The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 Play-In stage kicked off with a pulsating contest at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, where Jaipur Pink Panthers showcased their grit and composure to eliminate defending champions Haryana Steelers in a nail-biting 30-27 victory.
With this win, Jaipur Pink Panthers have officially booked their spot in the Eliminator 1, where they will face the Patna Pirates — who defeated U Mumba in Play-In 2 — on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
A High-Intensity Clash Right From the Start
Both teams began aggressively, trading early points and setting the tone for a gripping encounter. Nitin Kumar opened the account for Jaipur Pink Panthers with a clever touch on Neeraj, but Shivam Patare immediately hit back for Haryana by dismissing Deepanshu Khatri.
The defenders from both sides looked sharp in the opening minutes. Reza Mirbagheri pulled off a brilliant tackle on Vinay, while Haryana’s Neeraj countered with an ankle hold on Ali Samadi. As the first quarter progressed, Jaipur began to edge ahead. Deepanshu Khatri got his revenge on Shivam, and Ali Samadi executed a successful do-or-die raid on Rahul Sethpal, helping Jaipur finish the first quarter with a 9-5 lead.
Jaipur’s Defence Takes Charge – First All-Out on Haryana
The second quarter saw Jaipur Pink Panthers completely take control. Their lead raider Nitin Kumar went on a rampage, pulling off a two-point raid that sent Ashish Narwal and Neeraj to the bench. With only Jaideep Dahiya left on the mat for Haryana, he too was taken down by Mohit, inflicting the first All-Out of the match on the defending champions.
The scoreline soon read 18-10 in favour of Jaipur. Haryana tried to regain their rhythm through bonus points from Vinay, but the Panthers’ defence stood tall. Deepanshu once again dismissed Shivam Patare, while Aryan Kumar executed a superb tackle on Vinay to maintain their eight-point advantage.
Haryana Steelers Fight Back
In the third quarter, the defending champions started to show signs of a comeback. Neeraj tackled Parvinder, and Shivam earned a touch point on Mohit, reducing the margin slightly. However, Jaipur’s defenders continued to respond strongly — Nitin Kumar eliminated Sahil Narwal, while Deepanshu picked up his fourth tackle point of the night.
At the end of the third quarter, the scoreboard read 22-16 in favour of Jaipur Pink Panthers, keeping them in firm control but leaving the door open for Haryana to fight back.
Last-Minute Drama: Jaipur Hold Their Nerve
After the strategic time-out, Haryana came out all guns blazing. Shivam Patare dismissed Ali Samadi, and substitute Ashish Narwal made an immediate impact with two consecutive raid points — one on Mohit and another on Aryan.
Then came the big moment — Shivam picked up a touch point on Deepanshu, and Neeraj tackled Sahil, leaving only Jaipur captain Nitin Rawal on the mat. Ashish Narwal then eliminated him, inflicting an All-Out on Jaipur and leveling the score.
But Jaipur refused to panic. With two minutes left, Nitin Kumar capitalised on an error by Ashish Narwal, earning a crucial touch point. Haryana also suffered a setback when Sahil Narwal received a yellow card, giving Jaipur a numerical advantage.
In the dying seconds, Aryan Kumar pulled off a spectacular tackle on Vinay, completing his High Five and sealing the victory for Jaipur Pink Panthers. The match ended 30-27, knocking the defending champions out of PKL 12.
Match Heroes
- Aryan Kumar (Jaipur Pink Panthers): High Five (5 tackle points) – the defensive rock who turned the tide.
- Nitin Kumar (Jaipur Pink Panthers): 7 raid points – led the attack with precision and composure.
- Deepanshu Khatri (Jaipur Pink Panthers): 4 tackle points – aggressive and impactful all night.
- Neeraj (Haryana Steelers): High Five – kept the Steelers in the contest despite the loss.
The Aftermath – Jaipur March Into Playoffs
With this crucial win, Jaipur Pink Panthers have advanced to the Eliminator 1, where they’ll lock horns with Patna Pirates in what promises to be another thrilling clash.
For Haryana Steelers, the defeat marked the end of a challenging title defense. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, their inconsistency and untimely errors cost them dearly in this knockout game.
The first Play-In of PKL 12 had everything — intensity, drama, and last-minute twists. The Jaipur Pink Panthers, led by a disciplined defensive unit, showed immense composure to withstand Haryana’s late charge and emerge victorious.
It was a night to remember for Jaipur fans as their team proved once again that champions rise when it matters most. Now, the focus shifts to the next big clash — Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Patna Pirates — where a spot in the semifinals awaits.
Can Jaipur continue their dream run, or will Patna’s pirates sink their ship? The answer will unfold on Sunday night! ⚡
