Chennai – Match 53 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 brings together two sides on contrasting journeys. UP Yoddhas, riding on the unstoppable form of Gagan Gowda, look to push their playoff ambitions forward, while Gujarat Giants, stuck at the bottom of the table, are banking on an unusual tactical experiment with captain Mohammadreza Shadloui operating as a raider.
Shadloui’s Defensive Struggles Spark a New Role
Once regarded as the league’s most fearsome left corner, Shadloui has endured a torrid start this season. Just 9 tackle points at a 29% success rate after eight matches reflect his worst-ever defensive return. For the first time in his PKL career, he has failed to register a High 5 across this many games.
But Gujarat have discovered a silver lining—his surprising impact as a raider. Against the Telugu Titans, Shadloui delivered 6 raid points at a 75% success rate, while he also scored five raid points in the Giants’ only win of the season, against Tamil Thalaivas. His previous stint as Haryana Steelers’ third-best raider in PKL 11 adds credibility to this tactical shift.
Historically, Shadloui has excelled against the Yoddhas in defence, averaging 4.2 tackle points at 62% success rate in 10 matches. Whether he returns to his defensive best or reinvents himself as a dual-threat remains the biggest question for Gujarat.
Gagan Gowda – The League’s Most Lethal Raider
For UP Yoddhas, all eyes remain on Gagan Gowda, the standout performer of PKL 12 so far. With 82 raid points in 8 matches at a 71% strike rate, Gowda has carried the Yoddhas almost single-handedly.
- 4 Super 10s this season highlight his consistency.
- 41 bonus points make him the league leader in that category.
- An incredible 106% raid success rate in the final 10 minutes shows his unmatched clutch ability.
Supported by Bhavani Rajput (32 raid points) and Guman Singh (27 raid points), Gowda’s brilliance gives UP a reliable edge in tight contests.
Defence: Yoddhas Gaining Momentum
The Yoddhas’ turnaround in recent games owes much to their improving defence. In victories, they average 12.7 tackle points at 51% success rate, compared to just 7.2 at 30% in defeats.
Captain Sumit has been the anchor with 29 tackle points at 62% success rate, while Ashu Singh (21 tackle points, 66% SR) has stepped up as a dependable partner. This newfound balance makes UP dangerous at both ends of the mat.
Gujarat Giants’ Season of Frustration
The Giants have lost seven of their eight matches, with narrow defeats compounding their woes. Their raiding unit is the weakest in PKL 12, averaging just 17 raid points per game at a league-worst 39% success rate. Only Rakesh, with 53 raid points and 2 Super 10s, has shown any real consistency. Defensively, apart from Nitin Panwar (17 tackle points, 57% SR), the unit has lacked bite. The lack of coordination has repeatedly cost them in crunch moments.
Head-to-Head: Giants Hold Edge, Yoddhas in Form
- Overall: Gujarat Giants 7 – 4 UP Yoddhas | 2 Tied
- Recent: UP have dominated the last two meetings in PKL 11, including a stunning 59–23 victory.
Key Battles to Watch
- Gagan Gowda vs Shadloui – Can the Iranian stop the league’s hottest raider, or will he shine in his new role in attack?
- Rakesh vs Sumit – The Giants’ main raider against UP’s defensive wall.
What to Expect
This clash is a test of consistency versus desperation. The Yoddhas, buoyed by Gowda’s brilliance and a defence finding rhythm, will look to pile pressure early. The Giants, meanwhile, need Shadloui’s raiding experiment to click while also rediscovering their defensive bite.
Given recent form, UP Yoddhas enter as clear favorites, but Gujarat’s unpredictability—especially with Shadloui’s dual role—could make this contest tighter than expected.
Match Details
- Fixture: UP Yoddhas vs Gujarat Giants – Match 53, PKL Season 12
- Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai