When Puneri Paltan clinched a nail‑biting win over Dabang Delhi K.C. on Oct 10, 2025, the Pro Kabaddi League points table flipped upside down. The victory, sealed in a tie‑breaker after Ajinkya Pawar’s raid fell flat, lifted Puneri Paltan to the summit with twelve wins in twelve matches. Meanwhile, Bengaluru Bulls notched their third straight triumph, nudging themselves into the coveted top‑four mix. The stage is set for a frantic run‑in to the playoffs, with five teams now separated by a whisker of four points.
Current Standings After 80 Matches
After the 80th fixture, the league table reads like a tight‑rope. Puneri Paltan sit first with a perfect 12‑0 record, followed by Dabang Delhi K.C. on 24 points. The third and fourth slots are shared by Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls, each with 16 points, while U Mumba holds fifth place at 14 points. A cluster of clubs—Tamil Thalaivas, Haryana Steelers, Jaipur Pink Panthers—sit on 12 points, making every raid and tackle count more than ever.
Key Performers and Statistical Leaders
The raid charts are dominated by Devank Dalal of Bengal Warriorz, who has amassed a staggering 207 raid points in just 12 games. Close behind is Arjun Deshwal of Tamil Thalaivas with 159 points, proving that a single raider can tilt a match’s balance. On the defensive side, Alireza Mirzaian of Bengaluru Bulls delivered a career‑best performance against Bengal Warriorz, hauling 5 tackles and a high‑five raid in the same match. Deepak Sankar, another Bulls defender, posted a high‑five tackle haul, underscoring Bengaluru’s newly forged reputation as a defensive juggernaut.
Coaching Moves and Auction Highlights
The off‑court drama is no less intriguing. Ajay Thakur, former Indian raider turned head coach of Puneri Paltan, has been praised for his aggressive game‑plans that keep opponents guessing. Across the league, BC Ramesh, head coach of Bengaluru Bulls, emphasized the importance of rotational depth after the team’s dramatic rise from last place in PKL 11. The 2025 auction churned out a surprising bestseller: Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh fetched Rs 2.23 crore for Gujarat Giants, narrowly edging out Devank Dalal’s Rs 2.205 crore deal.
Implications for the Playoff Race
With only ten games left in the regular season, the points matrix resembles a game of chess. A single five‑point raid can catapult a team from the fringe to a semi‑final berth, a reality that has already played out in the Bulls’ comeback from a dismal PKL 11 finish. Experts note that the league’s current parity—four points separating places three through seven—means that injuries or a single missed raid could reshuffle the entire playoff picture. As Sunil Kumar, captain of U Mumba, put it, “Every match now feels like a final; you can’t afford a slip.”
Historical Context: From Defending Champions to Dark Horses
Last season, the Haryana Steelers, owned by JSW Sports, lifted the trophy after a roller‑coaster campaign. This year, however, the defending champions sit uncomfortably in seventh place with 12 points—four wins, three losses—highlighting how quickly fortunes can reverse in PKL. The Steelers’ dip has been linked to the departure of several senior players in the 2025 auction and a spate of injuries that forced coach Manpreet Singh to experiment with untested talent. Meanwhile, teams like the Jaipur Pink Panthers, guided by Narender Redhu, have found a new rhythm, inching closer to the top‑six cut‑off despite a shaky start.
- Puneri Paltan: 12‑0, 24 points
- Dabang Delhi K.C.: 24 points
- Telugu Titans & Bengaluru Bulls: 16 points each
- Top raider: Devank Dalal – 207 points
- Most expensive player: Mohammadreza Shadloui Chiyaneh – Rs 2.23 crore
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Puneri Paltan’s unbeaten run affect their playoff odds?
Finishing the regular season on a perfect record gives Puneri Paltan a huge cushion. Even if they slip in the final stretch, they can still afford a couple of losses and remain in the top two, securing a favourable semi‑final matchup.
Which teams are most likely to challenge for the remaining playoff spots?
Telugu Titans, Bengaluru Bulls, U Mumba and Tamil Thalaivas are all within four points of each other. Their recent form—especially the Bulls’ defensive solidity—makes each of them a genuine contender for the last two semi‑final slots.
Why did many star players remain unsold in the 2025 auction?
Teams prioritized squad depth and younger talent over big‑name names, leading to over £100 international and domestic players—including Pardeep Narwal—going unsold. Budget constraints and a desire for a balanced roster drove that trend.
What impact did the Bengaluru Bulls’ turnaround have on the league narrative?
Bulls’ climb from the bottom of PKL 11 to a top‑four spot this season showcases the league’s volatility. Their defensive resurgence, led by Alireza Mirzaian, has forced rivals to rethink strategies, amplifying the competition for the postseason.
How might injuries influence the final stretch of the season?
With several teams already operating on thin benches, a key injury—especially to a top raider like Devank Dalal—could swing points dramatically. Coaches have stressed squad rotation to mitigate that risk, but depth will be tested.
