Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 10 enters its final phase, the competition intensifies, with six playoff spots up for grabs. The top two teams will secure a direct entry into the semi-finals, while the third-placed team will face the sixth-placed team, and the fourth & fifth-placed teams will battle it out in the eliminators.
The playoffs, scheduled to begin on February 26th in Hyderabad, have teams strategically calculating their moves to secure a spot in the semi-finals on March 1st. Let's delve into the current standings and the potential scenarios for each team:
Puneri Paltans – Qualified:
Pune's all-around dominance has earned them a playoff spot, with aspirations for a top-two finish to secure a direct entry into the semi-finals. They are currently at the top of the points table with 86 points.
Jaipur Pink Panthers – Qualified:
The defending champions secured their playoff spot early, maintaining their winning form from the previous season. With a strong core and standout performances, they have also secured a qualification round. They currently sit at the second spot on the points table with 82 points.
Dabang Delhi – Qualified:
Despite the setback of losing Naveen Kumar to injury, Dabang Delhi has clinched a playoff spot, showing resilience under the leadership of Ashu Malik. They are positioned 3rd on the points table with 74 points.
Patna Pirates – Qualified:
The three-time champions have secured their playoff berth and are in fourth place with 68 points, eyeing a record fourth title.
Gujarat Giants – Qualified:
Currently fifth on the points table with 65 points, Gujarat Giants have also secured a playoff spot with upcoming matches against Bengaluru Bulls, UP Yoddhas, and Jaipur Pink Panthers.
Haryana Steelers – 1 win from 4 matches:
Haryana Steelers, consistent throughout the season, need one win from their remaining four home games to secure a playoff spot.
Bengal Warriors – 1 win from 1 match & Haryana to lose all their matches:
Bengal Warriors have an outside chance to qualify by winning their remaining game and hoping for specific results, but the odds are against them.
Bengaluru Bulls – Eliminated:
Despite being the best-performing team from the south, Bengaluru Bulls with 48 points from 20 games are eliminated, and will be facing Haryana Steelers in their final match.
Tamil Thalaivas – Eliminated:
Tamil Thalaivas, in eighth place with 46 points, are out of the playoff race, ending their journey in Bengal.
U Mumba – Eliminated:
U Mumba, in tenth place, are eliminated and aim to salvage the season by finishing on a positive note.
UP Yoddhas – Eliminated:
Despite high expectations, UP Yoddhas could not live up to the hype, becoming the second team to be eliminated.
Telugu Titans – Eliminated:
Telugu Titans, for the third consecutive time, are likely to finish at the bottom of the points table, hoping for a turnaround in the next season.