The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) presents one of its most anticipated encounters when defending champions Haryana Steelers lock horns with UP Yoddhas in Match 16 at the Vishwanadh Sports Club, Vizag. This Friday evening clash promises to be a tactical masterclass as two contrasting philosophies collide – the champions’ experience against the Yoddhas’ hunger for redemption following their heartbreaking PKL 11 semifinal defeat.
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Haryana Steelers vs UP Yoddhas Preview
This encounter carries extra significance beyond just three points, as it features the very teams that battled in the PKL 11 semifinal, where Haryana Steelers emerged victorious 28-25 to eventually claim their maiden title. UP Yoddhas enter this fixture with revenge on their minds after their semifinal dreams were crushed by these very opponents, making this a psychological battle as much as a tactical one.
The defending champions have shown the resilience of true champions, bouncing back from a shock 25-35 opening defeat to Bengal Warriorz with a thrilling tie-breaker victory against U Mumba. Naveen Kumar, the “Naveen Express,” roared back to form with 9 raid points from 16 raids, proving why he remains one of PKL’s most feared raiders.
UP Yoddhas, meanwhile, have made a statement start to PKL 12 with a perfect record – impressive victories over Telugu Titans (40-35) and Patna Pirates (34-31). Their tactical discipline and squad depth have been evident, with captain Sumit Sangwan becoming the only player to score High-5s in both opening fixtures. The Yoddhas appear settled and hungry, making them dangerous opponents for any team.
The key battle will be between Naveen Kumar’s raiding brilliance and Sumit Sangwan’s defensive consistency. Historically, Naveen has dominated this fixture with 89 raid points in 9 matches against UP Yoddhas at an impressive average of 9.8 points per game. However, Sumit’s current form suggests this battle could go either way.
Current Season Form Analysis
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Current Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UP Yoddhas | 2 | 2 | 0 | 10 | Top 3 |
| Haryana Steelers | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 9th Position |
UP Yoddhas’ perfect start contrasts sharply with Haryana’s mixed beginning, though the champions have shown their ability to perform under pressure. The Yoddhas’ confidence will be high, but they face a Steelers team that knows how to win when it matters most.
Match Details and Key Information
| Match Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Haryana Steelers vs UP Yoddhas |
| Tournament | Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 – Match 16 |
| Date | Friday, September 5, 2025 |
| Time | 9:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Vishwanadh Sports Club, Vizag |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network, JioHotstar |
The Naveen Express Factor
Naveen Kumar represents Haryana Steelers’ most potent weapon and arguably one of PKL’s greatest raiders. The two-time MVP (PKL 7 & 8) and PKL 8 champion brings an incredible pedigree to this encounter. He remains the fastest player to reach 1,000 raid points in PKL history, achieving the milestone in just 90 matches.
With 66 Super 10s to his name (fourth all-time) and 281 bonus points (fourth in that category), Naveen’s statistics speak volumes about his consistency and match-winning ability. After a rare off day in the opener, his return to form against U Mumba sent a clear message to the competition.
Naveen Kumar’s PKL Legacy
| Achievement | Record | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest to 1,000 raid points | 90 matches | PKL Record |
| Super 10s | 66 | 4th all-time |
| Bonus points | 281 | 4th all-time |
| MVP Awards | 2 (PKL 7 & 8) | Elite status |
UP Yoddhas’ Revenge Mission
The psychological factor cannot be understated in this fixture. UP Yoddhas’ semifinal heartbreak in PKL 11 has been burning in their memory throughout the off-season. After enjoying a stellar regular season with 13 wins and reaching the playoffs on a 10-match unbeaten streak, their title dreams were crushed by Haryana in a nail-biting 28-25 semifinal.
This season, the Yoddhas have assembled a formidable squad with impressive depth. Quality players like Sahul Kumar and Surender Gill serve as substitutes – players who would command starting positions in most other teams. This depth provides tactical flexibility and ensures fresh legs throughout matches.
Captain Sumit Sangwan’s early season form has been exceptional, and his battle with Naveen Kumar could determine the match’s outcome. The defensive stalwart’s consistency and leadership will be vital in neutralizing the Steelers’ multi-pronged raiding attack.
Supporting Cast and Squad Dynamics
Haryana Steelers’ success depends heavily on their supporting raiders stepping up alongside Naveen Kumar. Vinay and Shivam Patare, instrumental in PKL 11’s title triumph, have made strong starts to the new season.
Key Supporting Players Performance
| Player | Team | Role | Season Stats | Historical vs Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vinay | Haryana | Raider | Strong start | 51 points in 9 matches vs UP |
| Shivam Patare | Haryana | Raider | 23 raid points in 2 matches | 28 points in 5 matches vs UP |
| Gagan Gowda | UP Yoddhas | Raider | 21 points in 2 matches | Key threat to Haryana defense |
Vinay leads Haryana’s all-time raid charts with 557 points and has been remarkably consistent, scoring 150+ points in each of the last two seasons. Shivam Patare, approaching a milestone of 300 career raid points (currently on 297), brings additional firepower.
For UP Yoddhas, Gagan Gowda has been their standout performer this season, scoring 21 points in just 2 matches. His brilliant raiding skills and hunger for success pose a significant challenge to Haryana’s defensive setup, particularly with captain Jaideep Dahiya still finding his rhythm with just 2 points so far.
Tactical Battle Lines and Key Matchups
This match presents fascinating tactical duels across multiple positions. The primary battle between Naveen Kumar’s raiding mastery and UP Yoddhas’ defensive discipline, led by Sumit Sangwan, promises to be captivating.
Key Individual Battles:
- Naveen Kumar vs Sumit Sangwan: Master raider against defensive wall
- Gagan Gowda vs Jaideep Dahiya: In-form raider against struggling captain
- Shivam Patare vs UP Defense: Supporting raider looking to ease Naveen’s burden
The supporting cast impact will be crucial – how Vinay and Shivam Patare fare against UP Yoddhas’ defensive depth could determine whether Haryana can maintain their championship standards.
Predicted Starting Sevens
Haryana Steelers: Naveen Kumar, Vinay, Shivam Patare, Rahul Sethpal, Rahul Ahri, Neeraj, Jaideep Dahiya
UP Yoddhas: Sumit Sangwan, Gagan Gowda, Mahender Singh, Guman Singh, Ashu Singh, Bhavani Rajput, Hitesh
Match Prediction and Analysis
Early season form suggests UP Yoddhas hold the advantage with their perfect start and settled team combination. They appear to have found the right balance between experienced performers and emerging talents, while their tactical discipline has been impressive.
The defending champions face questions about their defensive consistency, which struggled in the opening match against Bengal Warriorz. However, their championship experience and Naveen Kumar’s ability to produce magic moments in crucial situations cannot be discounted.
UP Yoddhas’ hunger for revenge, combined with their impressive early-season form and squad depth, makes them slight favorites heading into this encounter. Their tactical discipline and ability to perform under pressure could prove decisive against a Steelers team still finding its rhythm.
The revenge factor adds an extra dimension to this clash. Can UP Yoddhas maintain their perfect start while settling the semifinal score, or will Haryana’s championship DNA shine through once again when the pressure mounts?
Where to Watch Haryana Steelers vs UP Yoddhas LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Information
Fans can catch all the live action on Star Sports Network and stream the match on JioHotstar. The 9:00 PM IST start time ensures prime-time viewing for kabaddi enthusiasts across the country. Free streaming is also available on Khel Now TV YouTube channel for additional accessibility.
The match promises to deliver high-quality kabaddi with two well-coached teams showcasing different tactical approaches. Whether it’s Haryana’s championship experience or UP Yoddhas’ revenge motivation that prevails, spectators are guaranteed an entertaining encounter at Vizag.
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FAQs
When and where is the Haryana Steelers vs UP Yoddhas PKL 12 match?
The match is scheduled for Friday, September 5, 2025, at 9:00 PM IST at the Vishwanadh Sports Club, Vizag, and will be Match 16 of PKL 12.
What is the significance of this match between Haryana Steelers and UP Yoddhas?
This is a rematch of the PKL 11 semifinal where Haryana Steelers defeated UP Yoddhas 28-25 on their way to winning the championship, making it a revenge fixture for the Yoddhas.
How have both teams performed in PKL 12 so far?
UP Yoddhas have a perfect record with 2 wins from 2 matches, while defending champions Haryana Steelers have 1 win and 1 loss from their opening two fixtures.
Who are the key players to watch in this Haryana Steelers vs UP Yoddhas encounter?
Naveen Kumar (Haryana’s star raider), Sumit Sangwan (UP Yoddhas captain and defender), Gagan Gowda (UP’s in-form raider), and Shivam Patare (Haryana’s supporting raider) are the key players to watch.
Where can fans watch the Haryana Steelers vs UP Yoddhas PKL 12 match live?
The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and can be streamed on JioHotstar, with free streaming also available on Khel Now TV YouTube channel.
