Chennai – The Pro Kabaddi League 2025 serves up a potential season-defining showdown as Dabang Delhi K.C. lock horns with defending champions Haryana Steelers in Match 54 at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium.
This clash pits Delhi’s red-hot raiding unit, led by captain Ashu Malik, against Haryana’s veteran defensive wall anchored by Jaideep and Rahul Sethpal. Both teams are in scintillating form, and this could well be a preview of the PKL 12 final.
Team Line-ups (Probable Starting 7s)
Dabang Delhi K.C.
- Right Corner – Saurabh Nandal
- Right In – Ajinkya Pawar
- Right Cover – Surjeet Singh
- Centre – Ashu Malik (C)
- Left Cover – Sandeep
- Left In – Neeraj Narwal
- Left Corner – Fazel Atrachali
Haryana Steelers
- Right Corner – Rahul Sethpal
- Right In – Shivam Patare
- Right Cover – Neeraj
- Centre – Sahil Narwal
- Left Cover – Jaideep (C)
- Left In – Vinay
- Left Corner – Hardeep
Ashu Malik: From Captain to “Agent of Destruction”
Ashu Malik has rediscovered his devastating best this season. His 23-point masterclass against U Mumba was the highest individual tally by any raider in PKL 12, reaffirming his reputation as one of the league’s most feared attackers.
- 106 raid points in 8 matches (13.3 average, 63% SR)
- 6 Super 10s already this season
- League leader in do-or-die raids with 20 points at 143% success rate
Against Haryana in PKL 11, Ashu was equally dominant with 27 raid points in two matches (13.5 avg, 64% SR). With Neeraj Narwal (40 raid points) emerging as a steady secondary raider, Delhi’s attack looks more balanced than ever.
Haryana Steelers: Defence Defines Their Destiny
The Steelers enter this clash on the back of a four-match winning streak, driven by their defensive excellence. They average 11 tackle points per match – joint second-best in the league.
- Jaideep: 24 tackle points at 60% SR
- Rahul Sethpal: 22 tackle points at 56% SR
- Hardeep: breakout High 5 vs Patna Pirates (5 points, 83% SR)
Their defensive numbers reveal a clear pattern:
- In wins: 12.7 tackle points at 48% SR
- In losses: 6.0 tackle points at 23% SR
If the Steelers’ defence clicks, they have the ability to shut down even the best in the league – but any cracks could be ruthlessly exploited by Ashu and company.
Steelers’ New Raiding Duo Stepping Up
With Naveen Kumar sidelined, Haryana have successfully reshaped their attack. Shivam Patare (71 raid points, 65% SR) has seized the role of lead raider, supported by Vinay (56 raid points, 2 Super 10s).
Their combined efforts make Haryana one of the top raiding sides too – averaging 22.9 raid points per match, joint second in the league alongside Patna Pirates.
Fazel Atrachali: Sultan Still Rules the Mat
Veteran defender Fazel Atrachali has been the cornerstone of Delhi’s defensive success. The Iranian has 26 tackle points in 8 matches (60% SR), including 3 High 5s, proving that age is just a number.
Historically, Fazel thrives against the Steelers: 56 tackle points in 18 matches at 58% SR. His battle against Vinay and Shivam Patare could be decisive.
Supporting him are Saurabh Nandal (23 tackle points, 61% SR) and Surjeet Singh, giving Delhi one of the most well-rounded defensive units in PKL 12.
Head-to-Head Record
- Matches: 16 | Haryana Steelers – 9 | Dabang Delhi K.C. – 7
- Recent edge: Delhi have won 4 of the last 6 meetings since PKL 9.
Recent encounters:
- PKL 11 M#112: Delhi beat Haryana 44–37
- PKL 11 M#21: Haryana beat Delhi 41–34
The rivalry has been fiercely contested, and another nail-biter is on the cards.
Key Battles to Watch
- Ashu Malik vs Jaideep/Rahul – Star raider vs veteran defence.
- Shivam Patare vs Fazel Atrachali – Emerging raider vs legendary corner.
- Neeraj Narwal vs Hardeep – Secondary raider vs rising left corner.
What to Expect
This clash has all the makings of a classic PKL showdown – firepower on both sides, a battle of tactics, and star players in peak form. Delhi’s momentum and Ashu’s brilliance give them a slight edge, but Haryana’s balance and defensive strength could tilt the contest either way.
Whichever team prevails will not only claim two points but also a huge psychological advantage as the season heads into its decisive phase.
Match Details
- Fixture: Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Haryana Steelers – Match 54, PKL Season 12
- Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai