The Patna Pirates kicked off their Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 campaign with a closely-fought contest against the UP Yoddhas at the Vishwanadh Sports Club in Vizag. Despite holding the lead for most of the game, the Patna Pirates were edged out 34–31 in the final minutes, marking a narrow defeat in their season opener.
Strong Start on the Mat
The opening minutes saw the Patna Pirates making their presence felt. Young raider Ayan Lohchab led from the front, notching up three quick raid points and unsettling the UP Yoddhas’ defence. Skipper Maninder Singh chipped in with important raids, while Ankit’s crucial tackle ensured the Patna Pirates edged ahead early, leading 7–6 after the first 10 minutes.
Ayan’s Dominance Before Halftime
Midway through the half, Ayan produced one of the defining moments of the match, a brilliant raid that dismissed both Ashu Singh and Mohammadreza Kaboudrahangi, inflicting the first All Out on the UP Yoddhas. He continued his fine rhythm, removing Mahender Singh and Bhavani Rajput in quick succession.
By halftime, the Patna Pirates held a commanding 19–13 lead, with Ayan single-handedly scoring eight raid points. The team’s energy and control made it a first half to remember.
Momentum Shifts in the Second Half
The Patna Pirates maintained their grip early in the second half, extending their advantage through raids from Ankit Rana and Maninder Singh. But the UP Yoddhas refused to let the game slip away. With Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda adding raid points, and Sumit halting Ayan with a fine tackle, the contest tightened once again.
A crucial moment came when the Patna Pirates conceded their first All Out of the match, allowing the Yoddhas to level the score. Despite Ayan’s late efforts, including a daring escape from Hitesh, the Yoddhas managed to turn the tide and close out the game in the dying minutes.
Patna Pirates Who Shined
| Player | Role | Points |
| Ayan Lohchab | Top Raider | 9 |
| Maninder Singh | Skipper | 7 |
| Ankit Jaglan | Raider | 3 |
Building Forward From Here
The opening match may not have gone in favour of the Patna Pirates, but it showcased the potential and fighting spirit of the team. Ayan Lohchab’s fearless raids, Maninder Singh’s leadership, and the contributions of the bench highlight the depth and balance the Pirates bring to the mat this season.
With valuable lessons from this contest, the Patna Pirates are determined to bounce back stronger and continue their quest for glory in PKL Season 12.