Pune’s defensive wall takes on Nitin Kumar’s Super 10 streak
Match 63 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 promises to be a high-stakes clash as Puneri Paltan, currently second on the table, lock horns with defending champions Jaipur Pink Panthers. This contest is more than just a mid-season showdown—it is a battle of philosophies. Pune’s rock-solid defence led by Gaurav Khatri will be tested by the unstoppable Nitin Kumar, while Aditya Shinde and Aryan Kumar add further intrigue to this marquee fixture.
Nitin Kumar’s Dominance Continues
Nitin Kumar has been the cornerstone of Jaipur’s campaign, registering 7 Super 10s in just 10 matches. With 109 raid points at a 59% success rate, he has not only been prolific but also clutch, particularly in do-or-die situations where his 79% strike rate stands as the best in the league.
His ability to perform under different defensive setups—whether facing full lines or super tackle scenarios—demonstrates tactical intelligence rarely seen in raiders of his age. However, Jaipur’s heavy reliance on him is a double-edged sword, with Nitin contributing over 55% of the team’s raid points.
Ali Samadi’s recent resurgence and Sahil’s steady support have eased some of that pressure, making Jaipur’s raiding unit far more balanced in recent outings.
Puneri Paltan’s Defensive Mastery
If Nitin Kumar has been the face of raiding in PKL 12, Gaurav Khatri has been the benchmark in defence. The Pune right-corner defender boasts a 65% tackle success rate with 36 tackle points, placing him among the league’s top defenders. Alongside Vishal Bhardwaj and Gurdeep, Pune’s defensive trio has averaged 12.1 tackle points per game, the best in PKL 12.
Recent performances underline their dominance—20 tackle points against U Mumba remains the highest defensive tally by any team this season. If this unit fires in unison, stopping them becomes nearly impossible.
Aditya Shinde and Pankaj Mohite – Pune’s Raiding Backbone
On the offensive side, Aditya Shinde’s breakout season continues to shine. With 81 raid points at a remarkable 69% success rate, he has emerged as one of the most efficient raiders in the league. His ability to deliver in pressure situations, particularly do-or-die raids, makes him a constant threat.
Pankaj Mohite’s resurgence has further strengthened Pune’s attack. His 45 raid points in the last six matches highlight a remarkable turnaround, making him the perfect foil to Shinde. Skipper Aslam Inamdar’s leadership and all-round contributions round out a well-balanced raiding unit.
Jaipur’s Defence Finds Rhythm
Jaipur’s defensive setup, led by Reza Mirbagheri and Aryan Kumar, has finally clicked. The unit has produced 10+ tackle points in four of their last five matches, all resulting in wins. Aryan Kumar’s emergence as a reliable left-in defender with a near-50% success rate adds fresh steel to the Panthers’ backline.
Their challenge, however, will be to contain Pune’s multi-dimensional raiding unit—no easy task given their form and depth.
Head-to-Head History
Jaipur holds a clear edge historically, winning 14 of the 25 previous encounters, including the PKL 9 final. More recently, they have beaten Pune in four of the last five meetings, establishing psychological dominance. However, Pune’s current form—arguably their strongest squad in years—makes this clash a true 50-50 battle.
What to Expect
This game could well be decided by margins in clutch situations. If Gaurav Khatri manages to contain Nitin Kumar early, Pune’s defence could swing momentum their way. On the other hand, if Nitin continues his Super 10 streak, Jaipur will fancy their chances of extending their dominance over Pune.
Expect a contest of fine details—do-or-die raids, super tackles, and captaincy calls could ultimately determine the winner.
Match Details
- Fixture: Puneri Paltan vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Match 63, PKL Season 12
- Date: Saturday, 4th October 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai