The SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai once again proved why it is one of the most electric venues in the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12. On Tuesday night, Puneri Paltan rode the wave of crowd energy to complete the double over Bengal Warriorz, clinching a thrilling 49-44 win in a contest that kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

The Paltan’s young guns led the charge, with Aditya Shinde (18 points) and Pankaj Mohite (10 points) registering Super 10s. But even in defeat, Warriorz's Devank Dalal stole the spotlight with a mammoth 25-point effort, becoming the first raider to cross 150 raid points in PKL Season 12.

For coach Ajay Thakur, the victory was as much about resilience as it was about skill. “In the first half we struggled a bit, but the way Aditya and Aslam combined for those crucial tackles in the second half turned the momentum. That was the key moment for us,” Thakur said, praising the composure of his youngsters under pressure.

The coach also highlighted Shinde’s rise this season, calling him a “smart raider with the ability to thrive even in the toughest situations.” He added, “I believe he has the potential to be a star player in this league. What impresses me most is his calmness and discipline.”

For Shinde, the atmosphere in Chennai has been nothing short of special. Returning from an injury that sidelined him in season 11, the raider credited his coaches and teammates for his resurgence. “This season I came back with a lot of preparation. The confidence my coaches have shown in me has been a big motivation. But what pushes me even more is when I hear the crowd shouting my name in the stadium — it makes me want to do better for the team,” he said.

Thakur, who has a deep connect with Tamil Nadu from his playing days, echoed that sentiment. “When I played here earlier in my career, I realised what true love from fans feels like. Even today, when the crowd chants your name or paints it on banners, it gives players immense motivation. That energy is unmatched,” he concluded.

Please find below the schedule for the PKL Season 12 matches on Wednesday, October 1:

Haryana Steelers, ranked fourth, boast one of the most balanced units this season, with reliable raiders like Vinay and Shivam Patare and a tight defence anchored by Jaideep Dahiya. Meanwhile, Jaipur Pink Panthers have been inconsistent but dangerous — led by Nitin Kumar in raids — with flashes of dominance in key matches. If the Steelers can control Jaipur Pink Panthers' top raiders, they’ll be slight favourites in Chennai.

The second match pits U Mumba — who began the season strongly but have struggled to maintain consistency — against a Tamil Thalaivas side buoyed by home support and firepower in attack. The Thalaivas have a strong raiding line, with Arjun Deshwal in particular, and will look to exploit U Mumba’s defensive gaps. Expect the clash to be decided by which team’s raiders impose themselves most often and who can withstand pressure in tight moments.

Tickets are available on District by Zomato, the official ticketing platform for PKL Season 12: https://www.district.in/events/pkl-2025-chennai-team

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The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 is being broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar from 7:30 pm onwards.

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