Tamil Thalaivas and Haryana Steelers head into Match 62 of PKL 12 with both teams desperate to bounce back after painful defeats. Ninth-placed Thalaivas have lost four of their last five outings, while fifth-placed Steelers are still reeling from consecutive one-point heartbreaks.
This clash will see Arjun Deshwal’s inconsistent raiding form tested against the veteran defensive pairing of Rahul Sethpal and Jaideep, while Nitesh Kumar’s phenomenal streak of High 5s will face Haryana’s new-look raiding duo of Shivam Patare and Vinay. With playoff spots at stake, this encounter has the makings of a tense battle.
Arjun Deshwal’s Search for Consistency
Arjun Deshwal has been one of PKL’s most dangerous raiders in recent seasons, but this campaign has exposed worrying fluctuations. Despite scoring 96 raid points in 10 matches (9.6 average, 51% SR) with six Super 10s, his last five games highlight an erratic trend – twice he finished with just two raid points in entire matches.
His record against Haryana, however, offers encouragement: 129 raid points in 12 matches (10.8 average, 61% SR) with seven Super 10s. Clearly, the Steelers’ defence brings out the best in him, and Thalaivas will need that spark again to break their losing momentum.
The numbers underline his importance – Thalaivas average nearly 14 raid points per game in wins when Deshwal fires, compared to just 6.8 in losses. If he falters, the team collapses.
Nitesh Kumar’s Defensive Brilliance Keeps Thalaivas Alive
If Thalaivas still hold the third-best defensive record in PKL 12 (11.2 tackle points per match), it’s largely due to Nitesh Kumar’s stunning individual form. The left-corner defender has notched three straight High 5s, including a flawless outing against Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Nitesh also leads the league in total tackle points (38), ahead of big names like Sumit and Gaurav Khatri. Supported by Ronak, who tops the league in assists (44), he has formed a formidable defensive partnership despite the team’s struggles.
The challenge now will be halting Haryana’s in-form raiders, who have thrived in Naveen’s absence.
Haryana Steelers: So Close, Yet So Far
The defending champions have endured a frustrating fortnight, losing to Dabang Delhi and Jaipur Pink Panthers by a single point each. Both matches slipped away in the final minutes, exposing a weakness in late-game defensive execution (36% tackle SR in last 10 minutes).
Despite the setbacks, Steelers remain in fifth place thanks to their raiding strength. With Naveen sidelined, Vinay and Shivam Patare have stepped up impressively, combining for one of the league’s most reliable attacking duos.
- Vinay: 85 raid points in 9 matches (9.4 avg, 55% SR, 4 Super 10s)
- Shivam Patare: 79 raid points in 10 matches (7.9 avg, 61% SR, 2 Super 10s)
Vinay in particular has been sensational in recent games, scoring 29 raid points in his last two outings with back-to-back Super 10s.
The Sethpal-Jaideep Wall
While Haryana’s defence has wavered late in games, the individual form of Rahul Sethpal and Jaideep remains outstanding. Both have averaged over three tackle points per match and delivered High 5s in recent outings.
Against Tamil Thalaivas, they boast excellent records:
- Jaideep vs Thalaivas: 28 tackle points in 8 matches (3.5 avg, 55% SR)
- Rahul Sethpal vs Thalaivas: 27 tackle points in 7 matches (3.9 avg, 68% SR)
Stopping Deshwal will be their primary mission, and if history is any indication, they have the tools to do it.
Head-to-Head: Haryana’s Dominance
This is a fixture historically tilted towards the Steelers. Out of 14 meetings, Haryana have won 9, Tamil just 2, with 3 draws. More importantly, Thalaivas haven’t beaten the Steelers since PKL 8, with the defending champions winning seven straight encounters.
Earlier this season, Haryana edged Thalaivas 38–36 in a thriller, with Deshwal’s Super 10 overshadowed by Vinay and Shivam’s combined brilliance.
Key Battles to Watch
- Arjun Deshwal vs Rahul Sethpal & Jaideep: A clash of superstar raider against in-form veterans.
- Nitesh Kumar vs Vinay: The league’s best defender taking on Haryana’s most dangerous raider.
- Third Quarter vs Final Quarter: Haryana dominate the middle phases but fade late; Tamil Thalaivas often start poorly but finish strong.
What to Expect
Both sides are under pressure. Thalaivas must rediscover balance in attack, while Steelers need to overcome their late-game nerves. The game could swing on Deshwal’s ability to pierce Haryana’s defensive wall or Nitesh Kumar’s capacity to shut down Vinay.
Given Haryana’s dominance in this rivalry and superior raiding depth, they enter as slight favourites. But if Deshwal fires and Nitesh maintains his golden touch, Thalaivas could finally break their seven-match losing streak against the champions.
Match Details
- Match: Tamil Thalaivas vs Haryana Steelers – Match 62, PKL Season 12
- Date: Friday, 3rd October 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai