PKL 12 Qualifier 1 Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi Match Preview: The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 2025) has entered its most crucial stage — the playoffs. The first Qualifier promises to be an absolute blockbuster as table-toppers Puneri Paltan lock horns with season 8 champions Dabang Delhi K.C. in a high-stakes clash.
This intense battle will take place on Monday, 27th October 2025, at 9:00 PM IST inside the electrifying atmosphere of the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. The winner of this match will directly advance to the PKL 12 Final, while the losing side will get another shot through the Eliminator round.
In short, this is a “do-or-die” contest — a game that will decide who books the first ticket to the grand finale of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.
Current Form and Team Situation
Puneri Paltan, who finished at the top of the points table, have been the most consistent team of the season. Their balance of attack and defense has made them the side to beat in PKL 12.
Meanwhile, Dabang Delhi K.C., the season 8 champions, finished second on the table, proving once again that they remain a powerhouse in the league. Both sides have displayed excellent kabaddi throughout the season — and rightfully earned their spot in this all-important Qualifier 1.
Interestingly, these two teams have already met twice this season, and both encounters ended in a tie. In fact, four of their last five matches have also finished level — showing just how evenly matched these teams are. Fans can expect another nail-biting thriller where every raid and tackle will count.
Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi Head-to-Head Record:
- Total Matches: 26
- Puneri Paltan Wins: 13
- Dabang Delhi Wins: 10
- Tied: 3
Out of these, two matches from this season went into tie-breakers, with both teams winning one game each. Historically, Puneri Paltan hold a narrow edge, but Dabang Delhi’s experience in knockout matches could tilt the balance in their favor this time.
Key Players to Watch
Aditya Shinde & Gaurav Khatri (Puneri Paltan)
The success of Puneri Paltan this season has been built on a solid mix of attacking and defensive brilliance.
Aditya Shinde has emerged as the star raider, accumulating 118 raid points at a 64% success rate with five Super 10s to his name. His consistency and calmness under pressure have been game-changing for the Paltan.
On the other hand, Gaurav Khatri continues to be the heartbeat of Pune’s defense. The dependable right-corner defender has scored 50+ tackle points for the third consecutive season. If Gaurav can hold the line and disrupt Delhi’s raiders early, Pune will have a strong chance of sealing a direct berth in the final.
Ashu Malik (Dabang Delhi)
Captain Ashu Malik has been nothing short of sensational for Dabang Delhi this year. Despite missing a few games due to injury, he returned to lead from the front and played a pivotal role in taking Delhi to second place on the points table.
Ashu ranks third in average raid points this season and is known for his Do-or-Die raid dominance, maintaining a 100% success rate in those pressure situations with 21 points — second-best in the league.
His ability to deliver when it matters most makes him Delhi’s biggest threat. Puneri’s defense will have to be at its absolute best to contain him.
Predicted Starting 7
Puneri Paltan:
- Gaurav Khatri
- Aslam Inamdar
- Abinesh Nadarajan
- Aditya Shinde
- Gurdeep Sangwan
- Pankaj Mohite
- Vishal Bharadwaj
Dabang Delhi K.C.:
- Fazel Atrachali
- Ajinkya Pawar
- Saurabh Nandal
- Ashu Malik
- Surjeet Singh
- Neeraj Narwal
- Sandeep
What to Expect from the Match
This Qualifier is expected to be a battle of defenses. Both teams have some of the strongest defensive combinations in the tournament.
Puneri Paltan’s Gaurav Khatri–Vishal Bharadwaj pairing has been rock solid, while Delhi boast the experience of Fazel Atrachali and Saurabh Nandal — two of the most feared tacklers in PKL history.
Pune’s balanced approach and teamwork will go up against Delhi’s tactical sharpness and captain Ashu Malik’s raiding brilliance. With the home advantage on their side, Dabang Delhi might enter with slightly more confidence, but Puneri’s consistency and momentum make them equally dangerous.
Expect a close, low-scoring, and tactical contest — where a single Super Raid or Super Tackle could change the entire direction of the match.
Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi Match Prediction
Both teams have the capability to reach the final, and the clash is likely to go down to the last minute.
While Dabang Delhi hold the edge due to their experience and home crowd support, Puneri Paltan are in tremendous rhythm and have the defensive balance to pull off an upset.
Predicted Winner: Dabang Delhi K.C. (Slight edge due to experience and home support)
When and Where to Watch the Live Clash of Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi?
Fans can catch the Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi – PKL 12 Qualifier 1 live on Monday, 27th October 2025, from 9:00 PM IST onwards.
- Live Telecast: Star Sports Network
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar app & website
- Live Scores & Updates: Official Pro Kabaddi website and app
Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi
This match isn’t just about a place in the final — it’s about pride, passion, and the power to deliver under pressure. Both teams have been remarkably consistent this season and deserve to be in this position.
With two equally matched sides, Qualifier 1 of PKL Season 12 promises to be a thrilling kabaddi spectacle. Whether it’s Aditya Shinde’s raids or Ashu Malik’s counterattacks, fans are in for a night full of twists, tackles, and non-stop excitement.
The road to the PKL 12 Grand Final begins here — and only one team will take that first step forward.
