PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 33, Gujarat Giants vs Haryana Steelers

Both teams would be aiming to return to winning ways in their upcoming encounter in PKL 12.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) has moved forward to its second leg in Jaipur, the Pink City of Rajasthan. The first leg was a thrilling one with brilliant contests among all the teams, where each team got at least one win to their name.

Speaking of victories, the Gujarat Giants are among the teams at the bottom of the table and were able to pull off a single win in the first leg of the season. The Giants will be looking for a better phase in the second leg and will strive to start it well against Haryana Steelers on Monday, September 15, 2025.

On the other hand, Haryana Steelers had a mixed bag in the first leg of PKL 12. They clinched two victories and faced two defeats in Vizag and are standing in eighth position.

To add to their challenges, their star raider, Naveen Kumar, got injured in their previous match and will be unavailable for at least a few matches. The Steelers certainly have challenges ahead of them, but coach Manpreet Singh is known to overcome these challenges.

The Steelers have found their combinations on the defence and have looked better in the last couple of matches in PKL 12. On the other hand, the Giants have been struggling all around. Neither their defence nor their raiders has clicked yet.

Both teams will be eyeing a comeback in the second leg and would want to start it on the right note. These player battles are going to be crucial on Monday, and the team with more wins in these battles might end up on the winning side.

Also Read: PKL 12: Gujarat Giants vs Haryana Steelers prediction, possible starting 7, head-to-head & free live stream

HS Rakesh vs Rahul Ahri

HS Rakesh has proved himself to be the main raider of the Gujarat Giants. He is the one with the most raid points for his team and has looked in fine rhythm. However, he has failed to dominate the opponents at times, which has led to a weaker performance of his team. Rakesh has scored 35 raid points in 5 matches, including a Super 10 in PKL 12.

Haryana Steelers have found good combinations in the defence, and one of the reasons for that is the left corner, Rahul Ahri. He has filled the shoes of Mohammadreza Shadloui, and has done impressive work in the last few matches. Ahri has scored 11 tackle points in 4 matches, including a High 5.

If Ahri can once again dominate the left corner and restrict Rakesh, Haryana Steelers can dominate the Giants in the upcoming match.

Parteek Dahiya vs Rahul Sethpal

Parteek Dahiya was one of the crucial raider for the Giants in Season 11. However, he hasn’t been a regular part of their starting 7 in PKL 12. Dahiya has featured in just 2 matches and earned 10 raid points, 9 of which came in the previous match. He had a good last match, and will possibly a part of the Starting 7 against the Steelers.

If Parteek can play well alongside Rakesh, they have the capability to work well in pairs, and dominate the opponent’s defence.

On the other side, Rahul Sethpal has to work well in synchronisation with Rahul Ahri on the other corner. They worked effortlessly against UP Yoddhas, where they both got High 5s, and demolished the Yoddhas’ raiding lineup. Coach Manpreet will be expecting the same once again, as Gujarat Giants’ raiding lineup is much weaker than that of the Yoddhas in PKL 12.

Shivam Patare vs Mohammadreza Shadloui

Shivam Patare was part of the championship-winning side of the Haryana Steelers in Season 11. Not only that, he played magnificently for them and held a crucial role. In this season, he started well with a Super 10, but hasn’t capitalised on his form since then. Now, in the absence of Naveen Kumar, the team would want him to step up, and lead the raiding department.

Patare has scored 49 raid points in 4 matches, including a Super 10 in PKL 12. If Patare does well against the Giants, he can take a huge pressure off the defence of his team.

Mohammadreza Shadloui is going to be the trump card of this match. He knows the Steelers squad really well, and it can be beneficial for the Giants. The Giants’ captain hasn’t been in form and hasn’t even got half of what he is capable of doing. The team will be expecting him to make a rocking comeback soon and get his team to a better position soon.

Shadloui has scored 6 raid points and 7 tackle points this season in PKL 12. If he can find back his rhythm, in the upcoming match, the Giants can stay assured that they will put up a brilliant show on Monday.

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