When Pro Kabaddi League rolled out PKL Season 12Visakhapatnam on National Sports Day, the nation’s kabaddi‑loving fans were treated to a roller‑coaster of drama, upsets, and record‑breaking runs.
By the time the league reached its third leg, Haryana Steelers had edged past Puneri Paltan 34‑30 in a nail‑biting showdown, while the Telugu Titans chalked up a historic five‑match winning streak – a first in franchise history.
Season Overview: A Tour Across India
The twelve‑team lineup kicked off at Vishwanadh Sports Club in Visakhapatnam, then hopped to Jaipur, Chennai, and finally Delhi for the league stage’s 108 matches. Each leg brought a fresh crowd, new energy, and, inevitably, surprises that reshaped the points table.
Opening day, August 29, 2025, saw the Tamil Thalaivas tuck away a 38‑35 win over the Titans, only for the Titans to bounce back the next evening with a 40‑35 loss to UP Yoddhas. The early seesaw hinted at a season where no side could claim outright dominance.
Key Wins and Upsets
One of the season’s headline moments arrived on September 30, when Dabang Delhi K.C. halted the Steelers’ four‑match winning streak by a razor‑thin 38‑37 margin. The match turned into a showcase for veteran raider Ashu Malik, who amassed 15 raid points in his 100th appearance.
Just a week later, the pendulum swung back. On October 2, Puneri Paltan edged past the Bengaluru Bulls in a second tiebreaker, with Pankaj Mohite contributing four crucial raid points.
Yet perhaps the most exhilarating fixture for many fans was the October 9 duel at Tau Devilal Indoor Stadium in Panchkula. The Titans dismantled the Steelers 46‑29, powered by a sensational 20‑point night from Bharat Hooda (16 raids, 4 tackles). The performance not only extended the Titans’ unbeaten run to five games but also cemented Hooda’s status as the league’s most feared raider.
Standout Performances: Raids, Tackles, and Milestones
- Bharat Hooda – 20 points (16 raid, 4 tackle) vs. Steelers on Oct 9.
- Ashu Malik – 15 raid points in his centenary match for Delhi K.C.
- Vinay (Puneri Paltan) – 8 points, 7 touch and 1 bonus in the 51‑36 win at Panchkula.
- Alireza Mirzaian – Reached 100 career raid points during the Oct 2 tie‑breaker.
The consistency of these individual feats kept fans glued to the screen, especially when the outcomes hinged on a single raid in the final minutes.
Broadcast, Fan Engagement, and Digital Reach
Every evening at 7:30 PM, Star Sports Network streamed live action across India, while the Pro Kabaddi Official App and prokabaddi.com supplied real‑time scores and player stats. The digital surge was palpable; viewership spikes coincided with close finishes, and social media threads lit up whenever a raider cracked a 20‑point night.
In a nod to the growing overseas audience, the league also offered English commentary on JioHotstar, expanding its reach beyond the traditional Hindi‑speaking demographic.
What Lies Ahead: Playoff Picture and Stakes
As the league edges toward its final leg in Delhi, the top‑four race is tightening. The Titans, perched at second place with a five‑game run, sit just three points behind the leaders, while the Steelers scramble to retain a playoff berth after their recent loss.
Experts suggest that defensive solidity will be the differentiator. Former India captain Ajay Thakur remarked, “Teams that can shut down raiders in the last two minutes will walk out of Delhi with the trophy.” The statement underscores the league’s evolving tactical landscape – raiding brilliance must be matched with airtight defense.
All eyes now turn to the upcoming clashes in Delhi, where every point could determine a franchise’s destiny for the next two years.
Key Facts
- Season kickoff: 29 August 2025, Visakhapatnam
- Number of teams: 12
- Total league matches: 108
- Longest current winning streak: Telugu Titans – 5 matches
- Top individual scorer (so far): Bharat Hooda – 115 raid points
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Titans' five‑game winning streak affect their playoff chances?
The streak has vaulted the Telugu Titans into the top‑four bracket, putting them just three points shy of the league leaders. A win in the remaining Delhi leg could secure a home‑playoff match, dramatically improving their title prospects.
Who were the standout players in the Steelers‑Paltan encounter?
For the Haryana Steelers, raider Vinay contributed eight points, while defender Jaideep Kuldeep posted seven successful tackles. Puneri Paltan leaned on veteran defender Mohit Nandal, who scored five points and registered two tackles.
What changes have been made to the broadcasting format this season?
Aside from the traditional 7:30 PM live telecast on Star Sports Network, the league now offers a dedicated English commentary stream on JioHotstar and real‑time analytics through the official app, catering to both domestic and international audiences.
When and where does the final leg of the league take place?
The concluding leg is scheduled for early November 2025 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi. All remaining league fixtures, as well as the semifinals, will be held there before the championship match.
How do the league’s rules differ from traditional kabaddi tournaments?
The PKL adheres to the standard format of two 20‑minute halves, seven players per side, and a bonus point system for raids that reach the bonus line. However, the league also incorporates a ‘Super‑Raid’ rule, allowing teams to earn an extra point for a successful raid that yields three or more points in a single attempt.
