Pro Kabaddi League: Recalling Top 5 Matches in PKL History Ahead of Season 11

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Since its inception, the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) has delivered countless thrilling encounters, with heart-pounding moments and unforgettable performances.

As fans gear up for another exciting season, let's take a walk down memory lane and revisit the top five matches in PKL history. These games, filled with edge-of-the-seat drama, standout individual displays, and unforgettable twists, have left a lasting imprint on fans and the sport alike.

Top 5 Matches in PKL History

#5 U Mumba 36-30 Bengaluru Bulls (PKL Season 2 Final): The 2015 PKL final remains one of the most memorable games, with U Mumba defeating the Bengaluru Bulls to lift their first and only title.

The game started off with U Mumba, led by Anup Kumar, taking a commanding 16-8 lead by halftime. However, the Bulls, under Manjeet Chhillar's leadership, roared back into contention, making it a nail-biting second half.

The moment that shifted the momentum came in the 37th minute when Shabeer Bappu, during a do-or-die raid, pulled off a stunning super raid, picking up three points against four defenders. This critical raid helped U Mumba secure a 36-30 victory and etch their name in PKL history.

#4 Haryana Steelers 40-40 Tamil Thalaivas (PKL Season 6): Season 6 witnessed one of the most dramatic finishes when Haryana Steelers took on Tamil Thalaivas in an Interzone Wildcard match during the Kolkata leg.

The Thalaivas, led by Ajay Thakur, were cruising throughout the game, with Thakur himself scoring an impressive 17 raid points. With the scoreline at 40-37 in Tamil Thalaivas' favor as the final minute approached, it seemed like the game was theirs. However, Haryana's Vikash Khandola had other plans.

He quickly scored a touch point, and with Ajay Thakur distracted by the clock, Haryana's defenders pounced on him, leveling the score at 40-40. In the final seconds, Khandola pulled off another touch point to complete an extraordinary comeback and secure a thrilling tie.

#3 UP Yoddhas 36 (4) - 36 (6) Tamil Thalaivas (PKL Season 9 Playoffs): Season 9 brought an unprecedented event, the first-ever playoff tiebreaker. UP Yoddhas faced Tamil Thalaivas in a high-stakes match in Mumbai.

Both teams ended regular time tied at 36-36, forcing the game into a tiebreaker where each team had five raids to score. In a unique format, UP Yoddhas initially gained the upper hand by tackling Himanshu, going up 1-0.

However, Tamil Thalaivas responded swiftly, ultimately winning the tiebreaker 6-4. This historic playoff game will be remembered for its intensity and the composure displayed by the Thalaivas in the pressure-cooker situation.

#2 Dabang Delhi 37-36 Patna Pirates (PKL Season 8 Final): The PKL Season 8 final between Dabang Delhi and Patna Pirates was a classic showdown that took place behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the lack of a live audience, the intensity on the mat was palpable.

Delhi, led by the evergreen Manjeet Chhillar, narrowly edged Patna 37-36 in one of the closest finals ever. With a do-or-die raid in the 39th minute, Vijay Malik picked up a crucial point against five Patna defenders to extend Delhi's lead.

Although Patna's Mohammadreza Shadloui brought his side back into the game, Delhi held firm in the final moments to claim their first PKL title, with Vijay emerging as the match's top performer, scoring 14 points.

#1 Telugu Titans 45-45 Dabang Delhi (PKL Season 2): The high-scoring thriller between Telugu Titans and Dabang Delhi in PKL Season 2 is widely considered the greatest match in PKL history.

The game, played at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi, saw Kashiling Adake deliver a masterclass, scoring a remarkable 24 raid points for Delhi. However, the Titans, with Rahul Chaudhari and Deepak Hooda scoring over 10 points each, kept pace with Delhi throughout the contest.

The game reached a fever pitch when Delhi led 45-44 in the dying moments. Adake, in the final raid, claimed a touch point as Delhi began celebrating victory.

However, after a review, the referees overturned the decision, ruling that Adake had not crossed the baulk line, leaving the game as a draw. The match is remembered for its intensity and drama right until the final whistle.