The Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi sets the stage for Match 84 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, as UP Yoddhas lock horns with Tamil Thalaivas in a clash that could shape both teams’ playoff fates. The Yoddhas, buoyed by their emphatic win over U Mumba, aim to continue their resurgence, while the Thalaivas look to bounce back after a heavy defeat to Puneri Paltan.
Yoddhas Rediscover Confidence
After five straight losses, UP Yoddhas finally rediscovered form with a 40–24 win against U Mumba. The victory showcased their trademark balance — a cohesive raiding trio complemented by a disciplined defence. Currently placed 10th with five wins from 14 games, the Yoddhas are desperate to convert momentum into consistency.
Guman Singh, in particular, has been the catalyst behind their revival. His back-to-back Super 10s and rising efficiency (59% raid strike rate in his last six games) have added a new dimension to UP’s attack. Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda have provided steady support, ensuring that the Yoddhas no longer rely on a single raider.
- Gagan Gowda: 116 raid points at 71% SR
- Bhavani Rajput: 70 raid points at 38% SR
- Guman Singh: 66 raid points at 54% SR
This balanced attack contrasts sharply with Tamil Thalaivas’ one-man reliance.
Thalaivas Lean Heavily on Arjun Deshwal
For Tamil Thalaivas, everything begins and ends with Arjun Deshwal. The captain has carried the side almost single-handedly, contributing 57% of their total raid points (159 in 14 matches). However, the lack of a consistent supporting raider has exposed them in recent games — most notably against Puneri Paltan, where Arjun managed just six raid points and the team crumbled to a 23–36 loss.
Deshwal’s form has been remarkable in isolation — 1333 total PKL career raid points, just eight shy of overtaking Pawan Sehrawat for third on the all-time list. His dominance in the second half of matches (83 points at 60% SR) underlines his endurance and composure under pressure.
Yet, the Thalaivas’ dependence on him remains a double-edged sword. When he fires, they win; when he falters, their raiding unit collapses.
Nitesh Kumar: The Wall of Thalaivas’ Defence
If Arjun is the face of Thalaivas’ attack, Nitesh Kumar is the anchor of their defence. Currently the top defender in PKL 12 with 53 tackle points at a 56% strike rate, Nitesh has been a model of consistency — recording High 5s in four matches and maintaining over 50% efficiency across all game intervals.
Assisted ably by Ronak, who leads the league in assists (57), the Thalaivas’ defence ranks among the most disciplined this season. However, facing UP’s three-pronged raid attack presents a different kind of test — one that demands tactical flexibility rather than sheer strength.
UP Defence Rising to the Occasion
UP’s defensive unit, led by captain Sumit, has begun to find its rhythm. Their performance against U Mumba — 15 tackle points at a 75% strike rate — was their joint-best showing of the season, matching their earlier effort against the same opponent.
Sumit (40 tackle points, 53% SR) has been the backbone, supported well by Hitesh (32 tackle points) and Ashu Singh (30 tackle points). Both corners have excelled in recent matches, using a mix of ankle holds and blocks to shut down top raiders. Notably, Arjun Deshwal has been dismissed 23 times via ankle hold this season — an area where Hitesh and Sumit specialize.
Key Battle: Arjun Deshwal vs UP’s Defensive Trio
This matchup hinges on one duel — Arjun Deshwal vs UP Yoddhas’ defence. Historically, Deshwal has dominated most of UP’s defenders (18–9 vs Sumit, 24–11 vs Ashu Singh), but Hitesh enjoys a slight upper hand (7–5 record). If UP can contain Arjun below his season average of 11.4 raid points, the Thalaivas’ offence could collapse under pressure.
Team Form and Head-to-Head
UP Yoddhas – Last 5 Matches:
W 40–24 vs U Mumba | L 39–41 vs Gujarat | L 28–36 vs Patna | L 35–40 vs Telugu | L 26–43 vs Delhi
Tamil Thalaivas – Last 5 Matches:
L 23–36 vs Puneri | W 56–37 vs Patna | L 29–33 vs Bengaluru | W 45–33 vs Haryana | L 24–42 vs U Mumba
Head-to-head, Tamil Thalaivas hold a narrow edge — 8 wins to UP’s 7, with 3 draws. However, the Yoddhas dominated the reverse fixture earlier this season, winning 39–22, powered by High 5s from Sumit and a collective defensive masterclass.
What to Expect
The clash promises contrasting philosophies — Tamil Thalaivas’ individual brilliance versus UP Yoddhas’ team balance. If Arjun Deshwal delivers another Super 10, the Thalaivas remain in contention. But if UP’s defensive trio keeps him in check and their raiders maintain rhythm, the Yoddhas are well placed to repeat their earlier triumph.
Expect a tactical encounter defined by patience and precision rather than pace. With playoff hopes on the line, both sides will fight to the finish — but the Yoddhas’ superior depth could prove decisive.
Match Details
- Fixture: UP Yoddhas vs Tamil Thalaivas – Match 84, PKL Season 12
- Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi