PKL 12: Deshwal's 59-Point Rampage Shakes Chennai; Delhi Dominates Despite Shock 37-36 Loss

The Chennai leg of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 just wrapped up, and wow, what a ride. Dabang Delhi KC cemented their spot at the top of the table, but not without some serious drama. We saw records tumble, new heroes emerge, and one of the most thrilling matches of the season so far.

Key Takeaways

Delhi’s Reign Continues: Despite a narrow loss, Dabang Delhi KC remains the team to beat, strengthening their lead on the PKL 12 points table.
Deshwal on Fire: Tamil Thalaivas’ Arjun Deshwal was unstoppable, scoring an incredible 59 raid points in just four matches in Chennai.
The Wall Stands Tall: Nitesh Kumar became the first defender this season to cross the 50 tackle points mark, setting a new benchmark for defenders.
Playoffs Locked: The PKL 12 playoffs are officially heading to Delhi, with the Grand Finale set for October 31.

Delhi’s Near-Perfect Run Hits a Snag

Look, Dabang Delhi KC has been an absolute powerhouse. They came into Chennai and just kept winning, including a nail-biter of a tie-breaker victory against Haryana Steelers on October 7. It was in that very match that the legendary Fazel Atrachali, playing in his 200th PKL game, delivered a crucial Super Raid. What a milestone.

But then came the shocker. On October 9, the Bengal Warriorz handed Delhi their first defeat of the leg, squeaking by with a 37-36 victory. It was an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Even with their captain Ashu Malik out with an injury, Delhi fought hard, but Devank Dalal’s Super 10 and Ashish Malik’s High Five for Bengal were just too much to handle.

The Raiders Who Stole the Show

If the Chennai leg belonged to anyone, it was the raiders. And Arjun Deshwal was king. Playing for Tamil Thalaivas, he put on a masterclass, racking up a stunning 59 raid points in four matches. His performances against the Haryana Steelers and Patna Pirates were simply brilliant.

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But he wasn’t the only one. You’ve got to talk about Aditya Shinde from Puneri Paltan. This young gun was on another level, scoring 50 raid points with three Super 10s. Thanks to him, Puneri Paltan won all four of their matches in Chennai. He’s definitely a name you’ll want to remember.

Expert Analysis

The numbers don’t lie. While Delhi’s dominance is clear, the league’s competitive balance is what’s truly exciting. The rise of raiders like Deshwal and Shinde shows that any team can win on any given day. Pundits suggest that Delhi’s ability to win even without their captain highlights their incredible team depth, making them even more dangerous heading into the playoffs.

Social Media Storm

Yeah, the internet pretty much exploded after that Bengal-Delhi match. Fans couldn’t believe the 37-36 scoreline. Hashtags like #PKL12 and #VIVOProKabaddi were flooded with clips of last-minute tackles and debates about whether Delhi’s fortress was finally cracking. The hype around Deshwal’s raiding spree was also massive, with fans calling him the MVP of the Chennai leg.

What’s Next? The Road to the Finale

So, with the Chennai leg in the books, all eyes are now on Delhi. The playoffs are set to kick off there, starting with the new play-in matches on October 25 for teams ranked 5th to 8th. The main playoff action runs from October 26-29.

And it all comes down to one night: October 31, the Grand Finale. Will Dabang Delhi KC hold on and lift the trophy, or will a challenger like Puneri Paltan or a dark horse rise to the occasion? One thing’s for sure, you won’t want to miss it.

PKL 12: Deshwal’s 59-Point Rampage Shakes Chennai; Delhi Dominates Despite Shock 37-36 Loss

Key Takeaways

Delhi’s Near-Perfect Run Hits a Snag