The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 continues with a blockbuster clash as Haryana Steelers take on Dabang Delhi K.C. in Match 70 at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Defending champions Haryana find themselves in turmoil after three consecutive defeats, including a demoralising 12-point loss to Tamil Thalaivas. In stark contrast, Delhi have been the league’s most consistent side, winning 10 of their 11 matches and riding a four-game winning streak.
Haryana Steelers: A Side Searching for Stability
The Steelers’ season has swung from promise to pressure in a matter of weeks. They began with a strong four-match winning run but have since crumbled under mounting pressure, losing to Jaipur Pink Panthers, Dabang Delhi, and Tamil Thalaivas.
While their defence boasts elite performers like Jaideep (37 tackle points, 63% SR) and Rahul Sethpal (32 tackle points, 54% SR), the unit has struggled with consistency. Their collapse against Thalaivas – 0 tackle points from 18 second-half attempts – highlighted worrying mental lapses.
On the raiding front, Vinay (87 points) and Shivam Patare (84 points) have been impressive overall but went missing in the last outing, combining for just 7 points. Without a reliable third raider, the Steelers appear overly dependent on their main duo to deliver every single night.
Dabang Delhi K.C.: The League’s Most Complete Team
Delhi, on the other hand, have looked unstoppable. Ashu Malik continues to lead from the front with 142 raid points, averaging nearly 13 per match, and remains flawless in Do-or-Die situations (21 points at 100% SR). Even when Ashu had an off-day against Jaipur, Delhi’s defensive wall held firm, with Sandeep’s 7-tackle-point High 5 at 100% SR sealing the win.
Defensively, they’ve been a fortress. Led by the legendary Fazel Atrachali (34 tackle points, 62% SR), Delhi boast the best tackle strike rate in PKL 12 (48%). The depth of their defensive unit – with Saurabh Nandal, Surjeet Singh, and Sandeep – means they can absorb pressure and still dictate games.
Key Battles to Watch
- Ashu Malik vs Jaideep: Both sit level at 8-8 in their head-to-head duels, making this the clash to watch.
- Vinay & Shivam vs Fazel Atrachali’s Defence: Haryana’s raiders will need near-perfect execution to break Delhi’s iron wall.
- Second-Half Composure: Haryana have struggled late in games, while Delhi thrive under pressure. This could prove decisive again.
Head-to-Head Record
- Overall: Haryana Steelers 9 – 8 Dabang Delhi K.C.
- Recent: Delhi have won 5 of the last 7 meetings, including their narrow 38–37 victory earlier this season.
What to Expect
This match pits two teams on completely different trajectories. Delhi enter as overwhelming favourites thanks to their all-round depth, defensive solidity, and Ashu Malik’s brilliance. Haryana, meanwhile, desperately need a statement performance to revive their playoff push.
Expect a close first half, with Haryana’s defence trying to contain Ashu. But Delhi’s superior bench strength and ability to find match-winners across positions may tilt the contest in their favour during the final stages.
Prediction: Dabang Delhi K.C. to extend their winning streak to five, while Haryana’s struggles continue.
Match Details
- Fixture: Haryana Steelers vs Dabang Delhi K.C., Match 70, PKL Season 12
- Date: Tuesday, 7th October 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai