When Puneri Paltan clinched their 13th win of the season on Oct 16, 2025, the Pro Kabaddi League found itself on the brink of another dramatic playoff sprint. Dabang Delhi K.C. sat level on points, while the league’s final showdown loomed at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi. The numbers are clear: Puneri Paltan leads with 26 points, Dabang Delhi follows on equal footing, and three high‑octane matches are slated for Oct 17, 2025.
Season Overview and Current Standings
Season 12 kicked off in early August and has already delivered 48 matches across six venues. The points table, as of Oct 16, reads:
- Puneri Paltan – 13 wins, 3 losses, 26 points (qualified for Qualifiers).
- Dabang Delhi K.C. – 12 wins, 4 losses, 26 points (qualified for Qualifiers).
- Telugu Titans – 8 wins, 8 losses, 16 points (still in contention).
- Other teams hover between 10‑14 points, fighting for the remaining playoff slots.
The tight race mirrors the 2022 season, when Puneri Paltan also topped the table but fell short in the final. This time, head coach Anup Ramasamy has promised a “different mindset” after a mid‑season slump.
Today's Triple‑Header at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium
Oct 17 is set to be a fans’ feast. The schedule, released by the league on Oct 10, lists three back‑to‑back games:
- 19:30 IST – Bengal Warriorz vs Patna Pirates
- 20:30 IST – Tamil Thalaivas vs Dabang Delhi K.C.
- 21:30 IST – Jaipur Pink Panthers vs UP Yoddhas
Tickets are already sold out for the evening, and stadium officials expect a crowd of over 15,000 – a record for a weekday fixture. "The atmosphere here is electric," said stadium manager Rohit Kumar. "Fans are chanting, the sound of raiders colliding – it feels like a festival."
Key Players to Watch
Every matchup has its marquee raider. For Bengal Warriorz, Manish Kumar has logged 112 successful raids this season, averaging 8.4 per match. Patna Pirates rely on veteran Madhav Shetty, who boasts a 72% tackle success rate.
The Dabang‑Tamil clash pits two all‑rounders against each other: Karan Gill of Delhi, known for his 15‑point bursts, versus Tamil’s Rohith Reddy, the league’s youngest super‑raider at 21.
Jaipur’s star defender Vikram Singh will look to shut down UP Yoddhas’ back‑line, which has been plagued by injuries.
Expert and Team Reactions
Sports analyst Neha Bhatia of Sports360 remarked, "Puneri’s consistency is impressive, but they can’t afford complacency. Dabang Delhi’s defense has tightened after a shaky start, and the next two weeks will decide if they truly belong in the final four."
After the latest win, Puneri captain Rohit Kumar said in a post‑match interview, "We’re focused on the next match, not the table. Every point matters, and the pressure only makes us stronger."
Conversely, Dabang Delhi’s head coach Sanjay Singh admitted, "We slipped early in the season, but the squad’s resilience has turned the tide. The qualifier round will test our depth, especially with the injury list growing."
Playoff Roadmap and What’s at Stake
The knockout phase begins on Oct 28 with the Eliminator at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium. The winner faces the team that finishes third in the league, while the top two get a direct berth to Qualifier 2 on Oct 29. The championship final is slated for Oct 31, also at Thyagaraj, and will be broadcast live on Star Sports.
Financially, the league’s prize pool has been boosted to ₹5 crore, with the champions pocketing ₹2 crore. Sponsorship deals with Hero MotoCorp and Vivo have also been renewed for a three‑year stretch, signaling the league’s growing commercial clout.
For fans, the stakes are more than money – it’s about legacy. "Winning the League is about cementing your name in Kabaddi folklore," said former Indian national team captain Jude Felix. "The next generation will look back at who lifted the trophy in 2025."
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Puneri Paltan's lead affect their playoff chances?
Being atop the table guarantees Puneri a direct spot in Qualifier 2, meaning they avoid the sudden‑death Eliminator. This cushion allows them to rest key raiders like Manish Kumar while scouting opponents, boosting their odds of reaching the final.
Which teams are most likely to upset the top‑seeded sides?
Telugu Titans, currently on 16 points, have an unbeaten home record and could surprise Dabang Delhi in the Eliminator. Bengal Warriorz also boast a high‑scoring raid duo that’s capable of turning any match on its head.
What makes Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium a pivotal venue?
The stadium’s modern acoustics amplify crowd energy, often influencing player performance. Additionally, its central location in Delhi reduces travel fatigue for both local and visiting squads, making it a neutral ground for high‑stakes matches.
How have sponsorships impacted the 2025 season?
The renewed Hero MotoCorp and Vivo deals injected an extra ₹30 crore into team budgets, allowing franchises to retain star players and invest in scouting. This financial boost is reflected in the tighter competition and higher production values during broadcasts.
When is the final match, and how can fans watch it?
The championship showdown is on Oct 31, 2025, at 20:00 IST, held at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium. It will be streamed live on Star Sports’ OTT platform and televised on Star Sports 1 across India. International fans can catch the feed via the league’s official YouTube channel.
