Posted By Ashwin Deshpande On 17 Oct 2025 Comments (0)
When Aslam Inamdar, All‑Rounder of Puneri Paltan, stepped onto the mat at the GMCB Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. The defending champions Haryana Steelers were ready to protect their Season 11 crown, but the Pune‑based side had other plans. By the final whistle the scoreboard read 35‑25, handing Puneri Paltan a ten‑point surprise in Match 4 of the Pro Kabaddi League.
Background and Season Stakes
Season 11 of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) kicked off on 16 October 2025, pitting last year’s champions Haryana Steelers against a field of hungry challengers. Puneri Paltan entered the season as the 2023 (Season 10) champions, a fact that added extra spice to any head‑to‑head clash. Both franchises have a storied rivalry: they met in the 2020 final, and their encounters are always high‑octane affairs. This was the only league‑stage meeting scheduled between them, so fans expected a form‑showcase rather than a cautious draw.
Match Overview and Scoreline
The match unfolded in two halves of twenty minutes each, with a brief ten‑minute intermission. Puneri Paltan seized control early, building a 12‑5 lead by the ten‑minute mark thanks to an aggressive raiding spree. Haryana Steelers tried to claw back, narrowing the gap to 18‑17 after a successful raid by captain Rohit Gurung, but a string of super‑tackles from Paltan’s defense halted their momentum.
- Final Score: Puneri Paltan 35, Haryana Steelers 25
- Half‑time: 18‑12 to Puneri Paltan
- Raids attempted by Puneri Paltan: 78 (23 successful)
- Tackle success rate for Puneri Paltan: 58%
- Key turning point: Super‑tackle by defender Abinesh Nadarajan at 22:45
In the second half, the Steelers managed a brief surge, narrowing the deficit to four points, but a quick two‑point bonus by Inamdar’s raid at 30:12 crushed any hope of a comeback. The final minutes saw Paltan’s defenders hold firm, ending the night with a comfortable ten‑point margin.
Player Highlights: Aslam Inamdar and the Defenders
Inamdar’s contribution was the headline. He amassed five points – three from direct touches and two bonuses – across 17 raid attempts. While he only succeeded in five raids, his persistence paid off; the two bonus points came from a well‑timed lung‑out when the Steelers’ defense over‑committed.
On the defensive side, Abinesh Nadarajan and Sanket Sawant each added a tackle point. Nadarajan’s lone successful tackle came from a crucial right‑cover stop that halted a dangerous raid by the Steelers’ star raider. Sawant’s point, though modest, helped keep the pressure off the left flank throughout the match.
Haryana’s top performer was raider Rohit Gurung, who collected eight points – four touches, two bonuses, and a super‑tackle point earned while defending. Still, his efforts weren’t enough to offset the collective strength of Paltan’s unit.
Reactions from Teams and Analysts
After the match, Puneri Paltan head coach Ramesh Gupta praised his squad’s “balanced aggression”. "We wanted to start the season with a statement, and today’s performance shows our defence can hold its own while our raiders keep the scoreboard ticking," Gupta said in the post‑match interview.
Steeler captain Rohit Gurung admitted a “tough night”. "We underestimated the pacing of Puneri early on. Their raid timing was spot‑on, and we’ll need to tighten our defence in the next few games," he added.
Commentators on Star Sports noted that the ten‑point margin was larger than many expected, especially given the Steelers’ reputation for clutch performances in the second half of matches. Veteran analyst Neha Chandra highlighted the tactical shift: “Puneri Paltan switched to a high‑press defence after the first 10 minutes, forcing the Steelers into more risky raids, which paid dividends.”
Implications for the PKL Season
With two wins from two matches, Puneri Paltan sit atop the points table, positioning themselves as early favourites for another title run. The victory also serves as a psychological blow to the Steelers, who now sit third with a single loss. If Paltan can maintain this defensive rigidity, they could force other top teams into playing catch‑up games all season long.
For the Steelers, the setback underscores a need to diversify their raid strategy. Analysts suggest they may look to integrate more left‑side raids to break the pattern that Paltan’s right‑cover defenders have been exploiting.
Key Facts
- Venue: GMCB Indoor Stadium, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
- Date: 18 October 2025 (Match 4 of PKL Season 11)
- Winning team: Puneri Paltan (35 points)
- Losing team: Haryana Steelers (25 points)
- Top raider: Aslam Inamdar (5 points, 2 bonuses)
- Defensive highlight: Abinesh Nadarajan’s super‑tackle
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Puneri Paltan’s playoff chances?
With a perfect 2‑0 start, Puneri Paltan sits at the top of the points table, giving them a cushion that could prove crucial in the tight race for the top‑four playoff spots. Early points also boost net run‑rate, a common tiebreaker in PKL standings.
Which players stood out for Haryana Steelers despite the loss?
Rohit Gurung led the Steelers with eight points, contributing four touches, two bonuses, and a super‑tackle. His consistency kept the team within striking distance, but the collective defence fell short against Paltan’s coordinated pressure.
What tactical changes might Haryana Steelers make after this defeat?
Coaches are expected to diversify raid angles, possibly incorporating more left‑side attacks to disrupt Puneri’s right‑cover defense. Defensive drills focused on quicker tackles and better coordination between left and right cover players are also likely.
Why was Aslam Inamdar’s performance pivotal?
Inamdar’s five points included two crucial bonus points that widened the gap at a critical juncture. His persistence across 17 raids forced the Steelers into defensive errors, setting the tone for the match.
When is the next encounter between these two teams?
The next meeting is scheduled for the Round‑Robin stage on 4 December 2025, a potential playoff‑decider if both teams remain in the top half of the table.