PKL 2025 Match 14 Preview: Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Unbeaten Pune Face Ashu Malik’s Challenge in Vizag

PKL Season 12: Puneri Paltan vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Clash of Heavyweights

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 is heating up as Match 14 brings a blockbuster clash between Puneri Paltan and Dabang Delhi K.C. in Vizag. Both teams have started the season strongly and will be eager to assert their dominance when they face off on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 9:00 PM IST at the Vishwanadh Sports Club, Vizag.

This game is being billed as one of the biggest battles of the early season, with Pune’s all-round balance taking on Delhi’s star power and experienced defence.

📊 Match Details

🔑 Key Headlines Before the Match

• 🏆 Puneri Paltan are unbeaten this season with 3 wins from 3 games.
• ⚡ Ashu Malik – Delhi’s captain and lead raider – is in red-hot form.
• 🔥 Pune’s defence (Abinesh Nadarajan, Gaurav Khatri) is the most aggressive in PKL 12.
• 💪 Delhi’s new-look defence features legends Fazel Atrachali & Surjeet Singh.
• 🚨 A battle of collective strength vs individual brilliance.

🏅 Probable Starting 7

Puneri Paltan

• Right Corner: Gaurav Khatri
• Right In: Aditya Shinde
• Right Cover: Abinesh Nadarajan
• Centre: Pankaj Mohite
• Left Cover: Gurdeep
• Left In: Aslam Inamdar (C)
• Left Corner: Vishal Bhardwaj

Dabang Delhi K.C.

• Right Corner: Saurabh Nandal
• Right In: Naveen
• Right Cover: Surjeet Singh
• Centre: Ashu Malik (C)
• Left Cover: Sandeep
• Left In: Neeraj Narwal
• Left Corner: Fazel Atrachali

🔥 Top Storylines to Watch

1️⃣ Ashu Malik vs Puneri Paltan’s Defence

• Ashu Malik has carried Delhi with 15+ raid points in their first win.
• Pune’s corners – Gaurav Khatri and Abinesh Nadarajan – will try to stop him.
• This battle could decide the outcome.

2️⃣ Pune’s Raiding Trio – Balanced & Deadly

• Aditya Shinde: Explosive raider, already bagged a Super 10.
• Aslam Inamdar: Captain, an all-rounder, adds depth in defence & attack.
• Pankaj Mohite: Clever raids in do-or-die situations.

3️⃣ Delhi’s Experienced Defence

• Fazel Atrachali + Surjeet Singh + Saurabh Nandal = A wall of steel.
• If they click together, they can disrupt Pune’s flow.

📈 Team Storylines

🔶 Puneri Paltan – On Top of the Table

• Season Performance Highlights:
  • PKL 9 – Runners-up
  • PKL 10 – Champions
  • PKL 11 – Group Stage exit
• Season 12 so far: 3 wins in 3 games.
• Strengths: Balanced raiding, aggressive tackling, team unity.

🔵 Dabang Delhi K.C. – New Era Under Ashu Malik

• Season Performance Highlights:
  • PKL 8 – Champions
  • PKL 9 – Eliminator
  • PKL 10 – Eliminator
  • PKL 11 – Semi-finals
• Season 12 start: 41-34 win vs Bengaluru Bulls.
• Strengths: Ashu Malik’s form + defensive trio.

📊 Head-to-Head Record

👉 Pune have the edge, but Delhi can’t be underestimated.

🧐 What to Expect Tonight

• A high-scoring contest with raiders in top form.
• Pune’s team depth vs Delhi’s star reliance.
• Possible Super 10 for Ashu Malik.
• Puneri Paltan may start favourites, but Delhi’s experienced defence makes this a 50-50 clash.