Pro Kabaddi League: Shadloui, Gaurav guide Puneri Paltan to thrilling 29 26 triumph over Tamil Thalaivas

On January 7, Puneri Paltan outshined Tamil Thalaivas in a fiercely contested Pro Kabaddi League match with a score of 29-26. Star performers of the match on the Paltan side were Mohammadreza Chiyaneh Shadloui and Gaurav Khatri whereas Thalaivas were led by their captain, Sagar, who impressed with seven tackle points. In the initial 20 minute timeframe, an enthralling combat between the two teams unfolded, with Narender providing Thalaivas with an ideal start due to a 'Super Raid'. However, the Paltan were immediately pushed onto the defensive. As the first half drew to a close, both teams kept alternating leads, proving their mettle with defensive tactics. The first half concluded with the Paltan marginally leading by 12-11.

As the second half began, the Thalaivas initiated a 'Super Tackle', thanks to Sagar and Himanshu who cornered Mohit Goyat. Nonetheless, the Paltan managed to advance as Aslam Inamdar phenomenally outperformed Sagar leading to an 'All Out' and achieved a slender lead of 17-16 in the twenty-fourth minute. Shadloui got away with a 'Super Raid', tagging two defenders and received a bonus point during the next raid. Since Narender was unable to tally high scores, the Thalaivas focused on defence for points; a brilliant tackle by captain Sagar on Pankaj Mohite earned him a 'High 5'. Shadloui replicated his efforts soon by successfully immobilizing Narender, clinching his fifth tackle point in the twenty-eighth minute.

In the finale of the game, Thalaivas stunned all with a spectacular comeback. The team trailed by just three points after brilliant 'Super Tackles' by M Abishek and Sagar in the thirty-sixth minute and Nitesh Kumar in the thirty-eighth minute. The game reached its climax during the final raid – Thalaivas were having three players on the field and Paltan were left with a do-or-die raid. Aslam initiated a pursuit raid and claimed a touch on Nitesh. The on-field umpires ruled it in Thalaivas' favour, taking the score to a tie at 28-28. However, a review by the Paltan turned the tides, and the TV umpire reversed the ruling, helping the Paltan to finally secure their seventh consecutive win in a thrilling match.