PKL 2025: Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi K.C. reunited again with title on the line
The grand finale of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 between Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi promises to be a contest worthy of the occasion at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium on Friday, October 31.
Delhi, the season eight champion, earned its spot in the final after it edged past Paltan in a dramatic 6-4 tiebreaker in Qualifier 1 after the scores were locked 34–34 in regulation time. Puneri bounced back in style, winning its Qualifier 2 clash against Telugu Titans to seal its third final appearance in four seasons.
The two sides have faced off thrice this season – and all three duels went into the tie-breaker. Each has tested the other’s limits, with Delhi relying on Ashu Malik’s explosive raids and the Puneri thriving on its corners’ composure and synchronised tackles.
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With the final being played on its home turf, Delhi will look to draw energy from the crowd and lean on its experienced campaigners such as Fazel Atrachali, Saurabh Nandal, and Ashu. Its defensive unit has grown in confidence with every match, while its ability to close out tight games has set it apart in knockout situations.
Joginder Narwal, the Delhi head coach, said his team’s return to the final resulted from belief and togetherness. “I’m extremely proud of this group – we’ve grown together. From the young players to the senior ones, everyone has stepped up. This isn’t about one individual; it’s about the collective spirit. The way they’ve fought through challenges and stayed united makes me believe this team deserves every bit of success it gets,” he explained.
Puneri, on the other hand, will aim to correct last season’s disappointment. Its raiding department, led by the young and fearless Aditya Shinde alongside Aslam Inamdar, has complemented a rock-solid defence that thrives on teamwork rather than individual brilliance.
Head coach Ajay Thakur said the team’s unity and discipline have been his team’s biggest strengths. “When I took over as coach, I knew the foundation had to be about togetherness. You can’t build a champion side overnight – it takes time, trust and discipline. What I’m most proud of is how united these boys are; their love for each other shows in how they play. We’ve shown all season that we belong at the top, and now it’s about staying calm and giving it everything one last time,” opined Thakur.
The final, much like their previous encounters, is expected to be decided by the smallest of margins. With both teams evenly matched and confident in their systems, it may come down to who handles the pressure better in the dying minutes.
Published on Oct 30, 2025