Best Pro Kabaddi Matches: Top 10 Kabaddi Rivalries

The Bengal Warriors, known for structured defense and calculated moves, often meet the Telugu Titans, who thrive on aggressive raids and fast scoring. The contrast makes their matches unpredictable. Over the years, the fight for playoff spots between them has added extra weight to this rivalry. Maninder Singh for the Warriors and Rahul Chaudhari for the Titans have been the faces of these battles. Their games are tactical wars on the mat, and some have been counted among the best Pro Kabaddi matches in league history.

Stat: Bengal Warriors lead the head-to-head with 12 wins to 3.

Labeled the “Maharashtra vs Karnataka” derby, this rivalry is filled with close finishes and moments fans talk about for years. The Bulls, led by Pawan Sehrawat’s explosive raids, face a Paltan side built on strong defense. These matches are often intense and high-pressure. Girish Ernak’s defensive brilliance has turned the tide more than once. Local pride fuels the atmosphere, giving this fixture a special edge. Many fans see these encounters as one of the best highlights of the Pro Kabaddi season every season.

Stat: Puneri Paltan slightly lead with nine wins to 7.

In international kabaddi, few clashes match the emotion of India vs Pakistan. These contests are not just about winning — they are about national pride. India’s tactical dominance and Pakistan’s powerful tackles have made this fixture a classic. Matches are always hard-fought, and some have delivered the best Pro Kabaddi moments that live forever in fans’ minds.

Stat: India has dominated, winning every Asian Games gold from 1990 to 2014 against Pakistan.

This is a personal rivalry between the league’s top raider and its most feared defender. Pardeep’s “dubki” and Fazel’s ankle hold have clashed in countless matches, each trying to outsmart the other. Their duels can decide games, making them unforgettable for fans who want to know who the best defender in pro kabaddi history is.

Stat: Fazel has tackled Pardeep more successfully than any other defender.

A battle between two inaugural PKL champions, this rivalry has been alive since the very first season. U Mumba’s coordinated raids challenge Jaipur’s disciplined defense. Every encounter is competitive, with legends like Anup Kumar and Manjeet Chhillar in the spotlight. Several matches between them are often remembered as part of the best pro kabaddi match ever conversations.

Stat: U Mumba leads 10 wins to 9.

Dubbed the “Southern Derby,” this matchup is always intense. The Thalaivas’ sharp raids and the Bulls’ relentless energy create dramatic contests. Ajay Thakur and Pawan Sehrawat have been the stars here. The roaring stadiums during these games reflect why it’s considered among the top 5 defenders in pro kabaddi worthy matches — full of defensive brilliance and attacking skill.

Stat: Bulls lead with 12 wins in their derby meetings.

The “Maharashtra Derby” is among the longest-running PKL rivalries. The tactical chess matches between them, the dramatic last raids, and the quest for state bragging rights have kept this fixture exciting. Some games have been so tense that they belong among the top 3 defenders in pro kabaddi clashes because of how defense often steals the show.

Stat: U Mumba has a slight edge in the win count.

A modern rivalry on the world stage. Iran’s rise has challenged India’s long dominance. The 2018 Asian Games semifinal was a turning point, with Iran beating India 27–18 — a shock result that remains one of the most famous pro kabaddi league best defender-driven games in history.

Stat: Iran ended India’s unbeaten Asian Games streak in 2018.

These two giants bring high scores and even higher drama whenever they meet. Pardeep Narwal and Pawan Sehrawat’s duels have given fans epic contests. Many see their meetings as producing the Pro Kabaddi’s finest matches.

Stat: Patna Pirates have won more PKL titles than any other team — three in total.

Perhaps the greatest rivalry in PKL history. It peaked in Season 3, where the Pirates edged U Mumba 31–28 in the final. U Mumba’s defense and Patna’s raiding have produced games that define the league. For many fans, this is the best pro kabaddi match ever, a series of encounters.

Stat: Pirates’ Season 3 final win remains a PKL classic.