PKL 12: Top 2 Underrated Teams So far in Pro Kabaddi League
The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 have reached in Play-Ins and Play-Offs Method where top 6 teams who are left in contention to win Marquee event.
Teams who are part of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 to be shared in the below format:
Puneri Paltans
Dabang Delhi KC
Patna Pirates
Jaipur Pink Panthers
Bengaluru Bulls
Telugu Titans
Considering all permutations and combinations, Patna Pirates and Jaipur Pink Panthers are the most underrated teams so far in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.
Let’s dive deep and understand why these two teams, are underdogs one by one in the below format:
1. Jaipur Pink Panthers:
Jaipur Pink Panthers, are written off right from the beginning, based on the teams they made there were no big wigs in their franchise.
The biggest credit should be given to their Coach Narender Redu ( unlike last season where he was coaching Patna Pirates took them in the final.
This year he was appointed as Coach for Panthers, where he followed the same techniques, where he created new stars include- Ali Samadi along with Nitin Dhankar , Reza Mirbagheri and others who stepped up and did wonders in the crunch phase of the game.
Jaipur Pink Panthers have season full of ups and downs in other words franchise Journey could be perfectly summed up as – Sinsuiodal curve full of crest and trough in biological factor, the way they have played throughout Pro Kabaddi League have been exceptional.
Jaipur Pink Panthers won last match against Haryana Steelers, where they played exceptionally well if they win today against Patna Pirates it would be a perfect story in itself.
Overall, Jaipur from being written off to the way they played throughout the marquee event have been exceptional.
2. Patna Pirates:
If any Bollywood Script writer needs to write, a perfect story one team which could come closer in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 is none other than Patna Pirates.
Patna Pirates once they started, their defense wasn’t performing well also their Head Coach – Anup Kumar left the franchise and there was no specific reasons given why Legendary player turned coach left the franchise.
Randeep Dalal who came as Defense coach in the mid of the tournament came and delivered to the best of their ability.
Randeep Dalal after becoming coach, instilled self belief in them to make sure to the best of their ability, and they started playing fearless brand of Kabaddi, where they registered six back to back wins.
Overall, Pirates have 2 different performa, in the 1st half, they have lanquishing at the bottom when it comes to 2nd half, they are peaking at the right time let’s see whether we could captialize this further or not.
Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 — Play-Ins & Play-Offs Overview
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Play-Ins and Play-Offs |
| Total Teams in Contention | 6 |
| Teams Qualified | – Puneri Paltan – Dabang Delhi KC – Patna Pirates – Jaipur Pink Panthers – Bengaluru Bulls – Telugu Titans |
| Underrated Teams | Patna Pirates & Jaipur Pink Panthers |
| Reason for Focus | Despite being written off early, both teams have shown resilience and strong comebacks, making them true underdogs of PKL Season 12. |
Team 1: Jaipur Pink Panthers
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pre-Tournament Perception | Written off at the beginning due to absence of big names in the squad. |
| Coach | Narender Redu — previously led Patna Pirates to the finals in the last season. |
| Coaching Approach | Implemented similar techniques as his Patna tenure, focusing on creating new stars and maximizing team chemistry. |
| Emerging Stars | Ali Samadi, Nitin Dhankar, Reza Mirbagheri, among others who stepped up during crucial matches. |
| Season Journey | A true sinusoidal curve — filled with highs and lows, but marked by determination and consistent improvement. |
| Recent Performance | Defeated Haryana Steelers in their last match; victory against Patna Pirates could make their comeback story even more inspiring. |
| Overall Summary | From being underestimated to becoming one of the toughest competitors — Jaipur Pink Panthers have redefined resilience and team spirit in PKL Season 12. |
Team 2: Patna Pirates
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Narrative | A true Bollywood-style comeback story filled with drama, struggle, and redemption. |
| Early Challenges | Defensive unit underperformed; head coach Anup Kumar left mid-season without clear reasons. |
| New Coach Appointment | Randeep Dalal joined mid-tournament as the new defensive coach. |
| Impact of Randeep Dalal | Revived the team’s confidence, emphasized self-belief, and encouraged fearless gameplay. |
| Turnaround Moment | Patna Pirates registered six consecutive wins after the coaching change. |
| Season Split | – First Half: Team struggled and languished near the bottom of the table. – Second Half: Peaked at the right time, showcasing momentum and unity. |
| Overall Summary | From early chaos to strong resurgence — Patna Pirates have emerged as true dark horses, capable of surprising any opponent in the playoffs. |
More Details About Both Teams:
When the Jaipur Pink Panthers entered Season 12, few expected them to make a mark. On paper, their squad lacked the big-ticket players that most franchises flaunted. The analysts were quick to write them off, and critics labeled them as a team “in transition.” Yet, as the league progressed, the Panthers transformed from underdogs to silent predators, hunting down stronger opponents with discipline and self-belief.
The credit for this turnaround lies largely with Coach Narender Redu — a master tactician who had previously guided Patna Pirates to the finals in the last season. His decision to take charge of a comparatively low-profile Jaipur team was seen as a risk. But Redu saw what others didn’t — potential in raw talent and an opportunity to build something new. His coaching philosophy was rooted in trust, adaptability, and hard work.
Redu’s methods emphasized building from the ground up. Instead of relying on one or two superstars as the emergence of Ali Samadi, Nitin Dhankar, and Reza Mirbagheri as impact players wasn’t accidental; it was the result of structured mentoring and tactical sharpness.
Throughout the season, Jaipur’s campaign resembled a sinusoidal curve — full of crests and troughs, reflecting their fluctuating form. Yet, every low point was followed by a resurgence, showing the team’s mental toughness. They didn’t let early defeats define their season. Instead, they used those moments as fuel to bounce back stronger.
The Panthers’ recent victory against Haryana Steelers exemplified their resilience. It wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard;
As they prepared to face the formidable Patna Pirates in the next encounter, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Jaipur, a win would not just secure a playoff berth — it would complete a redemption arc that began with doubt and ended with glory.
Patna Pirates: A Script Straight Out of Bollywood:
If Jaipur’s journey was about rebirth, Patna Pirates’ season was a full-blown cinematic comeback story. No other franchise has embodied chaos and redemption as vividly as Patna did in Season 12. Once the most decorated team in PKL history, with three consecutive titles, Patna entered this season with high expectations. But the start was nothing short of disastrous.
Their defensive unit looked vulnerable, combinations failed, and confidence dipped sharply. The early exit of Head Coach Anup Kumar, one of the sport’s most respected figures, created further turmoil. The franchise offered no clear explanation, leaving fans and pundits puzzled. The Pirates appeared rudderless, adrift in a sea of uncertainty.
Then came a crucial turning point — the mid-season appointment of Randeep Dalal as the new defensive coach.
Dalal’s arrival brought clarity, energy, and above all, belief. His approach wasn’t about drastic changes but about rebuilding morale. He reminded the players of what the “Pirates” badge truly stood for — courage, aggression, and unity.
Under his guidance, Patna began to rediscover their rhythm. The defense tightened, the raiders attacked with purpose, and the team spirit returned. The once-fragile squad started playing with freedom and fearlessness. What seemed impossible at the start — a playoff qualification — suddenly became attainable.
The Pirates went on a six-match winning streak, a feat that reignited their campaign and established them as the dark horses of PKL 12.
Patna’s journey can be divided into two contrasting halves:
The First Half: A period of struggle, marked by inconsistency and uncertainty.
The Second Half: A spirited resurgence, where the team peaked at the right time, embodying the essence of champion mentality.
The transformation wasn’t just technical — it was emotional. The Pirates played like a team rediscovering its identity. Their defenders became walls of resistance, their raiders fearless explorers, and their coach, a guiding force.
Two Teams, One Spirit: Defying the Odds
Though Jaipur Pink Panthers and Patna Pirates took different paths, their stories converge on one shared philosophy — never give up. In a season where expectations and reputations ruled the narrative, both teams wrote their own versions of success, proving that determination can overpower data.
Jaipur’s strength lies in its structure — a well-coached unit that thrives on teamwork and emerging stars. They’ve shown that leadership and system-driven growth can offset the absence of star players. Every match they’ve played has been a masterclass in adaptability.
Patna’s power, on the other hand, comes from emotion and belief. They are driven by momentum, fueled by their collective hunger to prove everyone wrong. Their turnaround is not just statistical but symbolic of what the PKL stands for — unpredictability, passion, and resilience.
As both teams step into the Play-Ins and Play-Offs, they carry with them the weight of underdog dreams. For Jaipur, it’s about proving that tactical discipline can outlast raw power. For Patna, it’s about channeling the fire of redemption to reclaim their lost glory.
The Final Perspective
The beauty of the Pro Kabaddi League lies not just in its tackles and raids but in its stories — stories of human will, transformation, and spirit. Season 12 has given fans two such stories in abundance.
Jaipur Pink Panthers and Patna Pirates represent the essence of what makes Kabaddi more than just a sport — it’s a test of heart. These teams have gone beyond stats and strategy.
As the playoffs unfold, one thing is certain — whether or not they lift the trophy, both Jaipur and Patna have already won the hearts of fans. They’ve proven that heroes aren’t always the ones who start strong; sometimes, they’re the ones who rise when everything seems lost.
And in that rise, the spirit of Kabaddi shines the brightest.
Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 — The Underdog Stories: Jaipur Pink Panthers & Patna Pirates
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Overview | The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 has entered its most intense phase — the Play-Ins and Play-Offs. Among the six remaining teams (Puneri Paltan, Dabang Delhi KC, Patna Pirates, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Bengaluru Bulls, and Telugu Titans), two teams — Jaipur Pink Panthers and Patna Pirates — have captured the imagination of fans through their resilience, self-belief, and unexpected rise to prominence. |
| Underdog Narrative | Both teams began their campaigns under immense doubt and low expectations but defied all odds to reach the final stages. Their journeys reflect the pure spirit of Kabaddi — courage, teamwork, and perseverance. |
Shared Spirit: Two Teams, One Belief
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Thread | Both teams took different routes but shared one core principle — never give up. |
| Jaipur’s Core Strength | Structural discipline, system-based play, and coaching excellence. Every player performs a defined role within a well-drilled unit. |
| Patna’s Core Strength | Emotional revival and momentum. The team plays with fire, unity, and purpose — driven by a collective hunger to prove themselves. |
| What They Represent | Jaipur and Patna together represent the soul of PKL — unpredictability, passion, and belief in team effort over individual brilliance. |
| Symbolism of Their Rise | Their rise showcases how mindset and teamwork can overturn expectations, proving that even teams written off early can become title threats with the right approach. |
Final Perspective
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Essence of PKL Season 12 | Season 12 has been about human stories — resilience, comeback, and transformation. Jaipur Pink Panthers and Patna Pirates have embodied all three in their journey. |
| Impact Beyond the Mat | Both teams have reignited fan passion, showing that Kabaddi is not just about tackles and raids, but about heart, unity, and the ability to rise after a fall. |
| Fan Connection | Whether they win the title or not, both teams have already captured the hearts of millions. Their journeys remind fans why PKL is India’s most emotionally charged sports league. |
| Legacy of the Season | Jaipur’s rise from anonymity and Patna’s redemption from despair together define what makes Kabaddi truly special — it rewards not just skill, but spirit. |
| Closing Thought | Heroes aren’t always the ones who start strong; sometimes, they’re the ones who rise when everything seems lost. In their rise, the spirit of Kabaddi shines the brightest. |
Overall these two teams have one last ride today among Patna Pirates and Jaipur Pink Panthers let’s see who wins and qualifies even further and the one who loses their dream of staying alive in the competition would be diminished for sure.
Let’s see who is going to emerge winner today in the night of the final.
