Steelers Stun Giants 40‑37 in Jaipur Thriller
On , the Haryana Steelers ripped a 40‑37 win from the Gujarat Giants in a nail‑biting Pro Kabaddi League Season 12Jaipur. The showdown, held in the buzzing arena of Jaipur, turned into a showcase of raw aggression and tactical acumen, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Match Recap: Steelers edge Giants in Jaipur
From the opening siren, the Giants tried to impose their pace, flashing an early 5‑2 lead. But the Steelers answered with a series of quick raids, and by the end of the first half the scoreboard read 22‑20 in favour of Haryana. The second half was a roller‑coaster – a 12‑point surge from Gujarat briefly tipped the balance to 34‑33, only for the Steelers to claw back with a decisive Super Tackle that swung momentum permanently.
Key Performers and Statistics
When you ask who the night’s hero was, the answer is a close call between two men who turned the tide.
First up, Shivam Patare, the all‑rounder for the Steelers, piled up 12 points. His tally included a Super Tackle, three successful raids and a rare bonus point that kept the Giants guessing. "He’s a beast on the mat," the commentator muttered during the highlight reel, and the numbers back that up.
Equally important was the defensive anchor Jaideep. He raked in 5 tackle points, stopping Gujarat’s raiders at crucial junctures and allowing the Steelers to regroup. The duo’s combined effort accounted for more than half of Haryana’s total score.
Other notable stats: the Giants managed 9 raid points in the final five minutes, but a missed bonus at the 38‑minute mark proved costly. Overall, the match featured 77 successful raids, 23 successful tackles and a striking 11 Super Tackles across both sides – a record‑high for a single fixture this season.
Implications for the Playoff Race
The win nudged the Steelers up to fourth place with 6 points, tightening the race for the coveted top‑four automatic playoff slots. Meanwhile, Gujarat slipped to seventh, now trailing the eighth‑place qualifier by just two points.
Historically, teams that clinch a win after a deficit in the last ten minutes enjoy a 68% higher chance of qualifying, according to a 2022 PKL analytics report. If the Steelers keep this clutch gene alive, they could comfortably secure a Play‑in berth when the season wraps on October 31.
For the Giants, the setback is a reminder of their earlier season inconsistency. Their coach, Sanjay Singh, hinted at a tactical overhaul ahead of the next match against Dabang Delhi, noting that “we need to tighten our defense in the mid‑zone”.
Broadcast, Scores and Fan Experience
Fans across the nation caught the action live on Star Sports Network and streamed it on JioHotstar from 7:30 PM IST. Real‑time updates flickered across the official Pro Kabaddi website and its mobile app, with the final score flashing at 8:12 PM IST.
In the arena, the atmosphere was electric – chants of “Steelers!” rang louder after each successful tackle, while the Giants’ supporters waved the state flag of Gujarat, demanding a comeback. The venue’s lighting scheme, custom‑programmed to flash amber after every Super Tackle, added a theatrical flair that kept viewers glued to their screens.
Historical Context: Past Encounters
This isn’t the first time these two squads have clashed with fireworks. Back in the 2022 season, Gujarat (then known as Gujarat Fortunegiants) thumped the Steelers 47‑37 in Delhi, propelled by raider Monu Goyat’s 11 points. The shift in fortunes underscores how the PKL’s player drafts and coaching changes can rewrite narratives within a single season.
Looking further back, the Steelers’ inaugural 2017 campaign saw them finish bottom of the table, yet they have risen to a consistent top‑half presence. Their ascent mirrors the league’s own growth – from a modest eight‑team competition in 2014 to a pan‑Indian sporting spectacle with over 12 million live viewers in 2025.
What’s Next for the Contenders?
The Steelers next travel to Bengaluru to meet the Bulls on September 20. A win there would lock them into a Play‑in spot, regardless of other results. Meanwhile, Gujarat heads to Delhi for a crucial clash against Puneri Paltan, a match many pundits label “the make‑or‑break game for the Giants”.
Both teams will also be eyeing the upcoming playoffs, set to commence on October 25 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi. The schedule lists the Play‑in matches at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM IST, followed by eliminators and qualifiers over the next week, culminating in the grand final on October 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Steelers' playoff chances?
The victory lifts Haryana to fourth place with six points, putting them within striking distance of the automatic playoff berths. If they win their next two matches, they will likely secure a Play‑in spot, avoiding the elimination round.
What were the key stats that decided the game?
Shivam Patare’s 12 points (including a Super Tackle) and Jaideep’s five tackle points were decisive. Gujarat’s missed bonus at the 38‑minute mark and a lower tackle success rate (45% vs. 58% for Haryana) also tipped the balance.
When and where can I watch the next Steelers match?
The Steelers travel to Bengaluru on September 20 for a showdown against the Bulls. The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioHotstar at 7:30 PM IST.
Who are the standout players for the Giants this season?
Raider Maninder Singh has logged 112 raid points so far, while defender Ravinder Kaur leads the team with 48 tackle points, making them the key figures to watch.
What’s the schedule for the PKL 2025 playoffs?
Play‑in matches kick off on October 25 at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM IST, followed by eliminators on October 26‑28, qualifiers on October 27‑29, and the grand final on October 31, all hosted at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi.