The road to the PKL Season 12 playoffs intensifies as defending champions Haryana Steelers take on the unpredictable Jaipur Pink Panthers in Play-In 1 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. This clash pits Haryana’s rock-solid defence, led by the in-form Jaideep, against the dynamic raiding duo of Nitin Kumar and Ali Samadi from Jaipur.
With both teams eyeing a semifinal berth, the tactical battle between two of the league’s most experienced coaches—Manpreet Singh and Narender Redhu—adds another layer of intrigue.
Steelers’ Defence vs Panthers’ Raiding Brilliance
Haryana Steelers enter the playoffs as one of the most defensively disciplined sides this season. They boast an average of 11.9 tackle points per game with a 45% success rate—third-best in PKL 12. In their last five matches, they have crossed 50% tackle success in four games and registered double-digit tackle points every time.
At the heart of this defensive dominance is Jaideep, currently the league’s top defender with 67 tackle points and a 67% success rate—the best of his career. He also leads the league with 13 super tackles, underlining his clutch-game presence. Rahul Sethpal has been a reliable partner at the right corner with 46 tackle points and two High 5s.
Nitin Kumar and Ali Samadi – Jaipur’s Twin Hope
Just when Jaipur seemed to be slipping out of contention, Nitin Kumar’s return from injury transformed their raiding unit. He has scored three consecutive Super 10s and averages 13 raid points in his last three games. His dominance against full defensive units (6–7 defenders) is exceptional—95 raid points at 69% success.
Ali Samadi proved to be Jaipur’s backbone during Nitin’s absence and continues to support with 109 raid points at a 59% success rate. Together, they form a threat capable of breaking even the best defensive lines.
Coaches’ Duel: Manpreet Singh vs Narender Redhu
Two of the sharpest minds in PKL go head-to-head.
- Manpreet Singh, renowned for his aggressive strategies and youth development, guided Haryana to their maiden PKL title in Season 11 and has over 100 career wins as a coach.
- Narender Redhu, a defence specialist, previously led Patna Pirates to consecutive playoffs and has expertly stabilised Jaipur despite injury setbacks and defensive lapses.
Haryana Steelers’ Raiding Pair – Consistency Meets Precision
Haryana’s raiding duo of Shivam Patare and Vinay has been one of the most consistent in PKL 12, amassing 405 raid points together. Shivam leads with 149 raid points at a 64% success rate, while Vinay adds balance with 130 raid points and clutch performances in do-or-die raids.
Jaipur’s Defensive Concerns Ahead of Knockout Clash
While their raiders are in form, Jaipur’s defence remains a major concern. They rank among the bottom four in both average tackle points (9.4) and success rate (39%). None of their key defenders—Aryan Kumar, Deepanshu Khatri, or Reza Mirbhageri—have crossed a 50% tackle success rate this season.
Their biggest weakness lies against 6–7 defender raids, where they have only 70 tackle points with a poor 29% success rate—the second worst in the league.
Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 18
- Haryana Steelers Wins: 6
- Jaipur Pink Panthers Wins: 10
- Tied: 2
Jaipur clinched their recent league meeting by just one point (37–36), setting the stage for another dramatic showdown.
What to Expect
This fixture is a classic clash of styles—Haryana’s structure and discipline against Jaipur’s flair and unpredictability. The contest will likely hinge on two major battles:
- Jaideep vs Nitin Kumar – Defence vs Precision Raiding
- Shivam/Vinay vs Jaipur Corners – Momentum vs Vulnerability
Haryana carry the psychological advantage with better form, superior defence, and playoff composure. But if Nitin and Samadi fire early, Jaipur could tilt the match in their favour.
Match Details
- Match: Haryana Steelers vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Play-In 1
- Date: Saturday, 25th October 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi