The opening night of the Chennai leg of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 promises to deliver a thrilling clash between two powerhouse teams – Dabang Delhi and the Haryana Steelers. Match 54 of PKL Season 12 will be an exciting encounter between the table-toppers, Dabang Delhi, and the defending champions, Haryana Steelers. The game is set to take place on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 9:00 PM IST at the SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai.
This high-stakes game marks the beginning of the third leg of the season and has all the makings of a blockbuster contest. Both teams have been in excellent form, and this match will be crucial in determining who takes the upper hand as the season progresses. Let’s take a detailed look at both teams, their current form, head-to-head record, key players, and what to expect from this exciting encounter.
Current Position & Recent Form of Both Teams
Dabang Delhi, under the leadership of the ever-reliable Fazel Atrachali, has been in scintillating form this season. With seven wins from eight games, they currently sit at the top of the points table. Their recent performances have been clinical, with a few minor hiccups like their narrow defeat to Patna Pirates. However, they have been largely dominant, and a win against Haryana would solidify their position as one of the top teams in the league.
Dabang Delhi has found a perfect balance between offense and defense. Ashu Malik, in particular, has been in exceptional form, while Saurabh Nandal has been a standout defender, making crucial tackles when needed. Delhi’s consistency and ability to deliver in key moments have been the hallmark of their season so far.
On the other hand, defending champions, Haryana Steelers are also in excellent shape, with six wins from eight games and occupying the third position in the standings. They come into this match with four consecutive victories, and their momentum will certainly give them confidence against the top-ranked Dabang Delhi. However, Haryana will need to bring in more consistency and strength to challenge Delhi’s dominance.
While they have been impressive, Haryana’s reliance on a few key players, especially in the defense department, will be tested against Delhi’s well-rounded squad. The Steelers will be keen to avenge their past losses to Dabang Delhi and prove their mettle as defending champions.
Dabang Delhi vs Haryana Steelers: Head-to-Head
Historically, Haryana Steelers have had the edge in this rivalry, leading the head-to-head battle with 9 wins to Delhi’s 7 from their 16 meetings. There has yet to be a tie between these two teams, underscoring the competitive nature of their clashes.
However, the recent trend shows a more balanced competition, with both teams winning two games apiece in their last four encounters. This makes the upcoming match all the more unpredictable, as both sides will go all out to claim supremacy.
Players to Watch Out For
Dabang Delhi – Saurabh Nandal
While much of the attention around Dabang Delhi revolves around their offensive powerhouse Ashu Malik and the legendary defenders Fazel Atrachali and Surjeet Singh, Saurabh Nandal has quietly been one of the standout performers for the team this season. The 23-year-old defender has accumulated 23 tackle points, placing him in the top 10 of the league’s defensive rankings. Nandal’s ability to read the game and make crucial tackles at key moments will be pivotal in stopping Haryana’s offensive threats, particularly Vinay and Shivam Patare, who will look to target both flanks.
Haryana Steelers – Rahul Sethpal
For Haryana Steelers, much of the responsibility will fall on Rahul Sethpal, who has been one of their most consistent players. The Steelers began the season with Rahul Ahri, and after a few changes in the lineup, Hardeep Ranbir has been part of the squad. However, with Hardeep not in the best form lately, Haryana will have to lean heavily on Sethpal and Jaideep Dahiya to shore up the defense and stop the likes of Ashu Malik, who has been in red-hot form after his jaw-dropping 23-point performance in the last match.
Sethpal, along with Jaideep Dahiya, will have a massive task on their hands, as stopping Ashu Malik and Fazel Atrachali in tandem will be no easy feat. The performance of these players could very well determine the outcome of the game.
Possible Starting 7s
Dabang Delhi:
- Fazel Atrachali
- Ajinkya Pawar
- Saurabh Nandal
- Ashu Malik (C)
- Surjeet Singh
- Neeraj Narwal
- Sandeep
Haryana Steelers:
- Mayank Saini
- Vinay
- Shivam Patare
- Rahul Sethpal
- Hardeep
- Neeraj
- Jaideep Dahiya (C)
Dabang Delhi vs Haryana Steelers Match Prediction
This clash is shaping up to be an intense contest. Dabang Delhi, with their top-of-the-table standing, will come into the match as slight favorites, especially with Ashu Malik in blistering form. The defense, led by Fazel Atrachali and Saurabh Nandal, will also have a crucial role to play in keeping Haryana’s attackers at bay.
However, Haryana Steelers are a team that thrives under pressure and their recent four-game winning streak makes them a dangerous opponent. The performance of key players like Rahul Sethpal and Jaideep Dahiya in defense, and the overall consistency of their raiders like Vinay and Shivam Patare, will be critical.
Ultimately, it’s likely to be a closely contested match, but Delhi’s current form and well-rounded squad might just give them the edge in this encounter.
Prediction: Dabang Delhi to win by a narrow margin.
When and Where to Watch the Dabang Delhi vs Haryana Steelers PKL 12 Clash?
Fans of kabaddi won’t want to miss this electrifying match. The Dabang Delhi vs Haryana Steelers encounter will be broadcast live on Star Sports and will also be available for live streaming on JioHotstar. For live scores and updates, make sure to check the official Pro Kabaddi website or download the Pro Kabaddi Official App.
As the Chennai leg of the season begins, expect a high-energy, edge-of-your-seat kabaddi thriller between two of the league’s finest teams.
