In a pulsating Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 fixture, the UP Yoddhas staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Tamil Thalaivas 32-31, securing their second consecutive victory of the season. The Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi was the scene of this thrilling contest, where the Yoddhas’ raiding duo, Guman Singh and Gagan Gowda, proved instrumental. Guman contributed an impressive eight raid points, while Gagan added six to the team’s tally. This vital win propels the UP Yoddhas to the 8th position in the league standings.
The match began with a period of tactical defense, with both teams’ units standing firm. Gagan Gowda’s successful Do-Or-Die Raid provided the Yoddhas with their initial momentum. The UP defense, marshaled by Mahender Singh, managed to disrupt the Thalaivas’ offense, twice halting Moein Shafaghi. However, the Tamil Thalaivas, spurred by the exceptional raiding of Arjun Deshwal, began to find their rhythm. Deshwal consistently scored points from the corners. Sagar Rathee’s defensive prowess was also a significant factor, as his tackles led to an All Out against the Yoddhas, giving the Thalaivas a crucial advantage.
Despite facing adversity, the UP Yoddhas demonstrated resilience. Gagan Gowda’s timely raids kept his team in contention, while Bhavani Rajput contributed valuable points in do-or-die situations. The defensive efforts of Mahender and Hitesh were crucial in preventing the Thalaivas from extending their lead. The halftime whistle blew with the Tamil Thalaivas leading 17-14, indicating a closely contested second half.
The second half saw a shift in momentum. After a cautious start, the UP Yoddhas’ defense, particularly Hitesh, took center stage. Hitesh’s exceptional back-to-back tackles on Aashish and Moein Shafaghi effectively halted the Thalaivas’ offensive flow. The game then became a strategic battle, with Guman Singh emerging as a key offensive weapon. His multiple successful raids, including a critical double-point raid, turned the tide in favor of the Yoddhas. Despite the Thalaivas’ late attempts to recover, the Yoddhas held their nerve to secure a memorable 32-31 victory.