PKL 2025
Arjun DeshwalPro Kabaddi LeaguePuneri PaltanTamil Thalaivas

PKL 2025: Puneri’s 11.8 Tackle Pts vs Thalaivas; A Defensive War for a Top 8 Playoff Spot

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 4 days ago | Oct 12, 2025 12:02 pm IST
PKL 2025: Puneri's 11.8 Tackle Pts vs Thalaivas; A Defensive War for a Top 8 Playoff Spot

Get ready for a tactical war in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12. Seriously. On October 11, 2025, two of the league’s most brutal defensive units, Tamil Thalaivas and Puneri Paltan, will collide at Delhi’s Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in a match that could define their playoff dreams.

Key Takeaways

  • Defensive Giants Clash: Puneri Paltan leads the league with 11.8 average tackle points per game, while Tamil Thalaivas are right behind in joint second with 11.2.
  • Arjun Deshwal’s Hot Streak: Thalaivas’ star raider is on fire, recently scoring a career-best 26 raid points against Patna Pirates.
  • High Stakes Match: A win for Puneri Paltan mathematically secures their spot in the Top 8. For the Thalaivas, a victory is crucial to solidify their own playoff push.
  • Historical Edge: Puneri Paltan holds a 7-win advantage in their 13 head-to-head encounters against the Thalaivas.

It’s a Wall vs. a Wall

Look, you can’t talk about this match without talking about defense. It’s everything. Puneri Paltan isn’t just good on defense; they’re the best in the league with an average of 11.8 tackle points per match. They just don’t let raiders breathe. And who’s right behind them? Yeah, the Tamil Thalaivas, sitting joint second with a massive 11.2 tackle points.

This isn’t going to be a high-flying raid fest. It’s going to be a gritty, tactical chess match on the mat. Every single point will be earned the hard way. The question is, whose wall will crack first?

The Arjun Deshwal Factor

But here’s the twist. The Thalaivas have a secret weapon, and his name is Arjun Deshwal. He’s not just in form; he’s playing the kabaddi of his life. Just recently, he dropped a career-best 26 raid points on the Patna Pirates. An absolute masterclass.

He has a history of doing well against Puneri’s defense, too. So, the biggest battle to watch will be Deshwal’s explosive raiding against the Paltan’s cornerstones, Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj. Can one man break down the league’s most formidable defensive unit? It’s the classic unstoppable force meets immovable object story.

More Than Just Defense

Don’t think Puneri is a one-trick pony, though. While their defense gets the headlines, their raiders can sting you. Aditya Shinde has been incredibly consistent, bagging back-to-back Super 10s. And with Pankaj Mohite providing solid support, they have enough firepower to cause serious problems.

For Puneri Paltan, a win here isn’t just another four points. It mathematically books their ticket to the Top 8 playoffs. For the Thalaivas, winning is about cementing their own place in that elite group and proving they can beat the best.

What This Means Going Forward

This match is a massive test for both teams. Can the Thalaivas’ raiding, led by a red-hot Deshwal, solve the Puneri puzzle? Or will the Paltan’s defensive machine grind out another victory and march confidently into the playoffs?

It’s all happening on October 11th. Expect a low-scoring, intense battle where every tackle and every raid could be the difference. So, who are you backing in this defensive showdown?