When Pro Kabaddi League 2025Thyagraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi rolls into its third weekend, all eyes turn to the 20:30 IST clash between Tamil Thalaivas and Dabang Delhi KC on Friday, October 17, 2025. The game isn’t just another double‑header; it could decide whether the Thalaivas keep alive any hope of a playoff berth.
Match preview: Tamil Thalaivas vs Dabang Delhi KC
Leading the Thalaivas is Arjun Deshwal, captain and raider extraordinaire. Deshwal, who has 115 raid points this season, has been shouldering a heavy load while his side sits eighth with six wins from sixteen matches. Across the mat, Ashu Malik, the lanky captain of Dabang Delhi, is fresh off a three‑match winning streak and already locked in for the knockout stage. Their coaches – Sanjeev Baliyan for Tamil and Joginder Narwal for Delhi – have set contrasting game plans: Baliyan favors high‑risk raids in the third quarter, while Narwal leans on defensive solidity.
The venue – Thyagraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi – is a neutral ground for both sides, but the home‑crowd advantage may tilt toward Delhi, whose fan base fills the stands on a weekly basis. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, especially after the opening match of the night, Bengal Warriorz versus Patna Pirates, which typically draws a raucous crowd.
Team profiles and current form
The Thalaivas entered the season with high expectations, yet a three‑match losing skid has them teetering on the edge of elimination. Their six wins include a memorable comeback against the Bengaluru Bulls in week four, but consistency remains elusive. Deshwal’s partnership with all‑rounder Sanjay Singh has produced a 75% success rate in do‑or‑die raids, but the team lacks a reliable defender to hold the line when they’re behind.
Dabang Delhi, on the other hand, sits comfortably in the upper‑half of the table with nine victories. Captain Ashu Malik averages 9.2 raid points per match, while defensive stalwart Manoj Kaur boasts a tackle success rate of 63%. Their recent 28‑15 win over the Jaipur Pink Panthers showcases a balanced squad that can adapt mid‑game – a quality that could prove decisive against a struggling Tamil side.
Schedule, points system and playoff roadmap
All remaining league‑phase matches are slated at the same Delhi arena, with double‑headers at 19:30, 20:30 and 21:30 IST. The points structure remains unchanged: five points for a win, one point for a loss within a seven‑point margin, and zero for a heavier defeat. A tie triggers a three‑point split, though ties are rare in Kabaddi.
Looking ahead, the playoffs kick off with Eliminator 3 on October 28, followed by Qualifier 2 on October 29, and the championship showdown on October 31, all at Thyagraj Indoor Stadium. For the Thalaivas, a victory on the 17th could lift them to seven points, keeping them within striking distance of the eighth spot, which currently requires at least nine points to stay alive.
League structure and its origins
The competition is run by Mashal Sports, the company founded in 2014 by Anand Mahindra and Charu Sharma specifically to launch Kabaddi on a professional platform. Partnered with Star Sports, Mashal has kept the league’s 12‑team format intact since its inception, a model that mirrors the franchise systems seen in cricket’s IPL.
Since the inaugural season, the point system and double‑header scheduling have become hallmarks of the league, aiming to maximise fan engagement and broadcast revenue. The 2025 edition continues this tradition, with the centralized Delhi venue reducing travel fatigue and allowing for a tight, media‑friendly timetable.
What’s at stake for the clubs?
Beyond playoff qualification, the financial incentives are significant. Teams earn a share of the broadcast rights pool, which for the 2025 season exceeds ₹250 crore. Moreover, sponsors such as Vivo and Hero MotoCorp allocate bonus payouts to clubs that finish in the top four. For the Thalaivas, a deep run could secure much‑needed sponsorship renewals and keep their star raiders from eyeing transfers to higher‑ranked franchises.
Delhi’s management, meanwhile, is focused on cementing its status as a marquee franchise. A strong finish bolsters their case for a potential expansion of the league’s home‑game model, where top teams might host matches in their own cities next season.
Expert take
Former national captain Rashmi Gautam told reporters that “the Thalaivas need to tighten their defense before they can rely on big raids. Delhi’s all‑round balance gives them a psychological edge that could be decisive in a close game.” Sports analyst Vikram Joshi added, “If the Thalaivas manage a win, the league’s final‑week table will be a lot tighter, making the playoffs far more unpredictable.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the Tamil Thalaivas vs Dabang Delhi match?
The clash takes place on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 20:30 IST in the Thyagraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi.
What does a win mean for the Tamil Thalaivas' playoff chances?
A victory would add five points, lifting the Thalaivas to seven points and keeping them within reach of the eighth‑place threshold needed to stay in contention for the knockout stage.
How is the league’s points system structured?
Teams earn five points for a win, one point for a loss by seven points or fewer, zero for a loss by more than seven, and three points for a tied match.
Who are the key players to watch in this fixture?
Watch Arjun Deshwal’s raiding bursts for the Thalaivas and Ashu Malik’s consistency for Delhi. Defensively, Manoj Kaur (Delhi) and Sanjay Singh (Tamil) could tip the scales.
When does the playoff stage begin?
The knockout phase kicks off with Eliminator 3 on October 28, followed by Qualifier 2 on October 29, and the championship final on October 31, all held at the Thyagraj Indoor Stadium.
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