Two teams with contrasting fortunes clash in Match 71 of PKL 12 as third-placed Telugu Titans host struggling Haryana Steelers. The Titans' dynamic duo of Bharat and Vijay Malik faces Vinay and Shivam Patare's raiding partnership, whilst Ankit's emerging brilliance meets Jaideep's veteran excellence in a battle of championship credentials.

Probable Starting 7

Telugu Titans

  • Right Corner – Shubham Shinde
  • Right In – Bharat
  • Right Cover – Avi Duhan
  • Centre – Chetan Sahu
  • Left Cover – Ajit Pawar
  • Left In – Vijay Malik (C)
  • Left Corner – Ankit

Haryana Steelers

  • Right Corner – Rahul Sethpal
  • Right In – Shivam Patare
  • Right Cover – Neeraj
  • Centre – Vishal Tate
  • Left Cover – Jaideep (C)
  • Left In – Vinay
  • Left Corner – Hardeep

Headlines

➢ Titans on a 4-match winning streak courtesy Bharat and Vijay Malik

➢ Titans firmly securing their 3rd position in the points table

➢ Bharat to play his 100th game in PKL

➢ Titans' defence is doing its job well

➢ Shivam and Vinay are raiding consistently; the Steelers are on a 4-match losing streak

➢ Steelers' defence dependent on Jaideep and Rahul

➢ Can Haryana Steelers win at least once in the Chennai leg?

➢ Will Manpreet Singh win his 101st PKL match? He has been winless since he completed the milestone of 100 PKL wins

Top Stories of the Match

Dynamic Duo of Titans Helping Them to a 4-Match Winning Streak

Vijay Malik and Bharat Hooda's extraordinary partnership continues to define Telugu Titans' resurgence, establishing them as genuine title contenders through their remarkable consistency. Together, they contribute 83% of Telugu Titans' raid points, creating one of PKL 12's most dominant raiding combinations.

Vijay Malik and Bharat Hooda in PKL 12:

  • Vijay Malik: 101 raid points (8.4 average, 50% SR, 4 Super 10s, 41% contribution)
  • Bharat Hooda: 104 raid points (8.7 average, 58% SR, 5 Super 10s, 42% contribution)

Skipper Vijay Malik has delivered consistent excellence – scoring 2 Super 10s in the last 5 matches whilst maintaining steady scoring output across all game situations.

Vijay Malik in PKL 12 – Last 5 matches:

  • vs UP Yoddhas: 9 raid points at 50% SR (18 raids)
  • vs Patna Pirates: 12 raid points at 52% SR (23 raids)
  • vs Gujarat Giants: 7 raid points at 37% SR (19 raids)
  • vs Tamil Thalaivas: 10 raid points at 50% SR (20 raids)
  • vs Dabang Delhi: 5 raid points at 38% SR (13 raids)

Bharat has provided exceptional support – maintaining a 50%+ success rate in 3 of the last 5 matches, including a devastating Super 10 against UP Yoddhas in their most recent encounter.

Bharat in PKL 12 – Last 5 matches:

  • vs UP Yoddhas: 14 raid points at 70% SR (20 raids)
  • vs Patna Pirates: 8 raid points at 57% SR (14 raids)
  • vs Gujarat Giants: 8 raid points at 47% SR (17 raids)
  • vs Tamil Thalaivas: 8 raid points at 67% SR (12 raids)
  • vs Dabang Delhi: 2 raid points at 18% SR (11 raids)

Vijay Malik's bonus point mastery ranks among the league's elite – 43 bonus points, placing him third in PKL 12, showcasing his tactical intelligence in avoiding contact whilst scoring.

Most bonus points in PKL 12:

  • Gagan Gowda: 52 bonus points (12 matches)
  • Devank: 49 bonus points (10 matches)
  • Vijay Malik: 43 bonus points (12 matches)

His recent performance against UP Yoddhas – scoring 6 bonus points in a single match – demonstrated complete mastery of bonus line approaches, frustrating defenders whilst accumulating points.

Bharat's Do-or-Die supremacy represents his defining evolution – dramatic improvement from PKL 11 showcasing clutch mentality when matches hang in the balance.

Bharat in Do-or-Die situations:

  • PKL 11: 8 raid points at 42% SR (19 raids)
  • PKL 12: 18 raid points at 69% SR (26 raids)

His transformation in pressure situations – success rate increased by 27 percentage points – has provided Telugu Titans with crucial late-match firepower, preventing opponents from forcing defensive errors.

Team Stories

Telugu Titans – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#65 vs UP Yoddhas – Won 40–35 (solid 5-point victory)
  • M#55 vs Patna Pirates – Won 37–28 (dominant 9-point triumph)
  • M#47 vs Gujarat Giants – Won 30–29 (dramatic 1-point thriller)
  • M#42 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Won 43–29 (comprehensive 14-point demolition)
  • M#37 vs Dabang Delhi – Lost 29–33 (4-point defeat)

Telugu Titans occupy 3rd position with 7 wins from 12 matches, maintaining their playoff credentials through a remarkable 4-match winning streak. Their recent victory against UP Yoddhas stabilised their position, creating breathing room in the championship race.

Skipper Vijay Malik and Bharat have combined superbly throughout the season, their partnership providing the attacking foundation whilst the defensive unit delivers crucial support. The team's balanced excellence across both departments has established them as genuine dark horses for the title.

Their momentum – 4 consecutive victories after the solitary defeat to Dabang Delhi – demonstrates championship mentality, bouncing back stronger from setbacks.

Titans' Defence Doing Their Job Well

The defensive unit has discovered consistency during the winning streak, scoring 10+ tackle points in 4 of the last 5 matches whilst maintaining a 45%+ success rate in 4 encounters – crucial for supporting the raiding duo.

Telugu Titans defence in PKL 12 – Last 5 matches:

  • vs UP Yoddhas: 10 tackle points at 38% SR (26 tackles) – Won
  • vs Patna Pirates: 14 tackle points at 45% SR (31 tackles) – Won
  • vs Gujarat Giants: 8 tackle points at 50% SR (16 tackles) – Won
  • vs Tamil Thalaivas: 13 tackle points at 54% SR (24 tackles) – Won
  • vs Dabang Delhi: 12 tackle points at 48% SR (25 tackles) – Lost

Their performance correlation with results demonstrates defensive importance – averaging 11.6 tackle points in victories compared to 9.6 in defeats, showcasing the critical role defence plays in match outcomes.

Telugu Titans' defence in PKL 12:

  • Wins (7 matches): 11.6 average tackle points at 47% SR (172 tackles, 81 points)
  • Losses (5 matches): 9.6 average tackle points at 38% SR (125 tackles, 48 points)

Season-long statistics demonstrate steady improvement – 10.8 average tackle points at 43% success rate, representing balanced contributions across the defensive line.

Telugu Titans' defence in PKL 12:

  • 12 matches, 129 tackle points (10.8 average, 43% SR)

Ankit has emerged as the defensive leader, his remarkable consistency – 45% success rate with 29 assists – transforming Telugu's defensive dynamics through both individual tackles and team coordination.

Telugu Titans' defence in PKL 12:

  • Ankit: 28 tackle points (2.3 average, 45% SR)
  • Shubham Shinde: 28 tackle points (2.3 average, 48% SR)
  • Ajit Pawar: 23 tackle points (1.9 average, 45% SR)
  • Avi Duhan: 17 tackle points (1.5 average, 44% SR)

The remarkable statistic – all four starting defenders maintaining 40%+ success rate – represents dramatic improvement from PKL 11 when no defender achieved 45% success rate.

Ankit's evolution demonstrates complete transformation – averaging increased from 2.0 to 2.3, success rate improved from 41% to 45%, whilst assists skyrocketed from 5 to 29.

Ankit in PKL – Season comparison:

  • PKL 11: 42 tackle points (2.0 average, 41% SR, 5 assists)
  • PKL 12: 28 tackle points (2.3 average, 45% SR, 29 assists)

His time-wise brilliance showcases extraordinary finishing ability – 59% success rate in the final 10 minutes, representing his strongest period, crucial for containing Vinay and Shivam Patare during their most dangerous phase.

Ankit in PKL 12 – Interval breakdown:

  • 1-10 minutes: 5 tackle points at 33% SR (steady start)
  • 11-20 minutes: 6 tackle points at 55% SR (building momentum)
  • 21-30 minutes: 7 tackle points at 37% SR (third quarter consistency)
  • 31-40 minutes: 10 tackle points at 59% SR (phenomenal finishing)

Haryana Steelers – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#70 vs Dabang Delhi – Lost 33–33 (3-9 tie-breaker defeat)
  • M#62 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Lost 33–45 (disappointing 12-point thrashing)
  • M#57 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Lost 36–37 (heartbreaking 1-point defeat)
  • M#54 vs Dabang Delhi – Lost 37–38 (narrow 1-point loss)
  • M#44 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Won 38–36 (2-point victory)

Haryana Steelers occupy 6th position with 6 wins from 12 matches, desperately needing victories to secure playoff qualification after a dramatic momentum swing. Their recent form – losing 4 consecutive matches after winning 4 straight – epitomises inconsistency.

The Chennai leg has proven disastrous – zero wins despite previous success during the Jaipur leg, suggesting venue-specific struggles or tactical adjustments opponents have implemented successfully.

Shivam Patare and Vinay have formed an impressive raiding duo, maintaining team competitiveness despite Naveen Kumar's injury absence. Rahul and Jaideep provide defensive consistency, though they require greater support to contain opposing raiders.

Shivam Patare and Vinay Leading the Steelers' Charge

The raiding duo has delivered exceptional performances, establishing Haryana Steelers as the third-best attacking unit in PKL 12 – a remarkable achievement considering Naveen Kumar's injury absence.

Best average raid points in PKL 12:

  • Bengal Warriorz: 27.5 average (66% SR)
  • Patna Pirates: 23.0 average (56% SR)
  • Haryana Steelers: 22.7 average (55% SR)

After Naveen's devastating injury, Shivam Patare and Vinay established themselves as equals rather than a lead-support relationship, creating a genuine dual-threat capability that opponents struggle to contain simultaneously.

Haryana Steelers raiders in PKL 12:

  • Vinay: 91 raid points (8.3 average, 52% SR, 4 Super 10s)
  • Shivam Patare: 94 raid points (7.8 average, 60% SR, 3 Super 10s)

Both maintain 50%+ success rates throughout the season, showcasing consistent excellence whilst ensuring the Steelers don't miss Naveen's contributions – a testament to their individual quality and partnership chemistry.

However, recent struggles against Dabang Delhi exposed vulnerability when one partner misfires – Vinay's poor performance (4 points at 29% SR) left excessive burden on Shivam despite his heroic efforts (10 points at 62% SR).

Haryana Steelers raiders vs Dabang Delhi in M#70:

  • Vinay: 4 raid points at 29% SR (14 raids)
  • Shivam Patare: 10 raid points at 62% SR (16 raids)

Vinay's time-wise brilliance showcases extraordinary opening and finishing ability – 67% success rate in the first 10 minutes and 63% in the final 10 minutes, representing his strongest periods, though struggles in middle phases create vulnerability.

Vinay raiding interval-wise in PKL 12:

  • 1-10 minutes: 39 points at 67% SR (exceptional opening)
  • 11-20 minutes: 9 points at 29% SR (struggles in second quarter)
  • 21-30 minutes: 12 points at 33% SR (third quarter inconsistency)
  • 31-40 minutes: 31 points at 63% SR (powerful finishing)

Shivam demonstrates remarkable consistency across all defensive configurations – maintaining 42%+ success rate in all three DIP situations, showcasing tactical versatility crucial for championship challenges.

Shivam raiding DIP-wise in PKL 12:

  • 6-7 defenders: 62 points at 69% SR (dominant against full lines)
  • 4-5 defenders: 21 points at 42% SR (solid in transition)
  • 2-3 defenders: 11 points at 69% SR (excellent in super tackle scenarios)

Although scoring his major chunk against full defensive lines, his 42% success rate in 4-5 defender situations demonstrates the ability to navigate awkward transition phases better than most raiders.

Steelers' Defence Dependent on Jaideep and Rahul

The defensive unit has delivered solid performances throughout PKL 12, maintaining 10.5 average tackle points at 40% success rate – respectable statistics for championship contenders.

Haryana Steelers' defensive unit in PKL 12:

  • 12 matches, 126 tackle points (10.5 average, 40% SR)

However, dramatic splits between wins and losses demonstrate defensive importance – when the defence delivers 12+ tackle points, the Steelers remain competitive; when falling below 10 points, defeats follow.

Haryana Steelers' defence by results in PKL 12:

  • Wins (6 matches): 12.7 average tackle points at 48% SR (76 points)
  • Losses (6 matches): 8.3 average tackle points at 32% SR (50 points)

Jaideep and Rahul – veteran defenders with a championship pedigree – have maintained exceptional form, both achieving 50%+ success rates whilst providing a consistent scoring threat.

Rahul and Jaideep in PKL 12:

  • Jaideep: 39 tackle points (3.2 average, 63% SR, 4 High 5s)
  • Rahul: 34 tackle points (2.8 average, 52% SR, 2 High 5s)

Jaideep's remarkable season places him among the league's elite defenders – ranking second-most tackle points in PKL 12, showcasing consistent excellence match after match.

Most tackle points in PKL 12:

  • Nitesh Kumar: 51 tackle points (3.9 average, 59% SR)
  • Jaideep: 39 tackle points (3.2 average, 63% SR)
  • Fazel Atrachali: 38 tackle points (3.2 average, 60% SR)

His High 5 achievements – 4 in 12 matches – tie him for third-most in the league, demonstrating the ability to dominate entire matches through defensive excellence.

Most High 5s in PKL 12:

  • Ashish: 5 High 5s
  • Nitesh Kumar: 5 High 5s
  • Jaideep: 4 High 5s

Rahul's historical excellence against Telugu Titans provides a crucial psychological advantage – averaging 3.3 tackle points at 69% success rate with 1 High 5 in 7 matches, representing his strongest record against any opponent.

Rahul vs Telugu Titans in PKL:

  • 7 matches, 23 tackle points (3.3 average, 69% SR, 1 High 5)

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 13 | Haryana Steelers – 7 | Telugu Titans – 5 | Tied – 1

The historical record favours Haryana Steelers, though recent encounters have swung dramatically between both teams. The matchup consistently delivers entertainment – closely contested affairs decided by small margins.

Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):

  • PKL 11 M#101: Haryana Steelers won 46–25 (dominant 21-point victory)
  • PKL 11 M#61: Telugu Titans won 49–27 (comprehensive 22-point triumph)
  • PKL 10 M#85: Haryana Steelers won 37–30 (7-point victory)
  • PKL 10 M#35: Telugu Titans won 37–36 (dramatic 1-point thriller)
  • PKL 9 M#127: Haryana Steelers won 50–33 (17-point rout)

The pattern of comprehensive victories rather than close encounters suggests tactical battles where one team executes perfectly whilst the other struggles, making form and momentum crucial factors.

Key Player Battles

Telugu Titans' Raiders vs Haryana Steelers' Defenders

  • Bharat 8–4 Jaideep
  • Vijay Malik 2–1 Rahul Sethpal
  • Vijay Malik 6–3 Jaideep
  • Bharat 5–4 Rahul Sethpal

Haryana Steelers' Raiders vs Telugu Titans' Defenders

  • Vinay 3–2 Shubham Shinde
  • Shivam Patare 9–1 Shubham Shinde
  • Vinay 0–4 Ankit
  • Shivam Patare 2–0 Ankit

What to Expect

This encounter promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between contrasting philosophies. Telugu Titans' winning momentum meets Haryana Steelers' desperate need for victory in a match that could define both teams' playoff positioning.

The key battles – Bharat's milestone match versus Jaideep's defensive excellence and Vinay's finishing ability against Ankit's fourth-quarter dominance – will likely determine the outcome.

Expect a closely contested affair where defensive efficiency proves to be the decisive factor. Telugu's 4-match winning streak faces Haryana's 4-match losing streak, creating a psychological advantage for the Titans, whilst the Steelers desperately need to break their Chennai curse.

Bharat's emotional 100th PKL match provides additional motivation, whilst Vinay and Shivam approach their own milestones. The team that executes its game plan more consistently will emerge victorious, with late-match heroics potentially proving decisive, given both teams' strength in the final quarter.

Match Details

  • Match: Telugu Titans vs Haryana Steelers – Match 71, PKL Season 12
  • Date: Wednesday, 8th 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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