Dabang Delhi K.C. face Puneri Paltan in Match 79 of PKL 12 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. This top-of-the-table clash presents a fascinating encounter between the season's two dominant forces – table-topping Delhi (12 wins from 14 matches) meet second-placed Pune (11 wins from 14 matches), with both teams already qualified for the playoffs and competing for the coveted top-two finish.

Probable Starting 7

Dabang Delhi K.C.

  • Right Corner – Saurabh Nandal
  • Right In – Ajinkya Pawar
  • Right Cover – Surjeet Singh
  • Centre – Naveen
  • Left Cover – Sandeep
  • Left In – Neeraj Narwal
  • Left Corner – Fazel Atrachali (C)

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

➢ Top of the table clash – potential race to be the leader in the points table

➢ Both teams have qualified for the playoffs

➢ Delhi raiding – Agent Ashu Malik in form

➢ Puneri Paltan with a very strong defence

➢ Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj – dangerous corners

➢ Delhi with nerves of steel – shine in close encounters

➢ Delhi defence – Sultan Fazel still in charge, Saurabh Nandal in support

➢ Delhi testing their bench strength, Akshit and co. shine

➢ Aditya Shinde leading Pune raiding – Pankaj Mohite shines in last match

➢ Best time to test the squad for both teams

Top Stories of the Match

Top of the Table Clash – First vs Second in Points Table

Dabang Delhi K.C. and Puneri Paltan have established themselves as PKL 12's dominant forces. Delhi's 12 wins from 14 matches and Pune's 11 victories from 14 encounters represent win rates of 86% and 79% respectively – statistics that mark them as the season's outstanding teams.

Both franchises have already secured playoff qualification. However, this encounter carries significant strategic importance – a top-two finish guarantees participation in Qualifier 1, where victory secures direct passage to the final whilst defeat offers a second chance through Qualifier 2.

Delhi have been led by captain Ashu Malik's raiding brilliance, contributing 47% of their total raid points. Puneri Paltan's success stems from defensive excellence complemented by Aditya Shinde's raiding consistency. The Paltan defence leads the league with 11.9 average tackle points at 47% strike rate.

Dabang Delhi raiding unit in PKL 12:

  • Matches: 14
  • Total raid points: 309
  • Average raid points: 22.1
  • Raid SR%: 54%

Best average tackle points in PKL 12:

  • Puneri Paltan: 11.9 average (47% SR)
  • Bengaluru Bulls: 11.3 average (45% SR)
  • U Mumba: 11.2 average (43% SR)

This encounter represents the ideal opportunity for both teams to test bench strength, identify weak areas, and fine-tune tactics ahead of the knockout phase.

Delhi Raiding – Agent Ashu Malik in Form

Ashu Malik continues to terrorise defences across the league. His 146 raid points in 12 matches at 12.2 average with 62% strike rate and eight Super 10s rank him third in the league's average raid points.

Best average raid points in PKL 12:

  • Devank: 17.2 average (72% SR)
  • Ayan: 12.3 average (70% SR)
  • Ashu Malik: 12.2 average (62% SR)

Ashu's effectiveness varies by half, with superior performance in the opening period. In the first half, he's accumulated 83 raid points from 126 raids at 66% strike rate. In the second half, his numbers decline to 63 points from 111 raids at 57% strike rate.

Ashu Malik in PKL 12 half-wise:

  • 1st half: 83 raid points from 126 raids at 66% SR
  • 2nd half: 63 raid points from 111 raids at 57% SR

His excellence in Do or Die situations borders on the supernatural. Ashu leads all raiders in PKL 12 with 21 DOD raid points at a perfect 100% strike rate.

Most Do or Die raid points in PKL 12:

  • Ashu Malik: 21 points at 100% SR (12 matches)
  • Aditya Shinde: 21 points at 78% SR (12 matches)
  • Bharat: 21 points at 72% SR (12 matches)

Against Puneri Paltan specifically, Ashu maintains a respectable record. In 9 matches against the Paltan, he's accumulated 76 raid points at 8.4 average with 50% strike rate and three Super 10s. In the reverse fixture (M#14), he scored the decisive golden raid points.

Ashu vs Puneri Paltan in PKL overall:

  • Matches: 9
  • Raid points: 76
  • Average raid points: 8.4
  • Raid SR%: 50%
  • Super 10s: 3

Puneri Paltan with One of the Best Defences in the League

Puneri Paltan's defensive dominance has been the cornerstone of their successful campaign. Leading the league with 11.9 average tackle points whilst maintaining 47% strike rate, they've combined productivity with efficiency.

The corner defenders' excellence has been particularly noteworthy. Gaurav Khatri has accumulated 39 tackle points at 2.8 average with 57% strike rate and three High 5s. Vishal Bhardwaj complements him with 34 tackle points at 2.4 average and 62% strike rate.

Puneri Paltan corners in PKL 12:

  • Gaurav Khatri: 39 tackle points (2.8 average, 57% SR, 3 High 5s)
  • Vishal Bhardwaj: 34 tackle points (2.4 average, 62% SR, 2 High 5s)

Vishal Bhardwaj's consistency across match intervals demonstrates tactical mastery. He maintains strike rates exceeding 50% in all four phases: 77% (1-10 mins), 54% (11-20 mins), 62% (21-30 mins), and 54% (31-40 mins).

Vishal Bhardwaj interval-wise in PKL 12:

  • 1-10 mins: 10 tackle points at 77% SR
  • 11-20 mins: 7 tackle points at 54% SR
  • 21-30 mins: 10 tackle points at 62% SR
  • 31-40 mins: 7 tackle points at 54% SR

Gaurav Khatri's performance variance between victories and defeats reveals his central importance. In wins, he averages 3.2 tackle points at 59% strike rate with three High 5s. In losses, these numbers collapse to 1.3 average at 40% strike rate.

Gaurav Khatri result-wise in PKL 12:

  • Wins: 35 tackle points (3.2 average, 59% SR, 3 High 5s in 11 matches)
  • Losses: 4 tackle points (1.3 average, 40% SR, 0 High 5s in 3 matches)

In the reverse fixture (M#14), the Paltan's defensive unit scored 11 tackle points from 24 tackles at 46% strike rate, taking the match to a golden raid.

Delhi with Nerves of Steel

Dabang Delhi K.C. have established a remarkable reputation for thriving in close encounters. Their ability to execute under maximum pressure has been crucial to achieving a 12-2 record.

Close encounters of Dabang Delhi in PKL 12:

  • vs Puneri Paltan (M#14): Won in golden raid
  • vs Jaipur Pink Panthers (M#20): Won in last raid
  • vs Telugu Titans (M#37): Won in 3rd last raid/last 90 seconds
  • vs Patna Pirates (M#43): Lost in last raid
  • vs Haryana Steelers (M#54): Won in last raid
  • vs Jaipur Pink Panthers (M#67): Won in 2nd last raid/last 30 seconds
  • vs Haryana Steelers (M#70): Won in tie-breaker (9-3)
  • vs Bengal Warriorz (M#73): Lost in last raid

The record reveals Delhi's exceptional ability to maintain composure when matches reach critical junctures – winning six of eight close encounters demonstrates championship-winning mentality.

Delhi Defence – Sultan Fazel Atrachali Still in Charge

Dabang Delhi K.C.'s defensive excellence combines legendary experience with sustained collective brilliance. They possess the best tackle strike rate (48%) amongst all teams in PKL 12.

Best tackle SR% in PKL 12:

  • Dabang Delhi: 48%
  • Puneri Paltan: 47%
  • Gujarat Giants: 46%

Dabang Delhi defence unit in PKL 12:

  • Matches: 14
  • Tackle points: 152
  • Average: 10.9
  • Tackle SR%: 48%

The cornerstone remains legendary Fazel Atrachali. His 44 tackle points in 14 matches at 3.1 average with 59% strike rate rank him third in PKL 12.

Fazel Atrachali in PKL 12:

  • Matches: 14
  • Tackle points: 44
  • Average: 3.1
  • Tackle SR%: 59%
  • High 5s: 3

Against Puneri Paltan specifically, Fazel possesses an outstanding record. In 21 matches against the Paltan, he's accumulated 64 tackle points at 3.0 average with 65% strike rate and three High 5s.

Fazel Atrachali vs Puneri Paltan in PKL:

  • Matches: 21
  • Tackle points: 64
  • Average: 3.0
  • Tackle SR%: 65%
  • High 5s: 3

Saurabh Nandal has been outstanding with 39 tackle points at 2.8 average and 64% strike rate. Surjeet Singh has contributed 25 tackle points at 1.8 average, though his 35% strike rate represents the unit's weakness.

Dabang Delhi defenders in PKL 12:

  • Saurabh Nandal: 39 tackle points (2.8 average, 64% SR)
  • Surjeet Singh: 25 tackle points (1.8 average, 35% SR)

However, Surjeet and Sandeep have provided immense value through assists. Surjeet's 52 assists and Sandeep's 51 rank them joint-third and fourth-best in the league.

Delhi Testing Their Bench Strength

With playoff qualification secured, Dabang Delhi have begun testing bench strength. Against Gujarat Giants, Delhi rested Ashu Malik entirely, with Akshit producing a sensational performance.

Dabang Delhi raiders in M#75 vs Gujarat Giants:

  • Akshit: 12 raid points from 7 raids at 171% SR
  • Ajinkya Pawar: 5 raid points from 9 raids at 56% SR
  • Neeraj Narwal: 4 raid points from 12 raids at 33% SR
  • Naveen: 2 raid points from 7 raids at 29% SR

Akshit's 171% strike rate – achieved through multiple multi-point raids – demonstrated his capability when entrusted with primary raiding responsibilities.

Against Bengal Warriorz, Delhi again rested Ashu but suffered a narrow 1-point defeat despite multiple raiders contributing positively.

Dabang Delhi raiders in M#73 vs Bengal Warriorz:

  • Neeraj Narwal: 6 raid points from 15 raids at 40% SR
  • Ajinkya Pawar: 5 raid points from 13 raids at 39% SR
  • Akshit: 3 raid points from 3 raids at 100% SR
  • Naveen: 4 raid points from 4 raids at 100% SR
  • Mohit: 4 raid points from 3 raids at 133% SR

The experimentation has confirmed Delhi possess genuine depth beyond Ashu Malik, creating tactical flexibility for the playoffs.

Aditya Shinde Leading Pune Raiding – Pankaj Mohite Shines in Last Match

Aditya Shinde has evolved into Puneri Paltan's raiding talisman. His 108 raid points in 13 matches at 8.3 average with 67% strike rate and five Super 10s represent exceptional statistics.

Against U Mumba in the Maharashtra Derby, Aditya produced another Super 10 with 12 raid points from 18 raids at 67% strike rate.

Aditya Shinde vs U Mumba in M#72:

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

Puneri Paltan raiders in PKL 12:

  • Aditya Shinde: 108 raid points (8.3 average, 67% SR)
  • Pankaj Mohite: 83 raid points (5.9 average, 48% SR)

Aditya's consistency across match intervals demonstrates sustained effectiveness: 70% (1-10 mins), 49% (11-20 mins), 73% (21-30 mins), and 77% (31-40 mins).

Aditya Shinde interval-wise in PKL 12:

  • 1-10 mins: 31 raid points at 70% SR
  • 11-20 mins: 19 raid points at 49% SR
  • 21-30 mins: 35 raid points at 73% SR
  • 31-40 mins: 23 raid points at 77% SR

He's the only raider with 100+ strike rate when facing 2-3 defenders (minimum 15 raid points), having scored 21 points at 105% strike rate.

Best raid SR% in 2-3 DIP in PKL 12 (15+ raid points):

  • Aditya Shinde: 21 raid points at 105% SR
  • Ayan: 17 raid points at 81% SR
  • Ashu Malik: 30 raid points at 67% SR

Pankaj Mohite's resurgence has been crucial. After a slow start (18 raid points at 3.6 average in first 5 matches), he's found exceptional form in his last nine matches, scoring 65 points at 7.2 average with 55% strike rate.

Pankaj Mohite in PKL 12:

  • First 5 matches: 18 raid points (3.6 average, 35% SR)
  • Last 9 matches: 65 raid points (7.2 average, 55% SR)

In the last match against Tamil Thalaivas, Pankaj scored 8 raid points whilst captain Aslam Inamdar contributed 7 points, filling the void left by Aditya's struggles (2 raid points).

Pankaj's proficiency in 2-3 DIP situations creates tactical dynamics. With 11 raid points at 92% strike rate in 2-3 DIP, he can exploit super tackle scenarios effectively.

Pankaj Mohite raiding DIP-wise in PKL 12:

  • 6-7 DIP: 53 raid points at 62% SR
  • 4-5 DIP: 19 raid points at 25% SR
  • 2-3 DIP: 11 raid points at 92% SR

Team Stories

Dabang Delhi K.C. – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#75 vs Gujarat Giants – Won 39–33
  • M#73 vs Bengal Warriorz – Lost 36–37
  • M#70 vs Haryana Steelers – Won 33–33 (tie-breaker 9–3)
  • M#67 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Won 29–26
  • M#61 vs UP Yoddhas – Won 43–26

Dabang Delhi suffered their second defeat against Bengal Warriorz, falling by a single point. However, they bounced back with a comfortable 6-point victory over Gujarat Giants – achieved without captain Ashu Malik.

With 12 wins from 14 matches, Delhi maintain their position atop the PKL 12 table. The experimentation with bench players reflects confidence in their playoff qualification and desire to prepare comprehensively for the knockout phase.

Puneri Paltan – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

  • M#78 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Won 36–23
  • 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

Puneri Paltan extended their winning streak to five matches with a comprehensive 13-point demolition of Tamil Thalaivas. When Aditya Shinde struggled (2 raid points), Pankaj Mohite (8 points) and Aslam Inamdar (7 points) stepped up.

With 11 wins from 14 matches, Puneri Paltan have already guaranteed playoff qualification. Their defensive excellence provides a foundation that allows raiders to take calculated risks.

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 25 | Puneri Paltan – 12 | Dabang Delhi K.C. – 10 | Tied – 3

The historical head-to-head record remains closely balanced, with Puneri Paltan holding a narrow 12-10 advantage across 25 encounters.

Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):

  • PKL 12 M#14: Delhi won 28–28 (golden raid 2-0)
  • PKL 11 M#102: Delhi won 30–26
  • PKL 11 M#50: Tied 38–38
  • PKL 10 M#107: Tied 30–30
  • PKL 10 M#30: Paltan won 30–23

The reverse fixture (M#14) epitomised the nail-biting drama these teams produce. After scores finished tied at 28-28, Ashu Malik's golden raid secured Delhi's 2-0 victory.

Key Player Battles

Dabang Delhi K.C.' Raiders vs Puneri Paltan' Defenders

  • Ashu Malik 16–6 Abinesh Nadarajan
  • Ajinkya Pawar 5–0 Abinesh Nadarajan
  • Ashu Malik 7–8 Gaurav Khatri

Puneri Paltan' Raiders vs Dabang Delhi K.C.' Defenders

  • Aslam Inamdar 4–1 Fazel Atrachali
  • Aslam Inamdar 4–0 Surjeet Singh
  • Pankaj Mohite 3–6 Fazel Atrachali
  • Mohit Goyat 7–5 Fazel Atrachali
  • Pankaj Mohite 5–2 Surjeet Singh
  • Aditya Shinde 2–0 Fazel Atrachali
  • Aditya Shinde 1–0 Surjeet Singh
  • Aslam Inamdar 11–5 Saurabh Nandal

What to Expect

This encounter presents a fascinating tactical battle between two teams with secured playoff positions. Expect extensive bench testing and tactical experimentation from both sides, with Delhi potentially resting Ashu Malik again.

The critical matchups centre on Ashu Malik versus Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj, and Aditya Shinde versus Fazel Atrachali and Saurabh Nandal. The head-to-head records reveal fascinating dynamics: Ashu dominates Abinesh (16-6) but trails Gaurav (7-8).

Delhi's ability to thrive in close encounters provides psychological advantage if the match reaches tense closing stages. Their record of winning six of eight nail-biters suggests superior composure. However, Puneri Paltan's defensive excellence and recent five-match winning streak demonstrate momentum.

Historical head-to-head records (12-10 for Paltan) and recent form (extreme competitive balance) suggest another tight encounter. With both teams prioritising playoff preparation over table position, expect tactical experimentation that provides glimpses of knockout strategies whilst maintaining competitive intensity befitting a top-of-the-table clash.

Match Details

  • Match: Dabang Delhi K.C. vs Puneri Paltan – Match 79, PKL Season 12
  • Date: Sunday, 12th October 2025
  • Time: 7:30 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.

Follow Pro Kabaddi onInstagram,Facebook,X &YouTube for all the latest updates!

Related tags:

DelPunPro Kabaddi League Season 12, 2025 NewsMatch PreviewsEnglish