The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 heads into one of its biggest clashes as Puneri Paltan lock horns with defending champions Haryana Steelers in Match 41 at the SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur. With both teams sitting in the upper half of the table and carrying winning momentum, this contest promises intensity, tactics, and high drama.
Clash of Champions at the Summit
This fixture brings together the last two PKL winners — Puneri Paltan (Season 10 champions) and Haryana Steelers (Season 11 champions). Both sides have carried their pedigree into Season 12, showcasing depth in attack and resilience in defence.
While Puneri Paltan sit at the top of the standings thanks to their dominant defensive record, the Steelers are quickly rising after a slow start, with their balance between raiders and defenders making them a force to reckon with.
Puneri Paltan’s Defensive Fortress
The Paltan have built their campaign on rock-solid defending, leading the league with an impressive 13.1 average tackle points per game and a tackle success rate above 50%. Their backline, led by Gaurav Khatri, has been ruthless.
In their last outing against U Mumba, the Paltan defence produced one of the finest performances of the season with 20 tackle points, including six super tackles, at a staggering 83% success rate.
Khatri’s consistency has stood out — averaging 3.8 tackle points per game with a 70% success rate, making him arguably the most impactful defender of the season. Supporting him, Gurdeep, Abinesh Nadarajan, and Vishal Bhardwaj have all delivered High 5s, ensuring no weak link in the chain.
Haryana Steelers’ Resurgence
After a unsteady start, Haryana Steelers have found rhythm. Their win over Patna Pirates in Match 38 was a statement, with both their defence and raiding unit firing together.
Shivam Patare, stepping up in the absence of injured star Naveen Kumar, has been exceptional. With two Super 10s already this season, including a 13-point haul against Patna, he has embraced the lead raider’s role with authority. Vinay has been a reliable deputy, ensuring variety in their attack.
The Steelers’ defence has also clicked into gear. Jaideep and Rahul, with their experience, have rediscovered form, while Hardeep’s High 5 against Patna showed their growing strength. Collectively, they now average close to 12 tackle points per game.
Key Battles to Watch
- Gaurav Khatri vs Shivam Patare: The league’s best defender takes on Haryana’s in-form raider in what could be the deciding contest of the night.
- Aditya Shinde vs Jaideep/Rahul: Shinde’s sharp Do-or-Die raids will test Haryana’s defensive discipline.
- Aslam Inamdar vs Haryana’s corners: The Paltan captain’s ability to switch gears between raiding and leadership could unsettle the Steelers.
Head-to-Head Record
In 17 previous meetings, Puneri Paltan hold the edge with 10 wins, while Haryana Steelers have managed 6 victories, with 1 match ending in a tie. The most memorable clash came in the PKL 10 final, where Puneri edged Haryana 28-25 in a defensive thriller.
Match Details
- Fixture: Puneri Paltan vs Haryana Steelers – Match 41, PKL Season 12
- Date: Friday, September 19, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur