighting the stakes of this contest.
Key Battles to Watch
Jaipur Raiders vs Thalaivas Defence: Nitin Kumar vs Nitesh Kumar
Thalaivas Raiders vs Jaipur Defence: Arjun Deshwal vs Nitin Rawal
With attacking prowess pitted against defensive fragility, small margins and key moments are expected to decide this season-defining clash.
Match Details
- Match: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Tamil Thalaivas – Match 52, PKL Season 12
- Date: Saturday, 27th September 2025
- Time: 9 PM IST
- Venue: SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur