As the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 enters a crucial stretch, the spotlight turns to the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi, where Patna Pirates meet Gujarat Giants in Match 83. For Patna, this fixture is a last chance to revive a season spiraling out of control, while Gujarat look to consolidate momentum and keep their playoff hopes alive.
A Desperate Mission for Patna
Patna Pirates have endured a nightmare season so far, managing only three wins in twelve matches. Currently sitting 12th, their defence has collapsed under pressure, costing them matches even when their star raider Ayan has delivered consistently.
After a brief spark in their upset win over Dabang Delhi, the Pirates fell back into old patterns with four losses in their last five games. Their defence, conceding an average of just 33% tackle success rate, remains the weakest in PKL 12 — a worrying sign for coach Ravi Shetty as the playoff window narrows.
Gujarat Giants: Revival Gaining Momentum
In contrast, Gujarat Giants have rediscovered rhythm just in time. Winning three of their last four matches, they’ve climbed to 10th place and are showing renewed belief under captain Rakesh, who leads the team both in raids and spirit. Despite a narrow defeat to Dabang Delhi in their previous outing, Gujarat’s defensive discipline and improved teamwork suggest they are back on track.
Rakesh’s return to form has been vital — he has already notched four Super 10s, combining well with Himanshu Singh, who impressed with an 11-point cameo in the last match. If this duo clicks again, Patna’s fragile defence could face another long evening.
Key Battle: Ayan vs Mohammadreza Shadloui
The match’s most anticipated showdown pits two in-form stars against each other — Ayan, the Pirates’ raiding talisman, and Mohammadreza Shadloui, the Giants’ defensive cornerstone.
Ayan’s consistency has been nothing short of sensational. With 150 raid points and eight Super 10s, he ranks among the top three raiders this season. Over the past five games, he’s averaged 14.8 raid points at an astonishing 76% success rate, becoming one of the few bright spots in an otherwise bleak campaign.
But Shadloui, the Iranian “Showstopper,” has historically held the upper hand. The head-to-head battle currently stands at 6–1 in his favour. After a slow start, Shadloui has rediscovered his rhythm, registering 16 tackle points in his last five matches at 53% efficiency, including a High 5 performance against Delhi. His ability to read Ayan’s movements could once again tilt the balance Gujarat’s way.
Pirates’ Defence in Crisis
Patna’s defensive woes have been their biggest downfall this season. With just 99 tackle points across 12 matches, they are the only team yet to cross the 100-mark barrier. While corner defenders Ankit and Navdeep have shown flashes of resilience, the cover defenders have struggled badly, winning barely a quarter of their duels.
Ankit’s effectiveness fades in the second half — his tackle strike rate drops from 54% in the first half to 38% later on — while Navdeep has been the only consistent performer recently, maintaining over 50% efficiency in the last six games. Unless the unit as a whole steps up, Gujarat’s raiders will exploit every gap.
Gujarat’s Attack: Rakesh Leads the Charge
For Gujarat, the attack begins and ends with Rakesh. The captain has racked up 103 raid points at a 50% success rate and tends to dominate early in matches, with 72 of his points coming in the first half. The trend is clear — when Rakesh fires, Gujarat wins. In the Giants’ victories, he averages 12.5 raid points, compared to just 5.9 in losses.
Although he had an off day against Delhi, his recent back-to-back Super 10s show he’s capable of dismantling even disciplined defences. Supported by Himanshu Singh’s resurgence and Shadloui’s improved all-round display, Gujarat’s raiding unit suddenly looks far more balanced than it did early in the season.
Head-to-Head: Patna’s Slight Edge, But Form Says Otherwise
Across 15 previous encounters, Patna Pirates lead the rivalry 8–6, with one match ending in a draw. They are unbeaten against Gujarat in the last four meetings. However, historical advantage may mean little this time. The Pirates’ defence is their weakest in years, while Gujarat arrive with confidence and form on their side.
What to Expect
This matchup offers a fascinating contrast — a struggling former champion versus a resurgent underdog. If Ayan continues his streak of Super 10s and receives even minimal defensive support, Patna can trouble Gujarat. But the odds favour the Giants, whose balanced lineup and sharper execution could prove decisive.
Expect a close contest early on, but Gujarat’s superior defensive coordination and Rakesh’s leadership might tilt the match in their favour. Another defeat for Patna would almost seal their playoff exit, while a win for Gujarat would inject serious momentum into their late-season surge.
Match Details
- Fixture: Patna Pirates vs Gujarat Giants – Match 83, PKL Season 12
- Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi