In a significant upset at the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025, Patna Pirates triumphed over the league’s leading team, Puneri Paltan, with a final score of 38-27 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium. The hero of the match was undoubtedly Ayan Lohchab, who delivered a sensational performance with 17 points, leading his team to overcome a halftime deficit against the formidable Puneri Paltan. The Pirates’ defense also deserves commendation for their crucial role in restricting the league leaders.
The match began with a cautious and tactical approach from both sides, with neither team willing to surrender easy points. Patna’s strategy involved smart rotation of raiders, including Ankit Kumar and the exceptional Ayan Lohchab, while their defense, marshaled by Deepak and Navdeep, stood firm. By the ten-minute mark, Patna had secured a slender 8-5 lead, demonstrating effective coordination.
Ayan Lohchab was the linchpin of Patna’s offense in the first half, consistently scoring with his rapid and confident raids. Navdeep’s leadership in the defense was also instrumental. Puneri’s defensive trio of Abinesh Nadarajan, Rakesh, and Sanjay Enania, however, proved to be a formidable obstacle, executing several game-changing Super Tackles. Puneri Paltan, benefiting from solid performances by Abhishek Gunge and Mohammad Nabibakhsh, gained momentum towards the end of the first half, capitalizing on some errors from Patna to snatch a 15-13 lead at the interval.
Following the break, Patna Pirates came out with renewed determination. Ayan Lohchab continued his impressive scoring run, leading multiple successful raids that put Puneri Paltan on the back foot. Milan Dahiya also played a key role, notably securing an ALL OUT that provided a significant boost to the Pirates. Although Abhishek Gunge and Mohammad Nabibakhsh mounted counter-offensives for Puneri, Patna’s synchronized efforts on both raiding and defense enabled them to gradually close the gap and take control.
The Pirates’ attacking prowess, spearheaded by Ayan Lohchab and Stuwart Singh, was on full display in the latter part of the second half, with sharp and effective raids. Their defense also significantly improved, with Ankit and Navdeep making critical tackles that stifled Puneri’s comeback attempts. This balanced and dominant performance ultimately allowed Patna Pirates to secure a convincing win over the league’s top-ranked team.