Two teams on contrasting trajectories lock horns in Match 75 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, as a rejuvenated Gujarat Giants challenge table-toppers Dabang Delhi at the SDAT Indoor Stadium, Chennai.
The clash promises fireworks — Showstopper Mohammadreza Shadloui seeks redemption against Agent Ashu Malik, while Rakesh’s resurgent Giants aim to disrupt Delhi’s playoff ambitions.
A Battle of Styles: Shadloui’s Defence vs Ashu’s Dominance
Few rivalries in PKL ignite as much intrigue as Ashu Malik vs Mohammadreza Shadloui. The Delhi captain has carried his side with phenomenal consistency, contributing over half of their raid points this season — a testament to his leadership and match awareness.
Ashu’s balance between aggression and control has been central to Delhi’s success. He’s accumulated 146 raid points so far, including an extraordinary 100% strike rate in Do-or-Die raids, a league-best statistic that underlines his nerve under pressure.
Against Gujarat, his record remains stellar — 83 raid points in nine matches, averaging over nine per game with six Super 10s. His ability to dominate even elite defenders like Shadloui gives Delhi a psychological edge heading into this fixture.
Meanwhile, Shadloui, enduring one of his quietest campaigns with just 21 raid points and 20 tackles, will look to reignite his form. Historically, the Iranian has been formidable against Delhi — averaging 4.2 tackle points per match at 66% success rate — and Gujarat will desperately need that vintage version to return tonight.
Delhi’s Playoff Push — One Win Away from Qualification
Dabang Delhi stand on the brink of confirming their playoff berth. With 11 wins from 13 games, coach Joginder Narwal’s men have showcased championship-level consistency. Their only two defeats came by razor-thin margins, reflecting their ability to thrive in pressure moments.
From golden raids to last-second heroics, Delhi have made a habit of closing out tight contests. That mental fortitude, combined with the league’s best tackle success rate (47%), has cemented their position as title favourites.
Even in Ashu’s absence during their last outing — a narrow 36–37 defeat to Bengal Warriorz — Delhi’s depth was on display, as support raiders Neeraj Narwal and Ajinkya Pawar kept the scoreboard ticking.
With Ashu back and Fazel Atrachali marshalling the defence, Delhi look primed to seal their playoff spot in style.
Rakesh’s Revival Sparks Giants’ Resurgence
For Gujarat Giants, the narrative has shifted dramatically since Rakesh took over the captaincy. Once languishing near the bottom, they’ve now stitched together three wins in their last four games, led by Rakesh’s explosive form — 38 raid points in his last two matches.
Despite their revival, Gujarat remain overly reliant on their skipper. The side still has the lowest raid success rate (42%) and few reliable supporting raiders. However, the introduction of Ankit Dahiya has added valuable balance, contributing on both ends of the mat.
Defensively, Gujarat rank among the top three units in the league (45% tackle SR), thanks to disciplined performances from Rohit Nandal and Lucky Sharma. Their recent wins have come whenever the defence has crossed 13 tackle points, underlining the importance of collective contribution.
Delhi’s Defence: The Sultan Still Reigns
Led by the indomitable Fazel Atrachali, Delhi’s defence continues to set the benchmark for the season. The veteran Iranian has amassed 41 tackle points at 59% success, supported brilliantly by Saurabh Nandal (36 tackle points).
Together, the duo has formed the backbone of Delhi’s defensive wall — the reason why teams find it difficult to break through even during scoring droughts.
Their consistency has been the perfect complement to Ashu’s attacking firepower, making Delhi the most balanced side in the competition.
Head-to-Head and Key Duels
- Overall: Delhi lead 8–6 (3 draws)
- Last Meeting (Match 28): Delhi beat Gujarat 38–28
Key Battles:
- Ashu Malik vs Shadloui: 13–8 in Ashu’s favour
- Rakesh vs Saurabh Nandal: 3–11 in Nandal’s favour
- Fazel Atrachali vs Rakesh: 2–6 in Rakesh’s favour
While Delhi hold the historical upper hand, Gujarat’s newfound energy under Rakesh makes this encounter far from one-sided.
What to Expect
Expect a high-tempo, tactical showdown. Delhi’s well-drilled defence and Ashu’s efficiency make them favourites, but Gujarat’s form revival under Rakesh injects unpredictability into the contest.
The battle between Shadloui’s revival and Ashu’s rhythm could define the outcome, while Rakesh’s aggression may test Delhi’s defensive setup.
If Gujarat can sustain their recent offensive intensity and minimize errors, an upset is on the cards. However, Delhi’s championship mentality and superior balance might prove decisive.
Match Details
- Match: Gujarat Giants vs Dabang Delhi
- Tournament: PKL Season 12 – Match 75
- Date: Friday, 10th October 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai