PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 43, Patna Pirates vs Dabang Delhi

Dabang Delhi will look to maintain their unbeaten streak in PKL 12 against Patna Pirates.

Three-time champions Patna Pirates are placed second to last because the Gujarat Giants have performed even worse than them. Season 11 finalists have had nothing going their way this season, except for their main raider, Ayan Lohchab, who has been the only positive, having played a couple of brilliant games.

In their next clash, the Pirates will face the only unbeaten team of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12). Dabang Delhi will be eyeing another win and will be full of confidence when they take on Patna. The Pirates will face Dabang Delhi on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

However, the Dabang have to be cautious, as the only win Patna Pirates recorded this season was against the table-toppers, Puneri Paltan. Moreover, Ashu Malik didn’t seem completely fit in their previous match, and it reflected in his performance as well. On the contrary, Delhi showed their depth of match winners and won the game, nonetheless.

Patna Pirates will have to bounce back quickly, or else their chances of qualification will soon be over. On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between the Patna Pirates and Dabang Delhi in PKL 12.

Neeraj Narwal vs Navdeep

Neeraj Narwal has turned out to be a fabulous second raider for Dabang Delhi. He has stepped up in every difficult moment, especially in the absence of Ashu Malik, and we witnessed a perfect example in the previous match, where he scored 8 raid points and a tackle point, when Ashu Malik wasn’t completely fit.

In Season 12, Narwal has scored 25 raid points in 6 matches. He will be yet again crucial against the Pirates if Ashu isn’t completely fit. On the other hand, Navdeep, in the right corner, will be responsible for restricting Narwal. Navdeep has been decent for Patna Pirates.

He has scored 11 points in 6 matches and has performed better in the past couple of matches. If Patna Pirates want to clinch a win, Navdeep has to step up and play aggressively against Delhi’s raiders.

Also Read: PKL 12: Patna Pirates vs Dabang Delhi prediction, possible starting 7, head-to-head & free live stream

Ayan Lohchab vs Fazel Atrachali

Ayan Lohchab has been the sole warrior for the Pirates in many ways. He hasn’t got any valuable support from other raiders, or even in the defence. The defense has performed inconsistently, and the offense hasn’t performed well yet.

Lohchab has scored 73 raid points in 6 matches, and averages more than 10 raid points per match. However, he didn’t have a good outing in the previous contest; he would be looking for a comeback against the best defensive lineup of the season.

The way to make his comeback will not be easy. Dabang Delhi’s defence has roared throughout the season, and with Fazel Atrachali in his prime form, it will be difficult for the young raider. If he succeeds, it will be his biggest performance of the season. Atrachali has scored 20 tackle points in 6 matches, including 3 High 5s.

Ashu Malik vs Ankit Jaglan

Ashu Malik has once again been outstanding for Dabang Delhi in Season 12. He has almost single-handedly held the raiding department of Delhi. Despite having a poor outing in the last match due to injury, Malik is still among the top 3 raiders this season, and it clearly shows how dominant he has been.

Malik has scored 77 tackle points in 6 matches, including 5 High 5s. However, injury might come his way, but he will be looking to make a better outing against the Pirates, with or without the injury.

On the other hand, in the battle of the captains, Ankit Jaglan will be ready to provide a good competition to Malik. Ankit has had an average season so far. He will be looking for a better match, and he is definitely capable of it. Jaglan has scored 10 tackle points in 5 games, with no High 5 yet.

He will have to take the responsibility and lead from the front. If he can make good combination tackles and restrict Ashu Malik, Neeraj Narwal, and Ajinkya Pawar, then Patna Pirates might get the win.

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