Puneri Paltan put up a defensive masterclass to cruise past U Mumba 40-22 in the Maharashtra Derby at the SMS Indoor Stadium, but the spotlight firmly belonged to young raider Stuwart Singh. The youngster picked up eight raid points to cap off a dominant display by the season 10 champions, who tightened their grip on the top of the table.

Paltan’s defence was unrelenting, recording 20 tackle points, including six Super Tackles. Gurdeep led the charge with a High Five, while Gaurav Khatri and Abinesh Nadarajan added four points each. But it was Singh’s maturity under pressure that drew the loudest praise from captain Aslam Inamdar.

“Stuwart has proved he is a good player. He showed how to play under pressure,” said Aslam about the youngster from Tamil Nadu. “He has been working very hard, waiting for his opportunity. I always told him he will become a good player — and tonight he proved it.”

The skipper revealed that Singh had been on Puneri’s radar for a while. “He was with us in Season 10 but couldn’t get a chance then. This season, he has grabbed it with both hands. Giving confidence to youngsters like Rakesh and Stuwart is important, and I’m very happy they are delivering,” Aslam added.

Head coach Ajay Thakur also underlined the importance of patience and defensive discipline in the big win: “Our defenders played very well, with a good mindset and cool heads. Against a side like U Mumba, that was the difference.”

With another comprehensive derby win, the champions now focus on their next challenge against Haryana Steelers. Aslam summed it up: “We know every match is tough, but when youngsters like Stuwart step up, it gives us more belief. This is what makes Puneri Paltan strong.”

Please find below the preview for the PKL Season 12 matches on Friday, September 19:

Puneri Paltan will look to continue their strong run when they take on Haryana Steelers in Jaipur, with both teams showing good form in recent outings. Their balance of raiding firepower from Pankaj Mohite and leadership from Aslam Inamdar, backed by a solid defensive wall led by Vishal Bhardwaj, makes them tough to break down. The Steelers, however, have been quietly impressive, with raiders Vinay and Shivam Patare delivering consistent returns, while Jaideep anchors their defence.

Tamil Thalaivas will be aiming for a double over the Telugu Titans after edging them in the season opener, and they come into this clash with greater confidence and momentum. Arjun Deshwal’s sharp raiding and the support of Narender and a reliable defensive unit have made them a tough side to beat. The Titans, meanwhile, are searching for form after a difficult run and will rely on Bharat Hooda and Vijay Malik to spark a turnaround. With their defensive frailties exposed in recent matches and lacking the star power of past seasons, the Titans face an uphill task against a Thalaivas side.

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

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

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

Related tags:

PunPro Kabaddi League Season 12, 2025 NewsEnglish