When Tamil Thalaivas finally broke their slump on December 31, 2021, the roar at Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi felt like a collective sigh of relief. The South Indian franchise edged out Puneri Paltan 36‑26, marking their inaugural victory of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12. A few hours later, the league’s perennial power‑house, Patna Pirates, pounced on Bengal Warriors with a 44‑30 triumph, catapulting them into the top‑two spots.
Why Day 10 mattered more than just another set of games
The action unfolded during Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 – Day 10Delhi, a night that also featured a packed schedule of other fixtures. With only four matches each for the twelve franchises, every point was gold. A win not only handed five league points but also delivered crucial bonus points for a margin of ten or more—a factor that would soon become a tie‑breaker for several teams.
Match‑by‑match breakdown
Tamil Thalaivas vs. Puneri Paltan – The Thalaivas opened the scoring early, with raider Manjeet Chillar converting a swift 4‑point raid in the third minute. The momentum didn’t waver; a series of successful super tackles kept Puneri on the back foot. By the halfway mark, the score read 19‑13. Coach Jasdeep Singh praised his side’s defensive discipline: “We stuck to the game‑plan, hit the pads hard, and the points just kept coming.” The final whistle confirmed a 36‑26 victory.
Patna Pirates vs. Bengal Warriors – Patna’s captain, Pardeep Narwal, turned the tide with a dazzling 7‑point raid in the ninth minute. The Pirates’ bench flooded the arena with chants of “Pirates! Pirates!” as they built a 12‑point cushion by the end of the first half. Bengal’s coach, Kartik Joshi, admitted after the game, “We couldn’t find rhythm on the mat, and Patna exploited every gap.” The final 44‑30 scoreline moved Patna to 16 points, edging out Bengaluru Bulls for the second slot.
Reactions from the locker rooms and beyond
In the Thalaivas’ dressing room, a palpable grin replaced the usual tension. Raider Rinku Singh told reporters, “After three losses, this feels like a lifeline. We know we can beat anyone if we stick together.” Meanwhile, Puneri’s captain, Ajay Thakur, sighed, “We need something special, otherwise the season blows up in our faces.”
Patna’s victory sparked optimism among fans and analysts alike. Sportskeeda’s senior writer, Ananya Mehta, observed, “Patna’s blend of veteran poise and fresh raiders makes them a genuine playoff threat now.” The team’s owner, Patel Brothers USA, posted a celebratory graphic on social media, promising a “hard‑charging finish to the season.”
Impact on the points table – numbers that tell the story
- Tamil Thalaivas rose to 6th place with a +10 score difference, breaking a three‑match winless streak.
- Puneri Paltan stayed at the bottom (12th) with a –34 differential, now five points behind the safety zone.
- Patna Pirates vaulted to 2nd place (16 points, +28 diff), overtaking Bengaluru Bulls who sit third with 15 points.
- Bengal Warriors dropped to 8th, fighting to keep playoff hopes alive with three games left.
The league’s format rewards five points for a win and an extra bonus point for a margin of ten or more. Both Tamil and Patna earned that bonus, a subtle yet decisive edge that could determine semi‑final seeding.
What’s next? The upcoming ‘Triple Panga’ and its stakes
Fans were already looking ahead to the New Year’s “Triple Panga” on January 1, 2022. The packed lineup includes:
- U Mumba vs. U P Yoddha
- Bengaluru Bulls vs. Telugu Titans
- Dabang Delhi K.C. vs. Tamil Thalaivas
For the Thalaivas, the third clash offers a chance to cement their comeback and climb into the top‑four. Patna, meanwhile, will face the unbeaten Warriors in their next outing, a fixture that could solidify their claim to the top spot.
Broader league context – health protocols and broadcast reach
The 2021 season continued under a bio‑secure bubble, a legacy of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Mashal Sports Private Limited, the league’s managing entity, enforced daily testing, limited venue capacity, and mandatory sanitisation. Despite restrictions, the matches reached a massive audience through Star Sports Network (TV) and the streaming platform JioHotstar. Real‑time updates were also available on the official site prokabaddi.com, where fans could track every raid, tackle, and point.
Looking back: How the season unfolded so far
Season 12 launched in early December with a tight schedule, forcing teams to adapt quickly. Early surprise results – like the under‑dog UP Yoddhas beating the defending champions Bengaluru Bulls – set the tone for a volatile campaign. The bubble format, while limiting crowd noise, amplified the importance of each raid, as there was little room for complacency.
Bottom line – why Day 10 will be remembered
Day 10 delivered two storylines that encapsulated the essence of the Pro Kabaddi League: a long‑awaited first win for Tamil Thalaivas and a strategic surge by Patna Pirates toward the playoffs. Both outcomes underline how a single night can rewrite fortunes, shuffle rankings, and keep millions glued to their screens.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Tamil Thalaivas' win affect their playoff chances?
The victory lifts the Thalaivas to sixth place with a positive +10 score difference, putting them within striking distance of the top‑four. With three matches left, a win‑and‑bonus scenario in each could see them clinch a semi‑final berth, though they’ll need to win at least two more games.
What does Patna Pirates' rise to second mean for the league hierarchy?
Patna’s surge positions them as a genuine title contender, challenging the early favourites Bengaluru Bulls. Their 16 points and superior +28 differential give them a cushion, but the upcoming clash with Bengal Warriors could be a litmus test for maintaining momentum.
Why is the ‘Triple Panga’ significant for fans?
The back‑to‑back triple‑header on January 1 offers three high‑stakes matches in a single evening, guaranteeing plenty of action for viewers. It also serves as a de‑facto “mini‑playoff” before the final stretch, where every point can swing the table dramatically.
How have COVID‑19 protocols impacted the 2021 PKL season?
The bio‑secure bubble limited spectator attendance but ensured player safety through daily tests and controlled environments. While the atmosphere felt subdued, television and streaming audiences surged, making the league more accessible nationwide.
When and where can fans watch the upcoming matches?
All Day 10 and subsequent fixtures are broadcast live on Star Sports Network from 7:30 PM IST and streamed simultaneously on JioHotstar. The official schedule, including the Triple Panga, is available on prokabaddi.com.