With triple panga nights, packed stadiums, and fierce PKL 12 playoff battles in queue, the race for the trophy has truly begun. 

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has entered its final and most decisive phase, with the action now shifting to the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi. For the first time this season, fans are witnessing three matches a day under the new Triple Panga format. With just a handful of games left before the league stage wraps up, every raid and tackle now has PKL 12 playoff implications.

The New Play-in and Playoff Format

This season has brought a fresh twist to the PKL structure. The top eight teams from the league stage will progress to the next round.

The top four will directly qualify for the playoffs, while teams placed fifth to eighth will battle it out in the play-ins for the remaining two playoff spots. The knockout stage will then feature multiple eliminators and qualifiers. 

Team-by-Team Qualification Chances

Top 2 Confirmed

Puneri Paltan

Aslam Inamdar’s Puneri Paltan have been the most consistent side this season. With 13 wins from 16 matches, they have already secured a top-two finish. Their unity, balance, and sharp defense have reminded fans of their memorable Season 10 campaign. Now, they will look to go one step further and bring the trophy home.

Dabang Delhi 

Ashu Malik’s Dabang Delhi have matched Puneri Paltan in both form and composure. With 13 victories this season, they have locked in their top-two finish as well. Delhi’s calm approach and disciplined game plan have made them one of the toughest teams to beat. They now have two chances to reach the final through Qualifier 1 and Qualifier 2.

Need 3 Wins in 3 Games for Playoffs

Telugu Titans

The Telugu Titans have been the surprise package of the season. Under coach Krishan Hooda, they have transformed from perennial strugglers to genuine contenders. With eight wins in 15 matches and currently sitting third on the table, three more wins should comfortably secure their spot in the top eight and possibly even the top four.

Bengaluru Bulls 

The Bulls started slowly but have found their rhythm at the right time. Coach BC Ramesh’s tactical tweaks and the rise of young players have turned their season around. With eight wins in 15 matches, they are currently fourth and need two to three more victories to confirm their playoff place.

Haryana Steelers 

The defending champions began strongly but lost their way in the Chennai leg, where they suffered five consecutive defeats. With eight wins in 15 matches, Haryana now need to win all their remaining games to keep their title defense on track. Their qualification is in their own hands, and there is no room for error.

U Mumba 

U Mumba started well, hit a rough patch midway, and have now bounced back with determination. Currently sixth on the table with eight wins in 15 matches, they need two or three more wins to make the top eight. Their young squad has shown promise, and a strong finish could push them into the top four.

Need 2 Wins in 3 Games for Play-ins

Jaipur Pink Panthers 

Jaipur has had an up-and-down season. Brilliant in some games and off-color in others, they have managed seven wins in 15 matches and are seventh on the table. They will need at least two more victories to confirm their place in the top eight and stay in the hunt through the play-ins.

Need 3 Wins in 3 Games for Play-ins

Gujarat Giants 

The Gujarat Giants have not had the season they hoped for, despite making Mohammadreza Shadloui their high-profile captain. With just six wins from 15 games, they will need to win all their remaining matches to stay alive. However, two back-to-back wins in recent games have given them a much-needed boost.

Dependent on Other Results

Tamil Thalaivas 

The Thalaivas’ campaign has been a mixed bag. With six wins in 17 matches and sitting ninth on the table, their playoff hopes depend not just on their own performances but also on how other teams fare. They will be counting on slip-ups from sides above them to sneak into the top eight.

UP Yoddhas 

UP Yoddhas have had a forgettable season. Despite a strong-looking squad, they’ve managed only six wins from 17 games. Currently placed tenth, their qualification chances are slim and largely dependent on other results going in their favor.

Patna Pirates 

The three-time champions have had a tough run this year. With five wins from 15 matches, Patna find themselves at eleventh. While Ayan has been a standout performer, he’s received little support from the rest of the squad. The Pirates will need a perfect end to the season and a few favorable results to stay in the race.

Bengal Warriorz 

At the bottom of the table, the Bengal Warriorz have struggled for consistency. Despite Devank Dalal’s excellent individual performances, the team has failed to click as a unit. With only five wins from 15 matches, their playoff hopes now rest entirely on other teams’ results.