The Pro Kabaddi League 2024 has reached its thrilling conclusion, as teams scramble for playoff spots with just 18 matches left to play. Among the 12 participating teams, only the Haryana Steelers have secured their place, leaving intense competition for the remaining positions. Unfortunately, the season has not been kind to several teams, leading to significant eliminations.
The PKL 2024 playoffs are set to commence on December 26 at the Badminton Hall of the Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune. This year’s format allows the top two teams to directly qualify for the semifinals, with teams ranked third to sixth battling it out in the eliminators. Unfortunately, three teams have already faced the axe from playoff contention: the Bengaluru Bulls, Tamil Thalaivas, and Gujarat Giants.
The Bengaluru Bulls, once considered favorites, have endured a disappointing season, finishing last on the table with just 19 points from 19 matches — marking only two wins and one draw. Despite having star players like Pardeep Narwal, their performance has faltered, resulting in their official elimination from the playoffs race.
Following closely is the Gujarat Giants, who also fell out of the contention with their record of five wins, twelve losses, and two draws, earning them just 34 points. While their performances promised potential at the season's start, they struggled against many opponents, leading to their disappointing exit from the race.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Thalaivas, who invested heavily to acquire their player Sachin Tanwar at ₹2.15 crore, couldn't deliver as expected. With only six wins across 19 matches, their campaign has ended prematurely, leaving fans to ponder what could have been.
Despite the heartbreak for these teams, the playoff race remains fierce. Currently leading the charge are the Haryana Steelers with 78 points, already confirmed for the playoffs and eyeing a top-two finish. Behind them, Dabang Delhi KC holds 66 points, and UP Yoddhas are not far behind with 64 points — all motivated by their desire to avoid the eliminators and move directly to the semifinals.
Fans can look forward to exciting matchups leading to the playoffs. The eliminators will see teams ranked third and sixth, and fourth and fifth, going head-to-head for the final spots. Dabang Delhi, UP Yoddhas, Patna Pirates, and U Mumba are all vying for positions, with each match dictifying the teams' fates.
The playoff format dictates intense competition, as the top two teams will receive the advantage of directly entering the semifinals, boosting their chances for the ultimate glory. The excitement builds as teams push hard for playoff positions with fans eagerly anticipating every game.
The playoffs will take place on December 26 for the eliminators, followed by the semifinals on December 27, culminating with the grand final on December 29. Coverage of these pivotal matches will be available on the Star Sports Network, and streaming will occur on Disney+ Hotstar, ensuring fans don’t miss any action.
For the remaining teams, the stakes could not be higher, and with several matches left, everything could change. It's not just about who will win but how teams adapt under pressure, making PKL 2024 one of the most thrilling seasons yet.
