Tamil Thalaivas face Puneri Paltan in Match 78 of PKL 12 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. This compelling encounter presents a clash between the league's two premier defensive units, with second-placed Puneri Paltan seeking victory to mathematically confirm Top 8 qualification whilst sixth-placed Tamil Thalaivas aim to consolidate their position.

Probable Starting 7

Tamil Thalaivas

  • Right Corner – Arulnanthababu
  • Right In – Arjun Deshwal (C)
  • Right Cover – Ronak
  • Centre – Himanshu
  • Left Cover – Aashish
  • Left In – Rohit Beniwal
  • Left Corner – Nitesh Kumar

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

Headlines

➢ Match between the two best defensive units of PKL 12

➢ Puneri Paltan defence has been dominating the games, and they are second in the table

➢ Paltan will finish in the top 8 this season if they win this match

➢ Corners Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj have been amazing

➢ Aditya Shinde is in amazing form, has back-to-back Super 10s

➢ Tamil Thalaivas are coming off a huge win over Patna Pirates

➢ Arjun Deshwal crossed 20 raid points in a match for the second time in PKL 12

➢ Nitesh Kumar at left corner has been amazing, amongst the best in the league

➢ Tamil Thalaivas have the 2nd best average tackle points (tied) in PKL 12

Top Stories of the Match

Can the Paltan's League-Best Defence Stop In-Form Arjun Deshwal?

Puneri Paltan possess the league's premier defensive unit, leading PKL 12 with the highest average tackle points (11.8) at 46% strike rate. This excellence stems primarily from their exceptional corner defender partnership of Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj, who have established themselves amongst the season's most formidable defenders.

Best average tackle points in PKL 12:

  • Puneri Paltan: 11.8 average (46% SR)
  • Tamil Thalaivas: 11.2 average (44% SR)
  • U Mumba: 11.2 average (43% SR)

The corner defenders' statistics place them amongst the elite. Gaurav Khatri has accumulated 39 tackle points at 3.0 average with 60% strike rate and three High 5s in 13 matches. Vishal Bhardwaj complements him perfectly with 30 tackle points at 2.3 average, also maintaining 60% strike rate with two High 5s.

Both defenders share the joint-third-best tackle strike rate amongst all defenders with 20+ tackle points in PKL 12, trailing only Saurabh Nandal and Jaideep (both 63%).

Best tackle SR% in PKL 12 (20+ tackle points):

  • Saurabh Nandal: 34 tackle points at 63% SR
  • Jaideep: 39 tackle points at 63% SR
  • Vishal Bhardwaj: 29 tackle points at 60% SR
  • Gaurav Khatri: 39 tackle points at 60% SR

Puneri Paltan corners in PKL 12:

  • Gaurav Khatri: 39 tackle points (3.0 average, 60% SR, 3 High 5s)
  • Vishal Bhardwaj: 30 tackle points (2.3 average, 60% SR, 2 High 5s)

Vishal Bhardwaj's consistency across match intervals demonstrates tactical mastery. He maintains strike rates exceeding 50% in all four phases: 75% (1-10 mins, 9 points), 54% (11-20 mins, 7 points), 57% (21-30 mins, 8 points), and 55% (31-40 mins, 6 points). His ability to start matches with 75% strike rate in the opening interval sets defensive tones that opponents struggle to overcome.

Gaurav Khatri's performance variance between victories and defeats reveals his central importance to Puneri Paltan's success. In wins, he averages 3.5 tackle points from 35 total points at 64% strike rate with three High 5s. In losses, these numbers collapse to 1.3 average tackle points from 4 total points at 40% strike rate with zero High 5s.

Gaurav Khatri result-wise in PKL 12:

  • Wins: 35 tackle points (3.5 average, 64% SR, 3 High 5s in 10 matches)
  • Losses: 4 tackle points (1.3 average, 40% SR, 0 High 5s in 3 matches)

However, recent form suggests vulnerability. In their last five matches, Puneri Paltan have managed to exceed 10 tackle points only twice, despite their season-leading average. This declining defensive output – averaging 13.1 tackle points at 50% strike rate in wins versus 7.3 average at 31% strike rate in losses – indicates potential fragility against elite raiders.

Puneri Paltan defence in PKL 12:

  • Wins: 131 tackle points (13.1 average, 50% SR)
  • Losses: 22 tackle points (7.3 average, 31% SR)

Against this formidable defensive structure stands Arjun Deshwal, experiencing a purple patch of form following his second 20+ raid point performance of the season. Against Patna Pirates, he demolished their defence with 26 raid points from 28 raids at 93% strike rate – a masterclass that guided Tamil Thalaivas to a comprehensive 19-point victory.

Arjun Deshwal vs Patna Pirates (M#69):

  • Raids: 28
  • Raid points: 26
  • Raid SR%: 93%

Tamil Thalaivas remain dangerously dependent on their captain, averaging under 20 raid points per match (19.9) – the third-lowest in the league behind only Gujarat Giants and Bengaluru Bulls. Arjun has contributed 153 of the team's 259 total raid points (59%), creating a dependency ratio that mirrors situations at other one-man teams.

Tamil Thalaivas raiding unit in PKL 12:

  • Matches: 13
  • Total raid points: 259
  • Average raid points: 19.9
  • Raid SR%: 49%

Arjun's 153 raid points at 11.8 average with 58% strike rate and eight Super 10s rank him fourth in the league's average raid points behind only Ashu Malik (12.2 average), with Nitin Kumar (10.9) trailing him.

Best average raid points in PKL 12:

  • Ashu Malik: 146 raid points (12.2 average, 62% SR in 12 matches)
  • Arjun Deshwal: 153 raid points (11.8 average, 58% SR in 13 matches)
  • Nitin Kumar: 109 raid points (10.9 average, 59% SR in 10 matches)

The direct correlation between Arjun's performance and team results remains stark. In Tamil Thalaivas' six victories, he averages 17.2 raid points from 103 total points at 68% strike rate. In their seven defeats, these numbers plummet to 7.1 average raid points from 50 total points at 45% strike rate. The equation is devastatingly simple: if Arjun performs, Thalaivas win; if he struggles, they lose.

Arjun Deshwal raiding in PKL 12:

  • Wins: 103 raid points (17.2 average, 68% SR in 6 matches)
  • Losses: 50 raid points (7.1 average, 45% SR in 7 matches)

Arjun's consistency across match intervals this season demonstrates marked improvement from earlier campaigns. His strike rates by phase reveal sustained effectiveness: 59% (1-10 mins, 44 points), 50% (11-20 mins, 27 points), 68% (21-30 mins, 38 points), and 57% (31-40 mins, 44 points). Maintaining strike rates above 50% in all four intervals showcases tactical maturity.

Against Puneri Paltan specifically, Arjun possesses an outstanding record that should provide confidence. In 11 matches against the Paltan throughout his PKL career, he's accumulated 126 raid points at 11.4 average with 65% strike rate and six Super 10s – demonstrating his ability to dismantle their defensive structure consistently.

The last encounter between these sides saw Arjun produce another Super 10, continuing his dominance over Puneri Paltan's defence. However, the Paltan's corner defenders' recent form and 60% strike rates suggest this fixture could produce the season's most compelling raider-versus-defence battle.

Nitesh Kumar Becomes First to 50 Tackle Points in PKL 12

Nitesh Kumar has cemented his status as PKL 12's premier defender by becoming the first player to reach the 50 tackle points milestone. His fifth High 5 in the last six matches against Patna Pirates took him to 51 tackle points at 3.9 average with 59% strike rate – statistics that comfortably lead all defenders.

Most tackle points in PKL 12:

  • Nitesh Kumar: 51 tackle points (3.9 average, 59% SR in 13 matches)
  • Fazel Atrachali: 44 tackle points (3.1 average, 59% SR in 14 matches)
  • Jaideep: 42 tackle points (3.2 average, 62% SR in 13 matches)

The left corner's transformation from solid contributor to dominant force has been remarkable. After accumulating 19 tackle points from 40 tackles at 48% strike rate with one High 5 in his first seven matches, he elevated his game dramatically. In his next six matches, he's scored 32 tackle points from 47 tackles at 68% strike rate with four High 5s – nearly tripling his tackle points rate from 2.7 to 5.3 per match.

Nitesh Kumar's defence in PKL 12:

  • First 7 matches: 19 tackle points (2.7 average, 48% SR, 1 High 5)
  • Next 6 matches: 32 tackle points (5.3 average, 68% SR, 4 High 5s)

In the previous match against Patna Pirates, all five of Nitesh's tackle points came when defending with 6-7 players on the mat, showcasing his proficiency against full defences. His consistency across Defenders In Play situations demonstrates tactical versatility: 29 tackle points at 56% in 6-7 DIP, 18 points at 64% in 4-5 DIP, and 4 points at 67% in 2-3 DIP.

Nitesh Kumar defence DIP-wise in PKL 12:

  • 6-7 DIP: 29 tackle points at 56% SR
  • 4-5 DIP: 18 tackle points at 64% SR
  • 2-3 DIP: 4 tackle points at 67% SR

His effectiveness across match intervals reveals sustained excellence throughout encounters. Maintaining strike rates exceeding 50% in all four phases – 59% (1-10 mins, 13 points), 70% (11-20 mins, 14 points), 55% (21-30 mins, 11 points), and 52% (31-40 mins, 13 points) – showcases remarkable consistency.

The first-half dominance has been particularly noteworthy. Nitesh's 64% tackle strike rate in the opening 20 minutes ranks joint-best amongst all defenders with 10+ tackle points in the first half, level with Saurabh Nandal and Vishal Bhardwaj.

Best tackle SR% in 1st half - PKL 12 (10+ tackle points):

  • Nitesh Kumar: 64%
  • Saurabh Nandal: 64%
  • Vishal Bhardwaj: 64%

Nitesh is the primary architect of Tamil Thalaivas' defensive excellence. The Thalaivas rank joint-second in average tackle points (11.2) alongside U Mumba, trailing only Puneri Paltan (11.8), whilst their 44% strike rate places them third overall.

Complementing Nitesh's brilliance is Ronak, whose assist game leads the entire league. The right cover has recorded 55 assists in PKL 12 – the highest in the competition, ahead of Surjeet Singh (52) and Sandeep (51) – showcasing Tamil Thalaivas' coordinated defensive approach.

Most assists in PKL 12:

  • Ronak: 55 assists
  • Surjeet Singh: 52 assists
  • Sandeep: 51 assists

Against Puneri Paltan historically, Nitesh maintains a limited but impressive record. In 3 matches against the Paltan, he's scored 12 tackle points at 4.0 average with 67% strike rate and two High 5s – suggesting he particularly relishes encounters against their raiding unit.

Aditya Shinde Gets Yet Another Super 10

Aditya Shinde has emerged as Puneri Paltan's raiding talisman, producing consecutive Super 10 performances that have propelled the team to second position. His 12 raid points from 18 raids at 67% strike rate against U Mumba marked his fifth Super 10 of the season, taking him past the 100 raid points milestone.

Aditya Shinde vs U Mumba (M#72):

  • Raids: 18
  • Raid points: 12
  • Raid SR%: 67%

Aditya has accumulated 106 raid points at 8.8 average with 69% strike rate and five Super 10s in 12 matches, establishing himself as the Paltan's primary raiding weapon. Pankaj Mohite provides valuable support with 75 raid points at 5.8 average with 47% strike rate and three Super 10s, creating a balanced partnership.

Puneri Paltan raiders in PKL 12:

  • Aditya Shinde: 106 raid points (8.8 average, 69% SR)
  • Pankaj Mohite: 75 raid points (5.8 average, 47% SR)

Aditya's 69% strike rate ranks fourth-best amongst all raiders with 75+ points in PKL 12, trailing only Devank (72%), Gagan Gowda (71%), and Ayan (70%). This consistency places him firmly amongst the elite tier of raiders.

Best raid SR% in PKL 12 (75+ raid points):

  • Devank: 207 raid points at 72% SR
  • Gagan Gowda: 115 raid points at 71% SR
  • Ayan: 135 raid points at 70% SR
  • Aditya Shinde: 106 raid points at 69% SR

His consistency across match intervals demonstrates sustained effectiveness. Aditya maintains strike rates exceeding 70% in three of four phases: 71% (1-10 mins, 29 points), 51% (11-20 mins, 19 points), 76% (21-30 mins, 35 points), and an outstanding 77% (31-40 mins, 23 points). The 21-40 minute period represents his peak dominance.

Aditya Shinde interval-wise in PKL 12:

  • 1-10 mins: 29 raid points at 71% SR
  • 11-20 mins: 19 raid points at 51% SR
  • 21-30 mins: 35 raid points at 76% SR
  • 31-40 mins: 23 raid points at 77% SR

What makes Aditya particularly dangerous is his mastery in super tackle situations. He's the only raider with 100+ strike rate when facing 2-3 defenders (minimum 10 raid points), having scored 21 points at 111% strike rate. This proficiency makes him lethal in reduced defence scenarios.

Best raid SR% in 2-3 DIP in PKL 12 (10+ raid points):

  • Aditya Shinde: 21 raid points at 111% SR
  • Ayan: 17 raid points at 81% SR
  • Ashu Malik: 30 raid points at 67% SR

Pankaj Mohite's resurgence has been crucial to Puneri Paltan's recent success. After a slow start (18 raid points at 3.6 average with 35% strike rate in first 5 matches), he's found exceptional form in his last eight matches, scoring 57 points at 7.1 average with 53% strike rate and three Super 10s.

Pankaj Mohite in PKL 12:

  • First 5 matches: 18 raid points (3.6 average, 35% SR, 2 multi-point raids)
  • Last 8 matches: 57 raid points (7.1 average, 53% SR, 8 multi-point raids)

Against Tamil Thalaivas' formidable defence led by Nitesh Kumar, Aditya and Pankaj face their sternest test. However, if both maintain their current form and exploit the Thalaivas' relative weakness in 2-3 DIP situations, Puneri Paltan possess sufficient raiding firepower to overcome even elite defensive units.

Team Stories

Tamil Thalaivas – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#69 vs Patna Pirates – Won 56–37
  • M#66 vs Bengaluru Bulls – Lost 29–33
  • M#62 vs Haryana Steelers – Won 45–33
  • M#58 vs U Mumba – Lost 24–42
  • M#52 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Won 37–28

Tamil Thalaivas produced their most complete performance of the season against Patna Pirates, comprehensively dismantling the three-time champions by 19 points. Arjun Deshwal's 26-raid-point masterclass – his second 20+ performance of PKL 12 – was complemented by Narender Kandola's impactful cameo (6 raid points from just 3 raids off the bench).

Nitesh Kumar continued his exceptional form with another High 5 (5 tackle points), his fourth in the last six matches, cementing his position as the league's most dominant defender. The comprehensive nature of the victory – dominating both raiding and defensive departments – demonstrated the Thalaivas' potential when functioning optimally.

Occupying 6th position with 6 wins in 13 matches, Tamil Thalaivas have positioned themselves well for Top 8 qualification. However, consistency remains elusive – victories over quality opposition (Haryana Steelers, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Patna Pirates) alternate with concerning defeats (U Mumba, Bengaluru Bulls).

The persistent weakness remains the absence of reliable raiding support for Arjun Deshwal. Narender Kandola's bench impact offers encouragement, but his overall season statistics (23 raid points at 3.3 average with 47% strike rate) remain insufficient to ease Arjun's burden significantly.

Tamil Thalaivas' Defence – Built Around Nitesh

Tamil Thalaivas' defensive excellence represents their foundation for success. Ranking joint-second in average tackle points (11.2) alongside U Mumba and boasting the league's third-best tackle strike rate (44%), they've established themselves as one of PKL 12's premier defensive units.

Best average tackle points in PKL 12:

  • Puneri Paltan: 11.8 average (46% SR in 13 matches)
  • Tamil Thalaivas: 11.2 average (44% SR in 13 matches)
  • U Mumba: 11.2 average (43% SR in 13 matches)

Current defensive statistics:

  • Nitesh Kumar: 51 tackle points (3.9 average, 59% SR, 5 High 5s, 26 assists)
  • Ronak: 22 tackle points (1.7 average, 39% SR, 55 assists)
  • Aashish: 21 tackle points (1.7 average, 43% SR, 38 assists)
  • Himanshu: 16 tackle points (1.4 average, 44% SR, 16 assists)

The assist numbers reveal impressive coordination. Ronak's league-leading 55 assists, Aashish's 38, and Nitesh's 26 demonstrate the support play that maximises corner defender effectiveness.

The Thalaivas possess both the most tackle points leader (Nitesh) and most assists leader (Ronak) in PKL 12 – statistics that highlight their defensive completeness beyond individual brilliance.

Against Puneri Paltan historically, Tamil Thalaivas' defenders have performed creditably without dominating. Nitesh's 4.0 average with 67% strike rate across 3 matches offers encouragement, but the Paltan's balanced raiding unit presents challenges throughout the defensive structure.

Puneri Paltan – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#72 vs U Mumba – Won 37–27
  • M#63 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Won 41–36
  • M#59 vs Bengaluru Bulls – Won 29 (6)–29 (4) (tie-breaker)
  • M#56 vs Bengal Warriorz – Won 49–44
  • M#41 vs Haryana Steelers – Lost 30–34

Puneri Paltan extended their winning streak to four matches with a comprehensive 10-point victory over U Mumba, consolidating their position in second place. The victory showcased their balance – Aditya Shinde's Super 10 complemented by defensive solidity that restricted U Mumba to 27 points.

With 10 wins from 13 matches, Puneri Paltan stand on the cusp of mathematical Top 8 qualification. A victory against Tamil Thalaivas would guarantee at least an 8th-place finish, providing the psychological security to approach remaining matches without pressure.

Aditya Shinde's consecutive Super 10s demonstrate his evolution into a match-winning raider, whilst Pankaj Mohite's resurgence provides valuable support. The defensive unit's league-leading average tackle points (11.8) creates a foundation that allows the raiders to take calculated risks.

The sole concern centres on recent defensive form – exceeding 10 tackle points only twice in their last five matches suggests potential vulnerability. However, their overall body of work throughout the season marks them as genuine title contenders.

Puneri Paltan's Defensive Excellence

Puneri Paltan's defensive dominance has been the cornerstone of their successful campaign. Leading the league with 11.8 average tackle points at 46% strike rate, they've combined productivity with efficiency to create PKL 12's most formidable defensive unit.

Current defensive statistics:

  • Gaurav Khatri: 39 tackle points (3.0 average, 60% SR, 3 High 5s, 9 assists)
  • Vishal Bhardwaj: 30 tackle points (2.3 average, 60% SR, 2 High 5s, 17 assists)
  • Gurdeep: 30 tackle points (2.3 average, 43% SR, 2 High 5s, 34 assists)
  • Abinesh Nadarajan: 21 tackle points (1.6 average, 41% SR, 1 High 5, 42 assists)

The corner defenders' identical 60% strike rates create nightmares for opposition raiders, who face elite defenders at both corners. Gurdeep and Abinesh provide valuable support, with Gurdeep's 34 assists and Abinesh's 42 assists demonstrating the coordination that maximises collective effectiveness.

The contrast between wins and losses reveals the defence's central importance. In victories, they average 13.1 tackle points at 50% strike rate. In defeats, these numbers collapse to 7.3 average at 31% strike rate – a performance gap that directly determines results.

Against Tamil Thalaivas historically, Puneri Paltan's defenders have excelled. Vishal Bhardwaj has accumulated 39 tackle points at 3.2 average with 58% strike rate and three High 5s across 12 matches, whilst Gaurav Khatri has scored 19 points at 3.1 average with 68% strike rate in 6 encounters.

If the defensive unit can reproduce their season-average performance (11.8 tackle points at 46% strike rate) against Arjun Deshwal's brilliance, Puneri Paltan possess the capability to neutralise Tamil Thalaivas' primary weapon and secure the Top 8-clinching victory.

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 13 | Tamil Thalaivas – 4 | Puneri Paltan – 7 | Tied – 2

Puneri Paltan maintain historical dominance, having won 7 of 13 encounters including 5 of the last 7 meetings since PKL 9. The rivalry peaked in the PKL 9 semifinals, where Puneri Paltan edged past Tamil Thalaivas 39-37 in a thriller before claiming the championship.

Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):

  • PKL 11 M#130: Paltan won 42–32
  • PKL 11 M#11: Thalaivas won 35–30
  • PKL 10 M#115: Paltan won 56–29
  • PKL 10 M#60: Paltan won 29–26
  • PKL 9 Semifinal: Paltan won 39–37

Since PKL 9, Puneri Paltan have dominated with a 5-2 record, suggesting tactical superiority despite Tamil Thalaivas' improved form this season.

Key Player Battles

Tamil Thalaivas' Raiders vs Puneri Paltan' Defenders

  • Arjun Deshwal 23–4 Abinesh Nadarajan
  • Arjun Deshwal 5–6 Gaurav Khatri
  • Arjun Deshwal 8–3 Gurdeep
  • Arjun Deshwal 12–8 Vishal Bhardwaj
  • Narender Kandola 6–3 Gaurav Khatri
  • Narender Kandola 12–4 Gurdeep

Puneri Paltan' Raiders vs Tamil Thalaivas' Defenders

  • Pankaj Mohite 2–3 Nitesh Kumar

What to Expect

This encounter presents a fascinating tactical battle between the league's two premier defensive units. Both teams arrive in contrasting form but similar positions – Puneri Paltan seeking Top 8 confirmation whilst riding a four-match winning streak, Tamil Thalaivas consolidating sixth position after comprehensively defeating Patna Pirates.

The critical matchup centres on Arjun Deshwal versus Puneri Paltan's corner defenders. Arjun's 26-raid-point demolition of Patna Pirates suggests he's peaking at the perfect time, but Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj's identical 60% strike rates present his sternest defensive test.

The head-to-head records offer mixed messages. Arjun dominates Abinesh Nadarajan (23-4), Gurdeep (8-3), and Vishal Bhardwaj (12-8), but trails Gaurav Khatri (5-6). If the Paltan can channel raids towards Gaurav whilst maintaining collective defensive discipline, they possess the capability to contain Arjun below his season average.

Conversely, Nitesh Kumar versus Aditya Shinde and Pankaj Mohite presents equally compelling battles. Nitesh's 68% strike rate in his last six matches suggests he's in peak form, but Aditya's 111% strike rate in 2-3 DIP situations could exploit Tamil Thalaivas' vulnerabilities when defending with reduced numbers.

The supporting casts could prove decisive. If Narender Kandola reproduces his impactful Patna Pirates cameo alongside Arjun's expected productivity, Tamil Thalaivas possess overwhelming attacking firepower. However, if Pankaj Mohite maintains his recent resurgence (7.1 average, 53% strike rate in last 8 matches) alongside Aditya's brilliance, Puneri Paltan can match Tamil Thalaivas' raiding output.

Historical head-to-head records favour Puneri Paltan (7-4 overall, 5-2 since PKL 9), but Tamil Thalaivas' current form and home advantage at Thyagaraj Stadium suggest a competitive encounter. The Paltan's superior overall balance – exemplified by their league-leading defensive average and Aditya-Pankaj raiding partnership – should prove decisive.

Expect a low-scoring, tactically nuanced battle where defensive brilliance dominates. Both teams will prioritise containing opposition star raiders whilst hoping their own attackers produce match-winning moments. Puneri Paltan's greater experience in tight encounters and desperation for Top 8 confirmation should tilt the balance in their favour, extending their winning streak to five matches whilst mathematically securing top-eight finish.

Match Details

  • Match: Tamil Thalaivas vs Puneri Paltan – Match 78, PKL Season 12
  • Date: Saturday, 11th October 2025
  • Time: 9:00 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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