With finals merely a month away, the race for the playoffs has amplified. The league is going to enter the most exciting stage on October 14. Dabang Delhi and Bengal Warriors became the first two teams to qualify for the playoffs. Also, Tamil Thalaivas got eliminated from this year’s tournament on Day 56 of PKL. The other teams could still possess their place in the playoffs.
How does it work?
Pro Kabaddi 2019 is played in a double round-robin format. In this format, each team will play against the other teams twice. There are 12 teams in total taking part in PKL this year. The top six teams in the league stage get a chance to move further in the tournament. The first two teams in the points table directly qualify for semi-finals. The remaining four teams will play the eliminators. The winners of the Eliminators 1 & 2 will reach the semi-finals. Following which the winners of the semi-final matches will play PKL 2019 finals.
Playoff Chances of Teams:
Rank | Team |
1 Q | Dabang Delhi K.C. |
2 Q | Bengal Warriors |
3 | Haryana Steelers |
4 | U Mumba |
5 | Bengaluru Bulls |
6 | U.P. Yoddha |
7 | Jaipur Pink Panthers |
8 | Puneri Paltan |
9 | Patna Pirates |
10 | Gujarat Fortunegiants |
11 | Telugu Titans |
12 | Tamil Thalaivas |
Each team gets to play 22 matches. According to an analysis by Kabaddi Adda, Teams scoring 62-63 points (22 matches) have more than 75% chance to make it to the playoffs reaching the 6th place. Delhi and Bengal first two to qualify for the playoffs have 72 points (17 matches) and 73 points (19 matches) respectively.
1. Haryana Steelers
Haryana Steelers stand 3rd in the ranking. They have a higher chance of reaching the playoff spot. With a win against Patna Pirates on September 23 Haryana moved to the third spot in the points table. They have 59 points in 17 games. They have won 11, lost 5 and drew 1 as of now. Steelers would play 5 more matches. If they play carefully and manage to gain 15 or more points, they can most probably secure a spot in the playoffs. Beating the three-time champions twice in this season is a boost for the team to be back on winning tracks.
2. U Mumba
U Mumba has always been outstanding in PKL. They made it to the playoffs last season and are strong contenders this time. U Mumba is known for its strong defence. They stand strong in the 4th position ahead of the title defenders Bengaluru Bulls. Having played 17 games, they have scored 53 points which comprises 9 wins and 1 tie. The teams at 4th,5th and 6th position in the points table share equal points. This factor might play a major role in deciding the U Mumba’s road to the playoffs. The match against Bengaluru Bulls on 27th will determine the spots of both the teams. A good fight from here would award the team an eliminator game.
3. Bengaluru Bulls
The defending champion has to put a strong fight to register a playoff spot. They have played 18 games and scored 53 points which makes them fall slightly behind U Mumba. However, a good show by U.P and Jaipur could destroy Bengaluru’s dreams. A minimum of 3 victories in the next 4 matches is necessary for Bulls to put a competitive score of 68 points. The tie against Delhi in their last match could give them the confidence to become only the 2nd team to defend the title.
4. U.P. Yoddha
U.P. Yoddha is currently at 6th position with 53 points in 17 matches. They beat Tamil Thalaivas by a margin of 20 points in their last match. A sloppy performance from Bengaluru or U Mumba in the upcoming matches would prove to be favourable to U.P. Yoddha. Alongside this, if they could manage a few wins, a place in the playoffs could be reserved.
5. Jaipur Pink Panthers
A team which is not in the top 6 yet has a higher chance in the playoffs is Jaipur. They have played more matches than Mumbai, Bengaluru and U.P. A set back for any of these teams will give way for Jaipur. However, no loss in the next three matches is an absolute necessity for them to proceed further in the tournament.
6. Puneri Paltan & Patna Pirates
There is a very slim chance for both these teams to qualify for playoffs. In 19 matches, Pune scored 42 points and Patna scored 40 points There is a lot of luck involved in this. Bad performances from the above teams is inevitable for Pune and Patna to move forward. Though they are very much alive in the tournament, nothing less than an exhibition of sheer talent and power can create room for a place in the playoff.
7. Gujarat Fortunegiants & Telugu Titans
Gujarat managed to score 39 points (18) and Telugu Titans scored 34 (17). Even if these teams managed to win all the upcoming matches, they would end up scoring only 59 each. They are not officially eliminated from the game. However, their chances of reaching the playoffs are mostly null.
The predictable outcomes may vary as Kabaddi cannot be easily read. The playoffs will kick start in just 20 days. To witness nine teams fighting for the 4 spots will be a feast for the fans. Also, this depicts the level of competitiveness in the league. We have got to wait and watch the game unfold.
