The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 action heats up in Match 61 as second-placed Dabang Delhi K.C. take on the struggling UP Yoddhas at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai. With Ashu Malik in record-breaking form and Gagan Gowda emerging as the league’s ultimate clutch raider, this clash promises fireworks on both ends of the mat.
Delhi’s Strength: Ashu Malik and Balanced Depth
Captain Ashu Malik is enjoying a sensational campaign, currently the second-best raider of PKL 12 with 121 raid points in just 9 matches at a 63% success rate. His seven Super 10s and dominance in do-or-die raids (20 points at 125% SR) have made him Delhi’s game-changer.
Supporting him, Neeraj Narwal has stepped up with 20 raid points in the last three games, providing balance and preventing defences from targeting Ashu alone. Together, they form one of the most dangerous raiding duos this season.
On the defensive front, Fazel Atrachali, the ‘Sultan’ of kabaddi, is leading Delhi with authority. With 27 tackle points at 59% SR and three High 5s, he, alongside Saurabh Nandal and Surjeet Singh, forms a formidable defensive unit that can choke even the best raiders.
UP Yoddhas: Gagan Gowda’s Lone Brilliance
For the UP Yoddhas, it has been a story of inconsistency. Sitting in 8th position, their campaign has heavily relied on Gagan Gowda, who has amassed 88 raid points in 9 matches with 4 Super 10s. Remarkably, he contributes nearly half of Yoddhas’ raid points (47%), underlining their over-reliance.
His clutch ability has been unmatched, particularly in the final quarter where he boasts a staggering 103% success rate in the last 10 minutes of games – making him the most reliable finisher in PKL 12.
The defence, led by Sumit (33 tackle points, 63% SR, 3 High 5s) and supported by Ashu Singh (23 tackle points, 62% SR), has shown moments of brilliance but struggled with consistency. Their ability to contain Ashu Malik will be the key to UP’s chances.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, UP Yoddhas hold a narrow edge over Delhi:
- Matches Played: 13
- UP Yoddhas Wins: 7
- Dabang Delhi K.C. Wins: 5
- Last Meeting (PKL 11): Ended in a thrilling 32–32 draw.
This suggests another close contest could be on the cards.
Key Player Battles to Watch
- Ashu Malik vs Sumit – The league’s most explosive raider against one of its most consistent defenders.
- Gagan Gowda vs Fazel Atrachali – A young clutch raider against the seasoned Iranian legend.
- Neeraj Narwal vs Mahender Singh – The secondary raider vs UP’s left cover in a crucial mini-battle.
What to Expect
This game is set to be a tactical duel between Delhi’s balanced raiding-defence combination and UP’s dependence on Gagan Gowda’s brilliance. If Gowda can break through Delhi’s defensive wall and Sumit keeps Ashu in check, the Yoddhas could spring a surprise. Otherwise, expect Dabang Delhi K.C. to continue their dominant run.
Match Details
- Match: Dabang Delhi K.C. vs UP Yoddhas – Match 61, PKL Season 12
- Date: Friday, 3rd October 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai