Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 has now reached its final stage, and the playoff race has turned extremely exciting. The league matches are currently being held at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi, which is also set to host the Play-In round on October 25, the Playoffs on October 26, and the much-awaited Grand Finale on October 31.
This season’s new format — where the top 8 teams qualify for the next round — has kept the tournament wide open. But as the league stage nears its end, a clearer picture is emerging, and a few teams have started pulling ahead in the race for the top 4.
So, which teams are dominating the table and eyeing the playoff spots? Let’s take a detailed look at the top 4 teams that are currently leading the pack in PKL 2025.
Who Has Reached the Top 4 (Playoff) So Far in PKL 12?
As per the latest standings, Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi have officially sealed their spots in the Top 4 and have directly qualified for the semi-finals (Qualifier 1).
Meanwhile, teams like Telugu Titans, U Mumba, Bengaluru Bulls, Haryana Steelers, and Jaipur Pink Panthers have also secured places in the Top 8, making them eligible for the Play-In round.
Under the new format, the top 4 teams will get direct entry into the playoffs, while the remaining 4 teams (ranked 5-8) will have to battle it out in the Play-In stage. Notably, the top 2 teams get a major advantage by qualifying directly for the Qualifier 1, bringing them a step closer to the final.
As things stand now, here are the four teams who look strongest for the playoffs:
1. Puneri Paltan – A Balanced Team With Dominant Form
Puneri Paltan has been one of the most fearsome sides in PKL 12. With 13 wins out of 18 matches, 26 points, and a stunning +88 score difference, they currently sit at the top of the points table.
Having completed all their league matches, Puneri Paltan has confirmed a top-2 finish and directly entered the semi-finals.
Their defense has been rock solid, almost impenetrable at times. In attack, Aditya Shinde has proven his mettle with consistent performances. Add to that the smart raiding of Pankaj Mohite and the composed leadership of Aslam Inamdar, and you get one of the most well-balanced and dangerous teams of the season.
2. Dabang Delhi – Home Advantage & Strong Momentum
Under Ashu Malik’s captaincy, Dabang Delhi has shown tremendous consistency. The team has already won 13 of their 17 matches, securing 26 points with a +73 score difference, placing them second in the standings.
With one league match remaining, Delhi still has a chance to climb to the top of the table.
Delhi’s biggest strength lies in its blend of experience and youth. Defenders like Fazel Atrachali and Surjeet Singh have silenced critics with top-class performances. Ashu Malik himself has been a standout raider this season.
The cherry on top? The playoffs are being held in their home stadium – Thyagaraj Stadium, giving them a psychological edge as they move into the knockout phase.
3. Telugu Titans – Teamwork Over Star Power
Telugu Titans surprised everyone this season by focusing on team balance rather than chasing big names at the auction – and it worked!
Having played 17 matches, they’ve earned 20 points with a +11 score difference, placing them among the top playoff contenders.
Under the guidance of Coach Krishan Kumar Hooda, the team kicked off their campaign with five straight wins, quickly climbing to third in the table.
The raiding duo of Bharat Hooda and Captain Vijay Malik has been instrumental in dismantling opposition defenses. Their consistent performances have made Telugu Titans one of the most exciting teams to watch this season.
4. Bengaluru Bulls – A Young Team with Big Heart
Bengaluru Bulls may have started the season on a slow note, but they’ve made a solid comeback in the middle phase. Coach BC Ramesh handed over the captaincy to young defender Yogesh Dahiya, and the gamble paid off.
With players like Deepak Shankar and Ali Reza Mirzaeyan (Iran) stepping up, the Bulls now look like a rejuvenated squad.
Currently, they’ve won 9 of their 16 matches and are very much in the top 4 race with two league matches still to go. If they win both, they can directly qualify for the playoffs, bypassing the play-in stage.
Though the team lacks experience, it’s full of youthful energy and raw talent – a combination that’s proving effective at the right time.
Other Contenders: U Mumba & Jaipur Still in the Hunt
U Mumba has also had a solid season so far. With 10 wins in 17 matches, they’ve broken into the top 4 temporarily but need more wins and a better score difference to stay there.
Jaipur Pink Panthers and Haryana Steelers are also in the Top 8, but for them to make it to the Top 4, they’ll have to depend not only on their own wins but also on the results of other teams.
The revised PKL 12 format has raised the stakes. While top 8 teams will enter the knockout stage, only the top 2 teams get direct entry into the semi-finals (Qualifier 1). This makes the top 2 spots extremely crucial, as it provides a shorter, safer path to the Grand Finale.
Current Points Table Snapshot (as per last update):
| Rank | Team | Matches | Wins | Score Diff. | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Puneri Paltan | 18 | 13 | 88 | 26 |
| 2 | Dabang Delhi | 17 | 13 | 73 | 26 |
| 3 | Telugu Titans | 17 | 11 | 56 | 20 |
| 4 | U Mumba | 17 | 10 | 11 | 20 |
| 5 | Bengaluru Bulls | 16 | 9 | 39 | 18 |
Note: Standings are based on available data and may change after final league matches.
Every Match Now Feels Like a Final
With only a few matches left, every game now feels like a do-or-die battle. Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi have already secured their seats at the semi-final table, but the fight for the other two Top 4 spots is getting intense.
Will your favorite team make it to the Top 4? Or will they have to battle it out in the Play-In stage? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates, match analysis, and playoff scenarios as PKL 12 heads towards its thrilling climax.
