New Delhi, October 16: UP Yoddhas may have endured a challenging outing in their 26-53 loss to Haryana Steelers at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium tonight, but the team’s overall trajectory remains promising as they continue to stay in contention for a top-eight finish. With two league matches remaining, the Yoddhas still have their fate within reach, a testament to the fight and spirit that have inspired their recent turnaround in the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12.

While the scoreline didn’t reflect the intensity of the contest, the Yoddhas showed flashes of enterprise and aggression that had underpinned their back-to-back wins before this game.

Gagan Gowda once again led the raiding department with seven points, displaying his trademark agility and ability to find spaces under pressure. Guman Singh, the Yoddhas’ marquee acquisition, added four raid points and continued to exhibit the leadership and composure that the team has banked on all season.

Bhavani Rajput chipped in with three points, while defenders Ashu Singh and Hitesh combined effectively in parts, contributing crucial tackles to restrict Haryana’s rhythm early on. Mahender Singh and Sumit worked to plug gaps in the defensive setup, although Haryana’s raiders managed to capitalise on a few transition moments to pull ahead decisively in the second half.

For the Steelers, Shivam Patare was the standout performer with 15 raid points, making the most of his quick movements and strong finishes to give his side a commanding lead. Yet for the Yoddhas, this match will serve more as a learning step than a setback. Their ability to regroup quickly after earlier defeats — evidenced by consecutive wins leading up to this clash — has proven that one bad day doesn’t define their campaign.

The Yoddhas’ camp remains upbeat, confident that the tactical adjustments and resilience displayed in previous games can fuel a late surge.

As they gear up for their final two league matches, UP Yoddhas will look to draw upon their winning rhythm before this match and the mental toughness that has kept them very much alive in the playoff race.

UP Yoddhas will play their next game against the Jaipur Pink Panthers on October 17, while the Haryana Steelers are set to face U Mumba on October 19.

UP Yoddhas 26-53 Haryana Steelers