Season 8 of the Pro Kabaddi League sees the top-seeded Patna Pirates facing UP Yoddha, while Dabang Delhi goes head-to-head with the Bengaluru Bulls in the semi-finals. Both games will be hosted at the Sheraton Grand Whitefield in Bengaluru, starting at 7:30 PM and 8:30 PM respectively. The winning teams will then fight for the championship in the final on February 25th. These matchups are shaping up to be absolute thrillers that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Patna Pirates are widely tipped for victory given their overall dominance this season, fueled by a cohesive strategy where the raiders and defenders work in total harmony. Their team synergy has been their greatest asset, particularly the defensive unit led by Mohammadreza Shadloui, whose consistency has been remarkable. That said, the Pirates' defense will need to be at its absolute best to stop the prolific Pardeep Narwal.
UP Yoddha, however, could be the dark horse capable of shifting the momentum of the game. Their hopes rest largely on Pardeep Narwal, a legendary figure who previously secured three championships with Patna. Since he's found his rhythm again in recent games, the spotlight will be firmly on him. Narwal's ability to score multiple points in a single raid has often turned games into one-sided victories, making him Yoddha's secret weapon. If he performs at his peak, a spot in the final is well within reach for UP Yoddha, promising fans a classic showdown between elite raiding and sturdy defense.
Dabang Delhi, who finished as runners-up in season 7, are determined to reach their second consecutive final. Standing in their way are the Bengaluru Bulls, who are expected to provide a stern test. While Pawan Sehrawat is the main engine for the Bulls' offense, the emergence of Bharat and Chandran as reliable secondary raiders adds a dangerous dimension to their attack. Sehrawat remains a powerhouse with 286 raid points and 17 super 10s, supported defensively by the capable Saurabh Nandal.
Delhi's primary advantage lies in their veteran presence. With experienced players like Manjeet Chillar, Joginder Narwal, and Sandeep Narwal—all of whom have played in several finals—the team knows exactly how to manage high-pressure situations. The main question mark for Delhi is the physical fitness of Naveen Kumar. Fortunately, they have the versatile Vijay to step in if needed. Having lost both previous encounters against the Bulls this season, Delhi is highly motivated to reverse that trend and secure a semi-final victory.