Features
PKL Season 12 Match 41 Preview: Puneri Paltan vs Haryana Steelers – Champions Clash at the Summit
The SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur will witness a blockbuster encounter as table-toppers Puneri Paltan host defending champions Haryana Steelers in Match 41 of PKL 12. This marquee fixture brings together the champions of the last two seasons, with both teams currently displaying exceptional form and sitting at the top of the points table.
Probable Starting 7
Puneri Paltan
- Right Corner – Gaurav Khatri
- Right In – Aditya Shinde
- Right Cover – Abinesh Nadarajan
- Centre – Pankaj Mohite
- Left Cover – Gurdeep
- Left In – Aslam Inamdar (C)
- Left Corner – Vishal Bhardwaj
Haryana Steelers
- Right Corner – Rahul Sethpal
- Right In – Shivam Patare
- Right Cover – Neeraj
- Centre – Sahil Narwal
- Left Cover – Jaideep (C)
- Left In – Vinay
- Left Corner – Hardeep
Headlines
➢ Battle of coaches – Manpreet Singh vs Ajay Thakur
➢ Champions of PKL 11 vs Champions of PKL 10
➢ Both teams have experienced defenders in great form
➢ Gaurav Khatri has been leading the defence for Puneri Paltan and has the best avg tackle points in the league
➢ Aditya Shinde has taken up the job of leading the raiding department, and has had a good start to the season
➢ Experienced defenders Rahul and Jaideep in superb form for the Haryana Steelers
➢ Shivam Patare in excellent form, compensating for Naveen's injury
Top Stories of the Match
Puneri Paltan Defence Going From Strength to Strength
Puneri Paltan are in magnificent form this season, sitting at the summit of the PKL 12 table. This remarkable position has largely been due to their defence, which is operating in exceptional form.
They average the most tackle points per game in the league and are the only team that have a tackle success rate greater than 50%.
Best Average Tackle Points – PKL 12
- Puneri Paltan: 13.1 avg tackle points (52% tackle SR)
- Haryana Steelers: 11.8 avg tackle points (44% tackle SR)
- Tamil Thalaivas: 11.8 avg tackle points (46% tackle SR)
Puneri Paltan delivered another dominant defensive performance in their last match against U Mumba, recording their best showing of the season with 20 tackle points. They achieved a tackle success rate of 80% in that encounter, securing 6 super tackles that set up their victory and moved them to the top of the table.
Puneri Paltan Defence vs U Mumba in M#40
- Tackles: 24
- Tackle Points: 20
- Tackle Success Rate: 83%
- Super Tackles: 6
The Paltan excel in multiple defenders in play (DIP) situations, boasting the best tackle success rate in both 6-7 DIP and 2-3 DIP situations across the league.
Best Tackle SR% in 6-7 DIP (PKL 12)
- Puneri Paltan: 55 tackle points (45% SR)
- Tamil Thalaivas: 41 tackle points (44% SR)
- Gujarat Giants: 30 tackle points (41% SR)
Best Tackle SR% in 2-3 DIP (PKL 12)
- Puneri Paltan: 18 tackle points (95% SR)
- U Mumba: 26 tackle points (84% SR)
- Jaipur Pink Panthers: 12 tackle points (80% SR)
All four of their starting defenders recorded at least 3 tackle points each against U Mumba, with tackle success rates of at least 50%. Gurdeep was the pick of the lot, earning a High 5 including a crucial super tackle on Zafardanesh in the first half.
Puneri Paltan Starting Defenders vs U Mumba (M#40)
- Gurdeep: 7 tackles, 5 tackle points (71% SR)
- Gaurav Khatri: 8 tackles, 4 tackle points (50% SR)
- Abinesh Nadarajan: 3 tackles, 4 tackle points (133% SR)
- Vishal Bhardwaj: 3 tackles, 3 tackle points (100% SR)
Gaurav Khatri has emerged as not just Paltan's best defender but also the finest defender in the entire league this season. He shares the joint-most average tackle points and possesses the best tackle success rate among all defenders with at least 15 tackle points in the league.
Best Average Tackle Points in PKL 12
- Ashish: 23 tackle points (3.8 avg, 55% SR)
- Gaurav Khatri: 30 tackle points (3.8 avg, 70% SR)
- Fazel Atrachali: 20 tackle points (3.3 avg, 61% SR)
Gaurav demonstrates excellence across all four intervals of the game, maintaining a tackle success rate of at least 60% in each 10-minute interval. Remarkably, he has yet to record a single failed tackle in the third interval (21-30 minutes) of matches.
Gaurav Khatri by Interval in PKL 12
- 1-10 mins: 12 tackles, 7 tackle points (58% SR)
- 11-20 mins: 11 tackles, 8 tackle points (73% SR)
- 21-30 mins: 7 tackles, 7 tackle points (100% SR)
- 31-40 mins: 13 tackles, 8 tackle points (62% SR)
All four of Puneri Paltan's defenders have achieved High 5s this season, with three of them recording at least two High 5s.
Puneri Paltan Defence High 5s in PKL 12
- Gaurav Khatri: 3
- Vishal Bhardwaj: 2
- Gurdeep: 2
- Abinesh Nadarajan: 1
PKL 11 Champions vs PKL 10 Champions
This match features the champions of the last two seasons taking on each other in what promises to be a tactical masterpiece.
Puneri Paltan dominated the league stage in PKL 10, finishing first, whilst Haryana Steelers finished fifth and managed to qualify for the playoffs. The Steelers surprised everyone with their run in the playoffs, qualifying for the final but falling to Puneri Paltan in a low-scoring thriller.
PKL 10 Final
- Puneri Paltan: 28
- Haryana Steelers: 25
Four players from that final's starting line-up will most likely feature in tomorrow's encounter:
- Puneri Paltan: Aslam Inamdar, Pankaj Mohite, Gaurav Khatri, Abinesh Nadarajan
- Haryana Steelers: Shivam Patare, Vinay, Jaideep, Rahul
Haryana Steelers had their championship moment in the following season (PKL 11), where they finished top in the league stage and went on to defeat Patna Pirates in the final.
PKL 11 Final
- Haryana Steelers: 32
- Patna Pirates: 23
Both coaches, Manpreet Singh and Ajay Thakur, share history as well. Both players competed in PKL 3 and faced off in the semi-finals. Manpreet captained Patna Pirates whilst Ajay Thakur played for Puneri Paltan. Patna Pirates won that match and went on to claim the championship.
Team Stories
Puneri Paltan
PKL 12 Summary (Last 5 Matches)
- M#40 vs U Mumba: Won 40-22 (18-point victory)
- M#32 vs Telugu Titans: Won 39-33 (6-point victory)
- M#26 vs UP Yoddhas: Won 43-32 (11-point victory)
- M#22 vs Patna Pirates: Lost 37-48 (11-point defeat)
- M#14 vs Dabang Delhi: Lost 28(5)-28(5) (Golden Raid defeat 2-0)
Puneri Paltan delivered a dominating performance to defeat U Mumba and now sit atop the PKL 12 table. Their defence appears to be in unstoppable form, securing 20 tackle points against U Mumba in their last match, including 6 super tackles.
All four of their main defenders have recorded High 5s in PKL 12, and all except one have achieved at least two High 5s. The Paltan lost consecutive matches in the middle of the tournament but have rediscovered their form, winning three on the trot. Each of their last three victories have been double-digit triumphs.
Paltan Show Raiding Depth in the Absence of Aditya Shinde
Puneri Paltan have employed their usual strategy of starting matches aggressively on defence, then utilising raiders to secure points when necessary. Aditya Shinde has been their go-to raider throughout most matches this season.
Most Raid Points for Puneri Paltan in PKL 12
- Aditya Shinde: 53 points (7.6 avg, 71% SR)
- Pankaj Mohite: 35 points (4.4 avg, 40% SR)
- Aslam Inamdar: 31 points (3.9 avg, 32% SR)
Aditya Shinde possesses one of the best raid success rates in the league this season.
Best Raid SR in PKL 12 (30+ Raid Points)
- Gagan Gowda: 6 matches, 69 points (78% SR)
- Aditya Shinde: 7 matches, 53 points (71% SR)
- Devank: 7 matches, 109 points (69% SR)
By design, Puneri Paltan execute numerous Do or Die (DoD) raids, and Aditya Shinde has excelled in these situations, recording the second-most raid points in the league in DoD situations.
Most Do or Die Raid Points in PKL 12
- Ashu Malik: 6 matches, 14 points (140% SR)
- Aditya Shinde: 6 matches, 13 points (81% SR)
- Alireza Mirzaian: 8 matches, 12 points (75% SR)
However, Aditya Shinde missed the last match against U Mumba after failing a late fitness test. Puneri Paltan still managed to secure points through Stuart Singh, who came off the bench and nearly achieved a Super 10 in just his second match. He recorded a raid success rate exceeding 100% in that encounter.
Stuart Singh vs U Mumba in M#40
- Raids: 6
- Raid Points: 8
- Raid Success Rate: 133%
Haryana Steelers
PKL 12 Summary (Last 5 Matches)
- M#38 vs Patna Pirates: Won 43-32 (11-point victory)
- M#33 vs Gujarat Giants: Won 40-37 (3-point victory)
- M#21 vs Bengaluru Bulls: Lost 33-40 (7-point defeat)
- M#16 vs UP Yoddhas: Won 37-32 (5-point victory)
- M#12 vs U Mumba: Won 36(7)-36(6) (tie-breaker victory)
Haryana Steelers have completely transformed their season after losing their opening match to Bengal Warriorz. They have won four of their last five matches and now occupy fourth place in the table. Their last match against Patna Pirates marked their first double-digit victory of the season, providing significant confidence.
Shivam Patare and Vinay are leading their raiding excellently in the absence of injured Naveen Kumar. Experienced defenders Rahul and Jaideep have taken charge, making Haryana Steelers' defence one of the best in the league.
Steelers' Defence Coming Into Form at the Right Time
Haryana Steelers' defence started the season slowly but have improved dramatically and are in excellent form heading into this matchup.
None of their defenders achieved High 5s in the first two matches. However, four different defenders have recorded High 5s in the last four matches.
Haryana Steelers Defence in PKL 12
- First 2 Games: 52 tackles, 14 tackle points (7.0 avg, 27% SR, 0 High 5s)
- Next 4 Games: 111 tackles, 57 tackle points (14.3 avg, 51% SR, 5 High 5s)
They delivered a strong performance against Patna Pirates in their last match, with two defenders earning High 5s.
Haryana Steelers Defence vs Patna Pirates (M#38)
- Hardeep: 6 tackles, 5 tackle points (83% SR)
- Jaideep: 8 tackles, 5 tackle points (63% SR)
- Rahul: 5 tackles, 4 tackle points (80% SR)
Hardeep replaced Rahul Ahri in the line-up and immediately made an impact with a High 5. Experienced defenders Rahul and Jaideep have found their form in recent matches and are enjoying excellent seasons.
Haryana Steelers Most Tackle Points – PKL 12
- Rahul: 6 matches, 18 points (3.0 avg, 60% SR)
- Jaideep: 6 matches, 17 points (2.8 avg, 63% SR)
Haryana possess the joint second-best average tackle points per game in the league.
Shivam Patare Shines with a Crucial Super 10
Shivam Patare delivered an excellent match-winning performance against Patna Pirates, securing his second Super 10 of PKL 12 in style.
Shivam Patare vs Patna Pirates in M#38
- Raids: 17
- Raid Points: 13
- Raid Success Rate: 76%
Shivam has been in excellent form, but following Naveen's injury, he has assumed the role of lead raider and has been crucial in Haryana's victories. Vinay has also provided strong support throughout the season.
Haryana Steelers Raiders in PKL 12
- Shivam Patare: 6 matches, 54 points (9.0 avg, 65% SR, 2 Super 10s)
- Vinay: 5 matches, 36 points (7.2 avg, 49% SR, 1 Super 10)
Shivam has particularly excelled when facing 4-5 defenders on the mat. He possesses the third-best raid success rate in the league in these situations (10+ raid points).
Best Raid SR% in 4-5 DIP in PKL 12 (10+ Raid Points)
- Ayan: 18 points (56% SR)
- Nitin Kumar: 19 points (53% SR)
- Shivam Patare: 11 points (52% SR)
Shivam maintains a raid success rate of at least 70% in three of the four game intervals.
Shivam Raiding in PKL 12 by Intervals
- 1-10 mins: 19 points (73% SR)
- 11-20 mins: 16 points (70% SR)
- 21-30 mins: 9 points (43% SR)
- 31-40 mins: 10 points (77% SR)
He clearly performs better in the first half and, in fact, possesses the third-best raid success rate in the entire league during the first half among players with at least 10 raid points.
Best Raid SR% in 1st Half in PKL 12 (10+ Raid Points)
- Ajit Chouhan: 26 points (84% SR)
- Ayan: 41 points (77% SR)
- Shivam Patare: 35 points (71% SR)
Face Off in PKL
Overall: Matches: 17 | Puneri Paltan: 10 | Haryana Steelers: 6 | Tie: 1
Since PKL 9: Matches: 7 | Puneri Paltan: 4 | Haryana Steelers: 2 | Tie: 1
Puneri Paltan holds the advantage in head-to-head encounters, having won 10 of the 17 matches played between these sides. The two teams met in the PKL 10 final, where Puneri Paltan edged past Haryana Steelers in a low-scoring thriller.
Last 5 Match Results
- PKL 11 M#79: Haryana Steelers won 38-28
- PKL 11 M#4: Puneri Paltan won 35-25
- PKL 10 Final: Puneri Paltan won 28-25
- PKL 10 M#129: Puneri Paltan won 51-36
- PKL 10 M#24: Haryana Steelers won 44-39
Key Player Battles
Puneri Paltan Raiders vs Haryana Steelers Defenders
- Pankaj Mohite 3-0 Jaideep
- Pankaj Mohite 3-5 Rahul
- Aditya Shinde 1-3 Jaideep
- Aslam Inamdar 7-2 Jaideep
- Aslam Inamdar 5-4 Rahul
Haryana Steelers Raiders vs Puneri Paltan Defenders
- Vinay 13-2 Abinesh Nadarajan
- Vinay 2-6 Gaurav Khatri
- Vinay 3-4 Vishal Bhardwaj
- Shivam Patare 3-5 Gaurav Khatri
- Shivam Patare 2-5 Gurdeep
What to Expect
This encounter promises to be a tactical masterclass between two champions operating at the peak of their powers. Puneri Paltan's defensive fortress will face a stern test from the experienced Haryana raiding duo, whilst the Steelers' resurgent defence must contain the league's most potent defensive unit.
The battle between Gaurav Khatri's leadership and Shivam Patare's raiding excellence could prove decisive. Both teams understand that consistency and a championship pedigree will be crucial factors in this summit clash.
Expect a closely contested affair where defensive solidity and tactical acumen will determine the outcome, with both sides aware that every point could prove vital in their quest for another PKL title.
Match Details
- Match: Puneri Paltan vs Haryana Steelers – Match 41, PKL Season 12
- Date: Friday, 19th September 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur
- 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.
Follow Pro Kabaddi on Instagram, Facebook, X & YouTube for all the latest updates!
Latest Updates
Loading...