The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is heading into its most thrilling phase — the Road to Finals. After a competitive and action-packed league stage, eight teams are now eyeing the coveted trophy through a knockout-style format featuring nine high-stakes matches.
The Play-In 1 clash features Haryana Steelers, the defending champions, taking on the two-time winners Jaipur Pink Panthers. The encounter is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 8:00 PM IST at the Thyagaraj Sports Complex, New Delhi.
This match is more than just another PKL fixture — it’s do or die. The winner will advance to the Eliminator 1, while the losing team will see their Season 12 journey end right here.
Current Form and Team Overview
Haryana Steelers have had a fairly consistent season, finishing 5th on the points table. Their campaign, however, faced a late jolt when star raider Shivam Patare sustained an injury in their last league game.
On the other side, Jaipur Pink Panthers finished 8th in the standings, struggling in the closing stages of the league with back-to-back defeats. However, their raiding department has shown resurgence at just the right time.
Haryana Steelers Vs Jaipur Pink Panthers Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Jaipur Pink Panthers have dominated this rivalry with 10 wins out of 18 matches. However, both teams have won three each in their last six meetings — indicating how evenly matched they are at this point.
| Matches Played | Jaipur Pink Panthers Wins | Haryana Steelers Wins | Tied |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | 10 | 6 | 2 |
In their previous clash this season, Jaipur defeated Haryana, handing them a tough loss. This time, the Steelers will be motivated to settle the score and make a statement in the playoffs.
Players to Watch Out For
Vinay & Jaideep (Haryana Steelers)
With Patare’s fitness uncertain, Vinay becomes the key raider and the main attacking weapon for the Steelers. His absence has put extra responsibility on Vinay, one of the top 10 raiders of the season.
Captain Jaideep Dahiya has been the pillar of Haryana’s defense, leading with both performance and composure. Jaideep currently holds the record for the most super tackles (13) this season — more than double the next-best defender. Alongside him, Rahul Sethpal has provided strong defensive support, making the Steelers’ backline one of the toughest in the league.
Nitin Dhankhar & Ali Samadi (Jaipur Pink Panthers)
Star raider Nitin Dhankhar has made a sensational comeback after injury, registering three consecutive Super 10s, and looks in red-hot form. His partner Iranian raider Ali Samadi has been steady all season, contributing 109 raid points in 17 matches with a success rate of 59%. Their balance of aggression and control makes Jaipur’s attack unpredictable and dangerous.
Possible Starting 7s
Haryana Steelers:
Sahil Narwal, Vinay, Shivam Patare, Rahul Sethpal, Hardeep, Neeraj, Jaideep Dahiya
Jaipur Pink Panthers:
Nitin Dhankhar, Reza Mirbagheri, Ashish Kumar, Ali Samadi, Parvinder, Deepanshu Khatri, Aryan Kumar
Haryana Steelers Vs Jaipur Pink Panthers Match Prediction
Expect a tight, tactical battle between two of the most balanced defensive setups in the league. Both teams have youth, energy, and top-class defenders who can turn the match with a single move.
If Shivam Patare returns to full fitness, Haryana Steelers may have a slight edge thanks to their superior defensive organization and the experience of handling pressure matches.
Predicted Winner: Haryana Steelers (by a narrow margin)
When & Where to Watch – Free Live Streaming Details
- Match: Haryana Steelers vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – PKL 12 Play-In 1
- Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 8:00 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Sports Complex, New Delhi
- TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network
- Online Live Stream: JioHotstar App & Website
- Live Updates: Available on the Pro Kabaddi League official website and PKL app
The PKL 12 Play-In 1 promises to be a blockbuster encounter between two powerhouse franchises — Haryana Steelers, driven by defensive dominance, and Jaipur Pink Panthers, banking on their in-form raiders.
With the stakes sky-high and a spot in the Eliminator at risk, fans can expect an electric atmosphere, nerve-wracking raids, and a match that could go down to the final whistle
