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Haryana Steelers face Dabang Delhi K.C. in Match 70 of PKL 12 at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai. The defending champions arrive in crisis, having lost three consecutive matches including a comprehensive defeat to Tamil Thalaivas. They confront the season's most formidable force – table-topping Dabang Delhi, who boast a remarkable 10 wins from 11 matches and currently ride a four-match winning streak.
Haryana Steelers
Dabang Delhi K.C.
➢ Dabang Delhi are in unstoppable form, as they picked up their fourth consecutive win in the last game
➢ They have won 10 of the 11 games this season, are at top spot in the table
➢ Ashu was kept in check by the Jaipur Pink Panthers, but the defence stepped up
➢ Sandeep put in an excellent performance, picking up 7 tackle points on his own
➢ Agent Ashu has been leading the Delhi unit from the front, is one of the best raiders in the league
➢ Fazel is in top form this season, shows he is still one of the best in the league. Dabang Delhi defence has best tackle SR% in the league
➢ Haryana Steelers are coming off some tough form as they have now lost three in a row
➢ There were two close matches earlier, but last match they were completely outplayed by the Thalaivas
➢ Vinay and Shivam Patare have formed an excellent raiding unit, but both were not able to impact much in the last match
➢ Rahul Sethpal and Jaideep have been in amazing form, Jaideep even got a High 5 in the last match despite the loss
Dabang Delhi K.C. have established themselves as the undisputed powerhouse of PKL 12, assembling a campaign of sustained excellence that's seen them dominate virtually every opponent. Their statistics are staggering – 10 wins from 11 matches represents a 91% win rate that places them firmly atop the table, with their current four-match winning streak suggesting no signs of slowing momentum.
At the heart of this unprecedented success stands captain Ashu Malik, who continues to terrorise defences across the league despite experiencing a rare off-day in the previous match. His 142 raid points in 11 matches at 12.9 average with 61% strike rate and eight Super 10s represent exceptional statistics that rank him second in the league behind only the phenomenal Devank (181 points, 18.1 average).
Against Jaipur Pink Panthers, Ashu endured his most challenging outing of the season, being tackled 8 times whilst scoring just 8 raid points from 17 raids at 47% strike rate. This marked only the third occasion in 11 matches where he failed to secure a Super 10, with his defence compensating magnificently through Sandeep's 7-tackle-point High 5 performance.
However, dismissing Ashu based on a solitary below-par performance would be foolhardy. When Dabang Delhi previously faced Haryana Steelers in Match 54, he produced a commanding display with 15 raid points from 23 raids at 65% strike rate, securing his fourth Super 10 of the season and guiding Delhi to a narrow 1-point victory.
Ashu's excellence in Do or Die situations borders on the supernatural – he leads all raiders in PKL 12 with 21 DOD raid points at an astonishing 100% strike rate. This perfect record means he's never been dismissed in a DOD situation this season, demonstrating unparalleled ability to deliver under maximum pressure.
The 11-20 minute interval represents his most dominant phase. With 43 raid points at 80% strike rate in this period, he possesses the best strike rate in the entire league for this interval amongst raiders with 20+ points, comfortably ahead of Devank (76%) and Ayan (74%).
Ashu's proficiency with the jump skill has been particularly noteworthy. He's scored the most raid points from jumps in PKL 12 with 14 points, ahead of Pankaj Mohite (12) and Ayan (7). This technical versatility makes him exceptionally difficult to contain, as defenders must anticipate multiple attacking techniques.
Against Haryana Steelers historically, Ashu maintains a respectable record, having scored 72 raid points in 9 matches at 8.0 average with 53% strike rate and four Super 10s. However, the crucial head-to-head battle against Jaideep reveals perfect balance – both hold an 8-8 record against each other, setting up a fascinating tactical duel.
The Steelers' defensive collapse in their last match offers Ashu an ideal opportunity to rediscover his prolific form. Against Tamil Thalaivas, Haryana's defence managed zero tackle points in the second half – 18 failed tackles without a single successful dismissal. This catastrophic disintegration exposes systemic vulnerabilities that an elite raider like Ashu can ruthlessly exploit.
Despite Haryana Steelers' recent struggles, their veteran defensive partnership of Jaideep and Rahul Sethpal continues to deliver consistently exceptional performances. Both defenders have maintained elite-level statistics throughout the season, establishing themselves amongst PKL 12's premier defenders.
Jaideep has been particularly outstanding, accumulating 37 tackle points in 11 matches at 3.4 average with 63% strike rate and four High 5s. His numbers place him third in average tackle points per match across the entire league, trailing only Nitesh Kumar (3.8 average) and Ashish (3.7 average).
The left cover's four High 5s rank joint-second in the league alongside Nitesh Kumar, with only Ashish ahead on five. His 63% tackle strike rate equals Vishal Bharadwaj and trails no other defender with 25+ tackle points this season, level with the legendary Fazel Atrachali (62%).
Best tackle SR% in PKL 12 (25+ tackle points):
Rahul Sethpal complements his captain brilliantly, contributing 32 tackle points at 2.9 average with 54% strike rate and two High 5s in 11 matches. Together, they form one of PKL 12's most formidable corner defender partnerships.
Jaideep and Rahul Sethpal in PKL 12:
Both defenders demonstrate pronounced effectiveness in the 21-30 minute interval, with Jaideep achieving 73% strike rate and Rahul 67% in this phase. However, their efficiency drops significantly in the final 10 minutes: Jaideep to 43% and Rahul to 47%. This late-game decline has proven costly in tight matches.
Against Tamil Thalaivas in the previous encounter, the defensive collapse was unprecedented. After scoring 7 tackle points from 11 tackles at 64% strike rate in the first half, they managed zero tackle points from 18 attempts at 0% strike rate in the second half. Jaideep still produced a High 5 performance (5 tackle points overall), but the collective second-half disintegration proved catastrophic.
The contrast in defensive performance between victories and defeats reveals their central importance to results. In Haryana's six wins, the defence has averaged 12.7 tackle points from 76 total points at 48% strike rate. In their five losses, these numbers collapsed to 8.0 average tackle points from 40 total points at 32% strike rate.
Against Dabang Delhi specifically, Jaideep maintains an excellent historical record. In 9 matches against Delhi throughout his PKL career, he's accumulated 26 tackle points at 2.9 average with 59% strike rate and two High 5s. Most significantly, he holds a perfectly balanced 8-8 head-to-head record against Ashu Malik.
For Haryana Steelers to arrest their losing streak, Jaideep and Rahul must reproduce their first-half Tamil Thalaivas performance throughout the entire match. If they can maintain 60%+ strike rates and secure 12+ tackle points collectively, the Steelers possess sufficient defensive capability to contain even Delhi's formidable raiding unit.
Dabang Delhi K.C.'s defensive excellence represents one of the season's most complete units, combining legendary experience with sustained collective brilliance. They possess the best tackle strike rate (48%) amongst all teams in PKL 12, ahead of Puneri Paltan (46%) and Tamil Thalaivas (45%), whilst averaging the fourth-highest tackle points.
Best tackle SR% in PKL 12:
The defensive depth was spectacularly demonstrated in the previous match against Jaipur Pink Panthers. With Ashu Malik enduring a rare off-day, the defence compensated magnificently, scoring 13 tackle points from just 15 attempts at 87% strike rate – a performance that secured Delhi's fourth consecutive victory.
Sandeep emerged as the unlikely hero, producing a perfect High 5 performance with 7 tackle points from 7 tackles at 100% strike rate. This career-defining display from a player who hadn't been amongst Delhi's primary defenders showcased the unit's remarkable depth and versatility.
Sandeep vs Jaipur Pink Panthers (M#67):
The cornerstone of this defensive fortress remains the legendary Fazel Atrachali, who continues to defy age and demonstrate why he's amongst kabaddi's all-time greats. His 34 tackle points in 11 matches at 3.1 average with 62% strike rate and three High 5s represent elite-level statistics.
Fazel's 62% strike rate ranks third amongst all defenders with 25+ tackle points in PKL 12, whilst his 3.1 average places him fifth overall. His consistency across match intervals reveals tactical mastery, with strike rates exceeding 50% in all four phases: 55% (1-10 mins), 64% (11-20 mins), 73% (21-30 mins), and 53% (31-40 mins).
The 21-30 minute interval represents his peak dominance, where his 73% strike rate can systematically dismantle opposition raiding units. This phase-specific excellence has proven decisive in tight encounters throughout the season.
Against Haryana Steelers specifically, Fazel possesses an outstanding record that should terrify the defending champions. In 19 matches against the Steelers throughout his PKL career, he's accumulated 57 tackle points at 3.0 average with 58% strike rate and three High 5s – demonstrating consistent dominance over this particular opponent.
Complementing Fazel are two experienced defenders providing exceptional support. Saurabh Nandal has been outstanding with 28 tackle points at 2.5 average and 58% strike rate in 11 matches. Surjeet Singh has contributed 22 tackle points at 2.0 average, though his 35% strike rate represents the unit's relative weakness.
Current defensive statistics:
The combination of Fazel's legendary excellence, Saurabh's consistency, Sandeep's newfound confidence, and the unit's collective 48% strike rate creates a defensive structure that ranks amongst the season's most formidable. Against Haryana's struggling raiders – who managed just 7 combined raid points from Vinay and Shivam Patare in the last match – Delhi's defence appears poised for another dominant performance.
Haryana Steelers' raiding duo of Shivam Patare and Vinay have been the primary architects of the team's success this season, filling the enormous void left by Naveen Kumar's injury with remarkable efficiency. Their partnership has propelled the Steelers to the second-best average raid points (22.7) in the entire league, trailing only Bengal Warriorz (27.5).
Best average raid points in PKL 12:
Both raiders have posted remarkably similar statistics throughout the season, with both maintaining strike rates exceeding 50% – demonstrating consistency that's kept Haryana competitive despite losing their star raider.
Haryana Steelers raiders in PKL 12:
However, against Tamil Thalaivas in the previous match, both raiders experienced their worst collective performance of the season. Vinay managed just 2 raid points from 6 raids at 33% strike rate, whilst Shivam could only muster 5 points from 11 raids at 45% strike rate. Their combined output of 7 raid points represented a catastrophic failure that left the Steelers helpless.
Vinay's effectiveness varies dramatically by match interval, with pronounced peaks and troughs. He excels in the opening (69% strike rate, 36 points) and closing phases (65% strike rate, 30 points), but struggles significantly in the middle intervals: 33% (11-20 mins, 9 points) and 34% (21-30 mins, 12 points).
Vinay raiding interval-wise in PKL 12:
This pattern creates tactical opportunities for opponents, who can concentrate defensive resources in the 11-30 minute window when Vinay's efficiency drops below 35%. Dabang Delhi's coaches will undoubtedly exploit this vulnerability.
Shivam Patare demonstrates greater consistency across Defenders In Play situations, maintaining respectable strike rates in all three DIP phases: 70% in 6-7 DIP (56 points), 64% in 2-3 DIP (9 points), though dropping to 41% in 4-5 DIP (19 points).
Against Dabang Delhi historically, both raiders face challenging prospects. Vinay maintains narrow positive head-to-head records against all three primary Delhi defenders: 12-11 vs Fazel, 8-7 vs Surjeet, and 5-2 vs Saurabh. However, these margins are slim, and Delhi's current defensive form suggests containment is achievable.
Shivam Patare's head-to-head records are more concerning: 1-4 deficit vs Fazel, 3-3 level with Saurabh, and 3-1 advantage vs Surjeet. His struggles against Fazel particularly could prove decisive if Delhi's legendary defender focuses attention on neutralising him.
For Haryana Steelers to end their losing streak, Vinay and Shivam must rediscover the synergy and individual brilliance that characterised their earlier season performances. If both can contribute 8-10 raid points each whilst maintaining 55%+ strike rates, the Steelers possess sufficient attacking firepower to challenge even Delhi's elite defence.
Recent Results:
Haryana Steelers find themselves in unexpected crisis, having lost three consecutive matches after assembling a four-match winning streak. The defending champions still occupy 6th position with 6 wins in 11 matches, remaining firmly in playoff contention, but momentum has dramatically shifted against them.
The three defeats reveal concerning patterns. Two narrow 1-point losses to Jaipur Pink Panthers and Dabang Delhi demonstrated the team's ability to compete with quality opposition but failure to close out tight encounters. However, the comprehensive 12-point demolition by Tamil Thalaivas exposed systematic vulnerabilities that opponents can ruthlessly exploit.
The Tamil Thalaivas collapse was particularly alarming due to the second-half defensive disintegration. Managing zero tackle points from 18 attempts at 0% strike rate after a promising first-half performance (7 points at 64% strike rate) suggests mental fragility rather than technical inadequacy.
Vinay and Shivam Patare's simultaneous failure to impact the match (7 combined raid points) compounded the defensive collapse, leaving the Steelers helpless throughout. Jaideep's High 5 performance (5 tackle points) offered the sole positive, but individual brilliance couldn't compensate for collective dysfunction.
The over-reliance on Vinay and Shivam Patare has become Haryana Steelers' defining characteristic following Naveen Kumar's injury. Whilst both have performed admirably in filling the void, the absence of a reliable third raiding option leaves them vulnerable when either experiences below-par performances.
Current raiding statistics:
Mayank Saini's emergence as the third raider has provided some depth, but his 43% strike rate and 2.3 average remain insufficient to ease the burden on Vinay and Shivam significantly.
Against Dabang Delhi's defence – currently the league's best with 48% tackle strike rate – both primary raiders must perform at peak capacity simultaneously. If either falters, the Steelers lack adequate alternatives to maintain competitive raid totals.
Recent Results:
Dabang Delhi K.C. extended their winning streak to four matches with a hard-fought 3-point victory over Jaipur Pink Panthers, demonstrating their ability to secure victories through multiple avenues. With 10 wins from 11 matches, they've established an almost insurmountable lead atop the PKL 12 table.
The victory over Jaipur showcased Delhi's greatest strength – depth across all positions. When Ashu Malik endured his worst performance of the season (8 raid points at 47% strike rate), the defence compensated magnificently with 13 tackle points at 87% strike rate, led by Sandeep's perfect 7-point High 5.
Neeraj Narwal has emerged as a genuinely reliable support raider, accumulating 51 raid points at 4.6 average with 44% strike rate in 11 matches. His contributions have eased pressure on Ashu whilst providing tactical flexibility.
The sole blemish on Delhi's record – a 3-point defeat to Patna Pirates – appears increasingly like an aberration rather than an indication of vulnerability. In all other matches, Delhi have been dominant, combining Ashu's raiding brilliance with Fazel's defensive mastery.
Dabang Delhi K.C.'s defensive unit represents the season's most complete and consistent force. Their 48% tackle strike rate leads the entire league, whilst their average of 11.5 tackle points per match ranks fourth – statistics that reveal both efficiency and productivity.
Current defensive statistics:
The assist numbers reveal impressive coordination and support play. Sandeep's 43 assists and Surjeet's 40 demonstrate their value beyond individual tackle statistics, maximising the effectiveness of the corner defenders.
Against Haryana Steelers historically, Delhi's defenders have been systematically effective. Fazel's 57 tackle points at 3.0 average with 58% strike rate across 19 matches demonstrates sustained dominance, whilst Saurabh and Surjeet have maintained positive records.
If the defensive unit can reproduce the Jaipur Pink Panthers performance (13 points at 87% strike rate) against Haryana's struggling raiders, Delhi appear poised for their fifth consecutive victory.
Overall: Matches – 17 | Haryana Steelers – 9 | Dabang Delhi K.C. – 8
The historical head-to-head record remains narrowly balanced, with Haryana holding a 9-8 advantage across 17 encounters. However, recent form heavily favours Dabang Delhi, who've won 5 of the last 7 meetings since PKL 9, including the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):
The reverse fixture (M#54) epitomised the closely contested nature of this rivalry. Ashu Malik's Super 10 (15 raid points) and Neeraj Narwal's support secured Delhi's narrow 1-point victory (38-37) despite Vinay's outstanding 18-raid-point performance. Jaideep's 7 tackle points couldn't prevent defeat, highlighting how individual brilliance from both sides creates unpredictable outcomes.
This encounter presents a fascinating clash between contrasting trajectories and psychological states. Dabang Delhi K.C. arrive as overwhelming favourites – league leaders with 10 wins from 11 matches, riding a four-match winning streak, and boasting the league's best defensive unit. Haryana Steelers, defending champions mired in a three-match losing streak, desperately need victory to arrest their slide and restore confidence.
The critical matchups centre on Ashu Malik versus Jaideep and the Steelers' defence, and Vinay-Shivam versus Delhi's defensive fortress. The perfectly balanced 8-8 head-to-head record between Ashu and Jaideep suggests neither holds psychological advantage, with small moments likely to prove decisive.
Haryana's hopes rest on their defence rediscovering first-half Tamil Thalaivas form throughout the entire match. If Jaideep and Rahul can maintain 60%+ strike rates and secure 12+ collective tackle points, whilst Vinay and Shivam simultaneously deliver 8-10 raid points each, the Steelers possess sufficient quality to challenge Delhi.
However, Delhi's depth represents a decisive advantage. When Ashu endured his worst performance against Jaipur, Sandeep's perfect High 5 compensated. If Fazel or Saurabh struggle, others can step up. The Steelers lack equivalent alternatives – if either Vinay or Shivam falter, they have no Plan B.
Historical head-to-head records (9-8 for Steelers) offer false comfort given recent form (5-2 for Delhi since PKL 9). The defending champions' mental fragility – evidenced by the second-half collapse against Tamil Thalaivas – suggests vulnerability that Delhi's ruthless efficiency will exploit.
Expect a competitive first half where Jaideep and Rahul contain Ashu whilst Vinay and Shivam find some success against Delhi's defence. However, Delhi's superior depth, confidence, and tactical adaptability should prove decisive in the closing stages, extending their winning streak to five matches whilst compounding Haryana's crisis.
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