Jaipur Pink Panthers face Dabang Delhi K.C. in Match 67 of PKL 12 at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai. The Panthers arrive nursing a narrow defeat whilst confronting the season's most dominant force – table-topping Dabang Delhi K.C., who have won nine of their ten matches and currently ride a three-match winning streak.

Probable Starting 7

Jaipur Pink Panthers

  • Right Corner – Deepanshu Khatri
  • Right In – Ali Samadi
  • Right Cover – Aashish
  • Centre – Nitin Kumar
  • Left Cover – Reza Mirbagheri
  • Left In – Sahil Sethpal
  • Left Corner – Nitin Rawal (C)

Dabang Delhi K.C.

  • Right Corner – Saurabh Nandal
  • Right In – Ajinkya Pawar
  • Right Cover – Surjeet Singh
  • Centre – Ashu Malik (C)
  • Left Cover – Sandeep
  • Left In – Neeraj Narwal
  • Left Corner – Fazel Atrachali

Headlines

➢ Dabang Delhi K.C. are in unstoppable form, as they picked up yet another win, making it three in a row

➢ They have won 9 of the 10 games this season, are at top spot in the table

➢ Agent Ashu has been leading 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

➢ Jaipur Pink Panthers are coming off a hard-fought loss to Puneri Paltan

➢ Nitin Dhankar has been their best raider, but missed last match due to an injury

➢ Ali Samadi put in an outstanding performance, scoring 21 raid points on his own, the highest by an Iranian in a game in PKL

Top Stories of the Match

Agent Ashu Malik Leading Dabang Delhi K.C. to the Playoffs

Dabang Delhi K.C. have established themselves as the undisputed team to beat in PKL 12, assembling a remarkable campaign that's seen them dominate virtually every opponent. Their statistics are staggering – 9 wins from 10 matches represents a 90% win rate that places them firmly atop the table, with their current three-match winning streak suggesting no signs of slowing.

At the heart of this unprecedented success stands captain Ashu Malik, who has evolved into arguably the league's most complete and devastating raider. His numbers this season are extraordinary: 134 raid points in 10 matches at 13.4 average with 63% strike rate and eight Super 10s.

Ashu's consistency has been remarkable, securing Super 10s in his last three consecutive matches. Against UP Yoddhas, he registered 13 raid points from 22 raids at 59% strike rate. Prior to that, he dismantled Haryana Steelers with 15 raid points and obliterated U Mumba with a season-high 23 raid points – performances that have terrorised defences across the league.

His statistical supremacy places him amongst the elite. Ashu possesses the second-best average raid points in PKL 12, trailing only the phenomenal Devank (181 points, 18.1 average) and comfortably ahead of Ayan (104 points, 11.6 average).

When Dabang Delhi K.C. previously faced Jaipur Pink Panthers in Match 20, Ashu produced a masterclass performance, scoring 20 raid points from 27 raids at 74% strike rate – single-handedly dismantling the Panthers' defensive structure and guiding Delhi to a narrow 1-point victory.

Ashu's versatility across Defenders In Play (DIP) situations makes him exceptionally difficult to contain. He's most prolific when facing full defences, scoring 81 raid points at 68% strike rate in 6-7 DIP situations. However, he maintains effectiveness in reduced defences as well: 28 points at 70% in 2-3 DIP and 24 points at 44% in 4-5 DIP.

His prowess in Do or Die situations borders on the supernatural. Ashu leads all raiders in PKL 12 with 20 DOD raid points at an astonishing 118% strike rate – meaning he averages more than one point per DOD raid, a testament to his ability to deliver under maximum pressure.

The 11-20 minute interval represents Ashu's most dominant phase. With 42 raid points at 82% strike rate in this period, he possesses the best strike rate in the entire league for this interval amongst raiders with 20+ points, ahead of Devank (76%) and Ayan (75%).

Against Jaipur Pink Panthers' struggling young defence – which managed just 5 tackle points in their last outing – Ashu appears poised for another explosive performance.

Ali Samadi Scores Most Points by an Iranian in a Match in PKL History

Jaipur Pink Panthers entered their match against Puneri Paltan severely handicapped by the absence of star raider Nitin Dhankar, who missed the encounter due to injury. However, Ali Samadi produced a performance for the ages, almost single-handedly keeping the Panthers competitive until the final moments.

The Iranian sensation scored 22 total points (21 raid points, 1 tackle point) – the most points any Iranian player has ever registered in a single PKL match, surpassing Shadloui's previous record of 16 points. His 21 raid points came from 22 raids at 95% strike rate, demonstrating remarkable efficiency.

Samadi's heroics nearly secured an improbable victory. He was collecting points almost every raid, maintaining relentless pressure on the Paltan defence throughout. The cruel twist came when he was dismissed via super tackle in the closing stages, ultimately falling short despite his Herculean efforts.

This historic performance confirms Ali Samadi's emergence as the next Iranian star in PKL. As Nitin Dhankar's support raider this season, he's established impressive credentials: 68 raid points at 6.2 average with 64% strike rate in 11 matches – numbers that rank amongst the league's better secondary raiders.

Samadi's excellence in the closing stages makes him particularly dangerous. With 21 raid points at 81% strike rate in the 31-40 minute interval, he possesses the third-best strike rate in the entire league for this phase amongst raiders with 20+ points, trailing only Gagan Gowda (100%) and Devank (87%).

His effectiveness across DIP situations reveals tactical versatility. Ali excels particularly against full defences, scoring 48 raid points at 76% strike rate in 6-7 DIP situations. He maintains respectable efficiency in reduced defences as well: 7 points at 64% in 2-3 DIP, though he struggles somewhat in 4-5 DIP situations (13 points at 39% strike rate).

Against Dabang Delhi K.C.'s formidable defensive unit led by the legendary Fazel Atrachali, Samadi faces his sternest test yet. If Nitin Dhankar remains sidelined, the Iranian will need to reproduce his record-breaking heroics to keep Jaipur competitive.

Fazel Atrachali – The Sultan Still Reigns Supreme

Fazel Atrachali continues to defy Father Time, producing performances that demonstrate why he remains amongst kabaddi's most feared defenders. The legendary left corner has been instrumental in Dabang Delhi K.C.'s dominance, accumulating 31 tackle points at 3.1 average with 60% strike rate and three High 5s in 10 matches.

In the last match against UP Yoddhas, Fazel came agonisingly close to a fourth High 5, scoring 4 tackle points from 6 tackles at 67% strike rate – falling just one point short for the second time in three matches. This near-miss highlights his sustained excellence at the highest level.

Against Jaipur Pink Panthers specifically, Fazel possesses an outstanding record that should terrify the hosts. In 21 matches against the Panthers throughout his PKL career, he's accumulated 54 tackle points at 2.6 average with 53% strike rate and four High 5s – demonstrating consistent dominance over this particular opponent.

The Sultan's effectiveness varies by match interval, with his peak performances coming in the middle phases. His tackle strike rates by interval reveal this pattern: 50% (1-10 mins, 5 points), 64% (11-20 mins, 9 points), 73% (21-30 mins, 11 points), and 46% (31-40 mins, 6 points). The 21-30 minute phase represents his most dominant period, where his 73% strike rate can devastate opposition raiding units.

Complementing Fazel are two veteran defenders who provide exceptional support. Saurabh Nandal has been outstanding with 26 tackle points at 2.6 average and 58% strike rate in 10 matches, whilst Surjeet Singh has contributed 22 tackle points at 2.2 average, though his 35% strike rate represents a relative weakness in an otherwise formidable unit.

The combination of Fazel's experience, Saurabh's consistency, and Surjeet's support creates a defensive structure that's proving extremely difficult to breach. For Jaipur's young, struggling defence – which recorded just 5 tackle points and 20% strike rate against Puneri Paltan – facing Delhi's defensive trio alongside Ashu Malik's raiding brilliance presents a daunting challenge.

Defence Needs to Be Better for Jaipur Pink Panthers

Jaipur Pink Panthers' young defensive unit showed promising signs of improvement before suffering a catastrophic collapse against Puneri Paltan. The 5 tackle points from 25 tackles at 20% strike rate represents their worst defensive performance of the season and exposed fundamental vulnerabilities.

A clear pattern has emerged from their last six matches: whenever the Panthers' defence scores 10+ tackle points, they win the match. In four victories, their defence averaged 12 tackle points at 47% strike rate. Conversely, in defeats, these numbers plummet dramatically.

Jaipur Pink Panthers' defence in last 6 matches:

  • M#63 vs Puneri Paltan: 5 tackle points at 20% SR (Lost)
  • M#57 vs Haryana Steelers: 12 tackle points at 50% SR (Won)
  • M#52 vs Tamil Thalaivas: 9 tackle points at 50% SR (Lost)
  • M#48 vs U Mumba: 11 tackle points at 35% SR (Won)
  • M#39 vs Bengal Warriorz: 13 tackle points at 45% SR (Won)
  • M#31 vs UP Yoddhas: 12 tackle points at 52% SR (Won)

Aryan Kumar and Reza Mirbagheri have emerged as the defence's primary weapons, both maintaining tackle strike rates of at least 45% this season. However, captain Nitin Rawal's struggles have been concerning – he doesn't even rank amongst the team's top three defenders.

Current defensive statistics:

  • Aryan Kumar: 22 tackle points (2.2 average, 45% SR, 12 assists)
  • Reza Mirbagheri: 21 tackle points (1.9 average, 45% SR, 15 assists)
  • Deepanshu Khatri: 19 tackle points (1.9 average, 39% SR, 19 assists)

Worryingly, no Jaipur Pink Panthers defender has achieved a High 5 this season – they remain the only team in PKL 12 with this dubious distinction. This absence of dominant individual defensive performances has prevented them from containing elite raiders.

The Puneri Paltan disaster particularly exposed Aryan Kumar and Reza Mirbagheri's vulnerabilities. Both managed just 1 tackle point from 6 tackles at 17% strike rate – a collapse that proved decisive in the defeat.

Reza's season trajectory had been encouraging before this setback. After a slow start in his first five matches (9 tackle points, 1.8 average, 45% strike rate, 4 assists), he'd found form in the next five (11 tackle points, 2.2 average, 55% strike rate, 11 assists). Returning to that improved level will be essential against Delhi's raiding juggernaut.

Team Stories

Jaipur Pink Panthers – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#63 vs Puneri Paltan – Lost 36–41
  • M#57 vs Haryana Steelers – Won 37–36
  • M#52 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Lost 28–37
  • M#48 vs U Mumba – Won 38 (6)–38 (4) (tie-breaker)
  • M#39 vs Bengal Warriorz – Won 45–41

Jaipur Pink Panthers suffered a deflating 5-point defeat to Puneri Paltan despite Ali Samadi's record-breaking 21-raid-point performance. The loss was particularly frustrating as the Iranian's heroics deserved a better result, but catastrophic defensive collapse (5 tackle points at 20% strike rate) proved insurmountable.

The critical concern centres on Nitin Dhankar's fitness. The star raider, who's been exceptional this season with 109 raid points at 10.9 average, 59% strike rate and seven Super 10s in 10 matches, missed the Paltan encounter due to injury sustained against Haryana Steelers. His return date remains unconfirmed, creating significant uncertainty for team selection.

If Nitin remains sidelined, the Panthers will rely heavily on Ali Samadi's newfound confidence from his historic performance, whilst hoping their young defence can rediscover the form shown in earlier victories.

Jaipur Pink Panthers' Raiding – Nitin Dhankar's Uncertain Availability

Nitin Dhankar has been enjoying his best PKL season, establishing career-high numbers that place him amongst the league's elite raiders. His 109 raid points at 10.9 average with 59% strike rate and seven Super 10s represent significant improvements from previous campaigns.

Nitin Dhankar's seasonal progression:

  • PKL 12: 109 raid points (10.9 average, 59% SR, 7 Super 10s in 10 matches)
  • PKL 10: 169 raid points (8.5 average, 55% SR, 8 Super 10s)
  • PKL 11: 118 raid points (8.4 average, 46% SR, 6 Super 10s)

Against Dabang Delhi specifically, Nitin has been exceptional, scoring 51 raid points in 4 matches at 12.8 average with 65% strike rate and three Super 10s. In the reverse fixture (M#20), he registered a Super 10 with 14 raid points from 23 raids at 61% strike rate.

His proficiency in Do or Die situations (11 raid points at 79% strike rate) makes him particularly valuable in tight matches – exactly the type of encounter expected against Delhi.

Prior to his injury, Nitin had assembled three consecutive Super 10s before managing only 8 raid points at 50% strike rate against Tamil Thalaivas. Against Haryana Steelers, he scored 0 points and was subsequently ruled out of the Puneri Paltan match.

If Nitin cannot feature, Ali Samadi's record-breaking form offers hope, but the Panthers' raiding structure relies heavily on their star's availability.

Dabang Delhi K.C. – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#61 vs UP Yoddhas – Won 43–26
  • M#54 vs Haryana Steelers – Won 38–37
  • M#50 vs U Mumba – Won 47–26
  • M#43 vs Patna Pirates – Lost 30–33
  • M#37 vs Telugu Titans – Won 33–29

Dabang Delhi K.C. continued their imperious march with a comprehensive 17-point demolition of UP Yoddhas, extending their winning streak to three matches. With 9 victories from 10 matches, they've established a commanding position atop the PKL 12 table.

The sole blemish on their 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 Malik's raiding brilliance with Fazel Atrachali's defensive mastery.

Neeraj Narwal's recent emergence as a reliable support raider (48 raid points at 4.8 average in 10 matches) has provided additional depth, whilst the defensive unit's consistency has neutralised opposition attacking threats.

Dabang Delhi's Defence – Fortress Atrachali

Dabang Delhi K.C.'s defensive unit represents one of the season's most formidable forces, combining legendary experience with sustained excellence. The trio of Fazel Atrachali, Saurabh Nandal, and Surjeet Singh has created a fortress that few raiders have breached successfully.

Current defensive statistics:

  • Fazel Atrachali: 31 tackle points (3.1 average, 60% SR, 3 High 5s, 17 assists)
  • Saurabh Nandal: 26 tackle points (2.6 average, 58% SR, 1 High 5, 11 assists)
  • Surjeet Singh: 22 tackle points (2.2 average, 35% SR, 32 assists)
  • Sandeep: 11 tackle points (1.1 average, 31% SR, 41 assists)

Whilst Surjeet's 35% strike rate represents the unit's weakest link, his 32 assists demonstrate his value in supporting the corner defenders. Sandeep's league-leading assist numbers (41 in PKL 12) reveal the coordinated team defence that maximises effectiveness.

Against Jaipur Pink Panthers historically, all three primary defenders have excelled:

  • Fazel: 54 tackle points (2.6 average, 53% SR, 4 High 5s in 21 matches)
  • Saurabh: 28 tackle points (2.3 average, 53% SR, 2 High 5s in 12 matches)
  • Surjeet: 28 tackle points (2.1 average, 41% SR, 2 High 5s in 13 matches)

This historical dominance, combined with Jaipur's recent defensive struggles, suggests Delhi's defence could prove decisive.

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 25 | Jaipur Pink Panthers – 12 | Dabang Delhi K.C. – 10 | Tied – 3

The historical head-to-head record remains closely contested, with Jaipur holding a narrow 12-10 advantage (plus three ties). However, recent momentum firmly favours Dabang Delhi, who've won their last three encounters, including the reverse fixture earlier this season.

Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):

  • PKL 12 M#20: Delhi won 36–35
  • PKL 11 M#126: Delhi won 33–31
  • PKL 11 M#70: Delhi won 35–21
  • PKL 10 M#110: Panthers won 27–22
  • PKL 10 M#43: Tied 32–32

Since PKL 9, the record stands at 3-3 with one tie across seven matches, suggesting competitive balance. However, Delhi's current form and Jaipur's injury concerns tilt the scales significantly.

The reverse fixture (M#20) exemplified the close battles these teams produce. Ashu Malik's 20-raid-point masterclass proved decisive in Delhi's narrow 1-point victory (36-35), despite Nitin Dhankar and Sahil Sethpal both recording Super 10s for Jaipur. The match's raiding-heavy nature (Delhi scored 29 raid points, Jaipur 28) suggests defence could determine this encounter's outcome.

Key Player Battles

Jaipur Pink Panthers' Raiders vs Dabang Delhi K.C.' Defenders

  • Nitin Dhankar 7–3 Fazel Atrachali
  • Nitin Dhankar 7–2 Surjeet Singh
  • Nitin Dhankar 3–2 Saurabh Nandal

Dabang Delhi K.C.' Raiders vs Jaipur Pink Panthers' Defenders

  • Ashu Malik 9–6 Nitin Rawal
  • Ashu Malik 6–3 Reza Mirbagheri
  • Neeraj Narwal 1–4 Nitin Rawal

What to Expect

This encounter presents a fascinating David versus Goliath narrative. Dabang Delhi K.C. arrive as overwhelming favourites – league leaders with 9 wins from 10 matches, riding a three-match winning streak, and boasting the season's most complete squad. Jaipur Pink Panthers, conversely, face this juggernaut potentially without their star raider and with a young defence that catastrophically collapsed in their last outing.

The pivotal factor centres on Nitin Dhankar's availability. If the star raider remains sidelined, Jaipur's chances diminish dramatically despite Ali Samadi's record-breaking heroics. Whilst the Iranian proved he can produce individual brilliance, sustaining that level against Delhi's defensive trio – particularly Fazel Atrachali's excellence against Jaipur historically – represents an enormous challenge.

Even with Nitin fit, the matchup heavily favours Delhi. Ashu Malik's 20-raid-point demolition in the reverse fixture demonstrated his ability to dismantle Jaipur's defence, and their recent 5-tackle-point disaster against Puneri Paltan suggests they're vulnerable to sustained raiding pressure.

The critical battles will unfold between Ashu Malik and Jaipur's young defence, and between Ali Samadi (or potentially Nitin) and Delhi's legendary defensive unit. Historical head-to-head records favour Nitin against Delhi's defenders (7-3 vs Fazel, 7-2 vs Surjeet), but Ashu dominates Jaipur's defenders (9-6 vs Nitin Rawal, 6-3 vs Reza).

Jaipur's only realistic path to victory requires their defence to rediscover the 10+ tackle point form that secured earlier wins, whilst hoping Ashu experiences an uncharacteristic off-day. Given Delhi's 90% win rate and sustained excellence across all departments, this seems improbable.

Expect Dabang Delhi K.C. to extend their winning streak to four matches, consolidating their position atop the table whilst Jaipur Pink Panthers rue injuries and defensive inconsistency that have derailed their playoff ambitions.

Match Details

  • Match: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match 67, PKL Season 12
  • Date: Monday, 6th October 2025
  • Time: 7:30 PM IST
  • Venue: SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai
  • LIVE Streaming: Watch LIVE on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar. For LIVE scores and updates, visit prokabaddi.com or download the Pro Kabaddi Official App.

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