Two teams in desperate need of wins collide in Match 93 of PKL 12 as Jaipur Pink Panthers host 10th-placed UP Yoddhas. The Pink Panthers' four-match losing streak without injured star Nitin Dhankar meets the Yoddhas' faltering raiding unit, whilst defensive struggles plague both sides in this crucial playoff encounter.

Probable Starting 7

Jaipur Pink Panthers

  • Right Corner – Deepanshu Khatri
  • Right In – Ali Samadi
  • Right Cover – Aashish
  • Centre – Nitin Dhankar
  • Left Cover – Reza Mirbagheri
  • Left In – Vinay
  • Left Corner – Aryan Kumar

UP Yoddhas

  • Right Corner – Hitesh
  • Right In – Bhavani Rajput
  • Right Cover – Ashu Singh
  • Centre – Guman Singh
  • Left Cover – Mahender Singh
  • Left In – Gagan Gowda
  • Left Corner – Sumit (C)

Headlines

➢ Jaipur Pink Panthers have lost 4 in a row
➢ Last two games, they have lost by > 20-point margin
➢ Nitin Dhankar's injury is affecting the team
➢ Ali Samadi shows promise, but needs support
➢ Defence has been the Pink Panthers' weak area this season
➢ UP Yoddhas are coming off a tough loss against Haryana
➢ The raiding trio need to be at the top of their game, Gagan Gowda and Guman Singh delivering
➢ Sumit has completely lost form after a great start
➢ Hitesh is the leading tackle point scorer for the Yoddhas

Top Stories of the Match

Jaipur Pink Panthers Will Want Nitin Dhankar Back in the Lineup

Nitin Dhankar was enjoying his best-ever raiding season in Pro Kabaddi League before injury sidelined him, leaving Jaipur Pink Panthers desperately missing their talismanic leader.

Nitin Dhankar in PKL by season:

  • PKL 12: 109 points (9.9 average, 57% SR, 7 Super 10s)
  • PKL 10: 169 points (8.5 average, 55% SR, 8 Super 10s)
  • PKL 11: 118 points (8.4 average, 46% SR, 6 Super 10s)

His 9.9 average raid points represent career-best form, establishing him among PKL 12's elite raiders before the unfortunate injury.

Nitin's tactical versatility across Defenders in Play (DIP) situations demonstrates complete game awareness, with particularly impressive performances in transition scenarios:

DIP-wise performance in PKL 12:

  • 6-7 defenders: 63 points at 61% SR
  • 4-5 defenders: 23 points at 47% SR (league's best)
  • 2-3 defenders: 21 points at 60% SR

Remarkably, his 47% success rate in 4-5 DIP situations leads all raiders in PKL 12 with minimum 20 raid points:

Best SR% in 4-5 DIP in PKL 12 (minimum 20 raid points):

  • Nitin Dhankar: 47%
  • Shivam Patare: 46%
  • Ayan: 45%

Jaipur Pink Panthers have suffered dramatically without their leader, losing four consecutive matches since his injury. The team's playoff hopes hang precariously, making his potential return vital.

Ali Samadi Rising to the Challenge

Ali Samadi has shouldered the raiding burden admirably in Nitin's absence, demonstrating excellent form despite the team's struggles. His 92 raid points in 14 matches (6.6 average at 61% success rate) with 3 Super 10s represents consistent excellence.

Ali Samadi in PKL 12:

  • 92 raid points (6.6 average, 61% SR)
  • 3 Super 10s

His 61% success rate ranks among PKL 12's better performers, showcasing reliability under pressure.

Tactical analysis reveals Ali's strengths across all DIP situations, with particularly impressive performances in super tackle scenarios:

DIP-wise performance in PKL 12:

  • 6-7 defenders: 65 points at 68% SR
  • 4-5 defenders: 17 points at 41% SR
  • 2-3 defenders: 10 points at 71% SR (excellent)

His 71% success rate against 2-3 defenders demonstrates composure in high-pressure super tackle situations.

Ali's recent form provides encouragement – his wonderful Super 10 against Puneri Paltan showcased his ability to lead the attack:

Ali Samadi vs Puneri Paltan (M#86):

  • 20 raids
  • 14 raid points at 70% SR (Super 10)

However, despite his individual brilliance, Ali desperately needs his main raider Nitin Dhankar back in the lineup to relieve the enormous pressure.

UP Yoddhas Raiding Showing a Dip in Form

UP Yoddhas' raiding unit has experienced alarming decline, crossing 20 raid points in a match just once in their last five games – a worrying trend threatening their playoff survival.

Last 5 matches:

  • vs Haryana Steelers: 18 points at 41% SR
  • vs Tamil Thalaivas: 17 points at 40% SR
  • vs U Mumba: 18 points at 41% SR
  • vs Gujarat Giants: 24 points at 55% SR (only decent performance)
  • vs Patna Pirates: 18 points at 42% SR

The last match against Haryana Steelers epitomised their struggles – none of their raiders found rhythm, resulting in a humiliating 27-point defeat.

UP Yoddhas have formed a raiding trio led by Gagan Gowda, with Guman Singh and Bhavani Rajput providing support:

UP Yoddhas raiders in PKL 12:

  • Gagan Gowda: 128 points at 69% SR (6 Super 10s)
  • Guman Singh: 78 points at 52% SR (2 Super 10s)
  • Bhavani Rajput: 76 points at 37% SR (2 Super 10s)

Gagan Gowda's Diminished Role

Concerningly, Gagan Gowda's role has diminished dramatically in recent matches compared to the season's opening phase:

First 10 matches vs Next 6 matches:

  • Raids: 141 vs 45 (14.1 average vs 7.5 average)
  • Raid points: 100 vs 28 (10.0 average vs 4.7 average)
  • Raid SR%: 71% vs 62%

His average raids per match have dropped from 14.1 to just 7.5 – a startling reduction that coincides with UP Yoddhas' declining fortunes. The team will benefit significantly from allowing him more raiding opportunities.

Guman Singh Stepping Up

Amidst the collective struggles, Guman Singh has performed admirably in recent matches, providing crucial points when others falter:

Last 6 matches:

  • 50 raid points (8.3 average, 59% SR)
  • 2 Super 10s

His 8.3 average raid points demonstrate excellent consistency, offering hope that UP Yoddhas' raiding unit can rediscover form.

Team Stories

Jaipur Pink Panthers – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#86 vs Puneri Paltan – Lost 33-57 (24-point thrashing)
  • M#77 vs Bengaluru Bulls – Lost 26-47 (21-point demolition)
  • M#67 vs Dabang Delhi – Lost 26-29 (3-point defeat)
  • M#63 vs Puneri Paltan – Lost 36-41 (5-point loss)
  • M#57 vs Haryana Steelers – Won 37-36 (1-point thriller)

Jaipur Pink Panthers are losing form at the tournament's most crucial juncture, suffering four consecutive defeats with the last two representing complete capitulations.

The worrying aspect is the margins – 24 and 21-point defeats against Puneri Paltan and Bengaluru Bulls respectively suggest fundamental problems beyond just missing Nitin Dhankar.

Nitin's injury has robbed them of their primary attacking weapon – his seven Super 10s in 11 matches represented exceptional consistency before the setback.

Ali Samadi has taken responsibility admirably, scoring a valiant Super 10 despite the heavy loss in the last match, but cannot carry the burden alone.

Most concerningly, Jaipur Pink Panthers' defence has completely let them down, with no main defenders taking responsibility or stepping up when needed most.

Jaipur Defence Needs to Improve When the Bonus Line is Active

The defensive unit represents Jaipur Pink Panthers' critical weakness, posting the league's third-lowest tackle success rate alongside alarmingly inconsistent performances.

Jaipur Pink Panthers defence unit in PKL 12:

  • 129 tackle points in 14 matches (9.2 average)
  • 39% tackle SR (3rd lowest)

They've suffered consecutive matches without reaching 10 tackle points – a damning statistic for any team with playoff ambitions:

Last 2 matches:

  • vs Puneri Paltan (M#86): 9 points at 32% SR
  • vs Bengaluru Bulls (M#77): 7 points at 28% SR

The Puneri Paltan match particularly highlighted their struggles – whilst opponents posted 20 tackle points, Jaipur managed just 9.

A major reason for their struggles lies in performances when 6-7 defenders are on the mat. They have the lowest tackle points and joint-lowest tackle success rate in this crucial DIP situation:

Lowest tackle SR% in 6-7 DIP in PKL 12:

  • Jaipur Pink Panthers: 52 points at 29% SR
  • Patna Pirates: 55 points at 29% SR
  • Bengal Warriorz: 76 points at 30% SR

Since most raids occur with full defensive lines, this weakness fundamentally undermines their ability to win matches.

Right cover Aashish Kumar has particularly struggled in this DIP:

Aashish Kumar in 6-7 DIP in PKL 12:

  • 49 tackles
  • 8 tackle points at 16% SR

They also struggle dramatically in the second half, posting the league's second-lowest tackle success rate after half-time:

Lowest tackle SR% in 2nd half in PKL 12:

  • Patna Pirates: 59 points at 33% SR
  • Jaipur Pink Panthers: 64 points at 37% SR
  • Bengal Warriorz: 74 points at 38% SR

Aryan Kumar and Reza Mirbagheri have performed adequately, but concerningly, no defender maintains a tackle success rate of at least 50%:

Jaipur Pink Panthers defenders in PKL 12:

  • Aryan Kumar: 32 points (2.5 average, 46% SR)
  • Reza Mirbagheri: 26 points (1.9 average, 43% SR)
  • Deepanshu Khatri: 26 points (2.0 average, 39% SR)

Reza Mirbagheri's Concerning Decline

Reza Mirbagheri's struggles prove particularly worrying – the main defender has seen his tackle success rate plummet from consistent excellence in previous seasons:

Season-by-season comparison:

  • PKL 12: 1.9 average, 43% SR
  • PKL 11: 2.5 average, 55% SR
  • PKL 10: 2.7 average, 53% SR
  • PKL 9: 2.3 average, 51% SR

His drop from 50%+ success rates in every previous season to just 43% this campaign represents a significant concern requiring urgent address.

UP Yoddhas – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#90 vs Haryana Steelers – Lost 26-53 (27-point thrashing)
  • M#84 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Won 32-31 (1-point thriller)
  • M#82 vs U Mumba – Won 40-24 (16-point dominance)
  • M#74 vs Gujarat Giants – Lost 39-41 (2-point heartbreak)
  • M#68 vs Patna Pirates – Lost 28-36 (8-point defeat)

UP Yoddhas suffered a humiliating 27-point defeat to Haryana Steelers, dropping them to 10th position in the table desperately needing wins to keep playoff hopes alive.

The Yoddhas employ a raiding trio – Gagan Gowda, Guman Singh, and Bhavani Rajput – but collective form has deserted them in the last five matches.

Gagan Gowda remains their best raider, though his diminished role concerns the coaching staff. Captain Sumit has significantly dropped form in recent matches, whilst right corner Hitesh has performed well in recent fixtures.

Hitesh Continues Good Form, as Overall Defence Struggles for Form

UP Yoddhas' defence struggled mightily against Haryana Steelers, managing just 9 tackle points as a team – with Hitesh their highest scorer with 3 tackle points.

However, Hitesh's recent form provides genuine encouragement:

Last 5 matches:

  • 21 tackle points (4.2 average, 64% SR)

His excellent performances have established him as UP Yoddhas' leading defender in PKL 12:

Most tackle points for UP Yoddhas in PKL 12:

  • Hitesh: 42 points (2.6 average, 44% SR, 2 High 5s)
  • Sumit: 40 points (2.5 average, 50% SR, 3 High 5s)
  • Ashu Singh: 31 points (1.9 average, 49% SR, 1 High 5)

Sumit's Alarming Decline

Captain Sumit's dramatic loss of form represents UP Yoddhas' biggest concern. After a brilliant start, his performances have collapsed in recent matches:

First 9 matches vs Next 7 matches:

  • Tackles: 52 vs 28
  • Tackle points: 33 vs 7 (3.7 average vs 1.0 average)
  • Tackle SR%: 62% vs 25%

His average dropping from 3.7 tackle points per match to just 1.0 – whilst his success rate plummeted from 62% to 25% – represents catastrophic decline requiring urgent remedy.

UP Yoddhas' Defence Unit

The overall defensive unit posts concerning numbers – fourth-lowest average tackle points in PKL 12:

UP Yoddhas' defence in PKL 12:

  • 150 tackle points in 16 matches (9.4 average)
  • 39% tackle SR

More tellingly, the stark difference between wins and losses reveals defensive dependency:

Performance in wins vs losses:

  • In wins (6 matches): 75 points (12.5 average, 54% SR)
  • In losses (10 matches): 75 points (7.5 average, 31% SR)

Their 12.5 average in victories versus 7.5 in defeats demonstrates that defensive performance directly determines match outcomes.

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 15 | Jaipur Pink Panthers – 8 | UP Yoddhas – 7

Since PKL 9: Matches – 8 | Jaipur Pink Panthers – 5 | UP Yoddhas – 3

The historical record slightly favours Jaipur Pink Panthers, though recent encounters carry emotional weight.

UP Yoddhas knocked out Jaipur Pink Panthers in the PKL 11 Eliminator, winning comprehensively by 28 points in a result that still stings for the Pink Panthers.

Jaipur extracted revenge earlier this season when the sides met, securing victory with Nitin Dhankar scoring a Super 10 whilst Ali Samadi fell just one point short of his own Super 10.

Gagan Gowda had an excellent game for UP Yoddhas with 16 raid points, but the Yoddhas managed just 4 tackle points in the match – leading directly to their loss.

Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):

  • PKL 12 M#31: Jaipur Pink Panthers won 41-29 (12-point victory)
  • PKL 11 Eliminator: UP Yoddhas won 46-18 (28-point rout)
  • PKL 11 M#81: UP Yoddhas won 33-29 (4-point victory)
  • PKL 11 M#35: Jaipur Pink Panthers won 33-30 (3-point victory)
  • PKL 10 M#117: Jaipur Pink Panthers won 67-30 (37-point demolition)

Key Player Battles

Jaipur Pink Panthers' Raiders vs UP Yoddhas' Defenders

  • Nitin Dhankar 6-2 Ashu Singh
  • Nitin Dhankar 5-4 Sumit
  • Nitin Dhankar 3-1 Hitesh
  • Ali Samadi 3-0 Ashu Singh
  • Ali Samadi 2-2 Sumit

UP Yoddhas' Raiders vs Jaipur Pink Panthers' Defenders

  • Gagan Gowda 3-1 Reza Mirbagheri
  • Guman Singh 16-12 Reza Mirbagheri

What to Expect

This encounter promises desperation from both sides as playoff survival hangs in the balance. Jaipur Pink Panthers' four-match losing streak meets UP Yoddhas' form collapse in a match neither can afford to lose.

Nitin Dhankar's potential return could transform Jaipur's fortunes, whilst UP Yoddhas must allow Gagan Gowda more raiding opportunities to rediscover their attacking potency.

The defensive battles – particularly Sumit's quest to rediscover form against Ali Samadi's rising confidence – will likely prove decisive.

Expect a closely contested, nervous affair where the team managing pressure more effectively will emerge victorious. Both sides desperately need points, creating potential for either a classic thriller or a mistake-ridden encounter.

Match Details

  • Match: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs UP Yoddhas – Match 93, PKL Season 12
  • Date: Friday, 17th October 2025
  • Time: 9:30 PM IST
  • Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi
  • 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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