The upcoming match between the Gujarat Giants and Haryana Steelers might not look very exciting at first, given the history of the two. But with this new season and new players, Gujarat Giants are looking ot change the tides.
On one side, you have Haryana, a consistent team with a winning history. Not to mention their explosive offense led by the “Naveen Express.”
On the other hand, the Giants are a team in transition, banking on the genius of their star defender Mohammadreza Shadloui to shut down their opponents.
I have analyzed both teams on their key players, past, and their full squads. Lastly, I have also included a prediction about who might win the match.
Let’s see which team has the better chance of emerging victorious.
Season 12 Preview Of Gujarat Giants vs Haryana Steelers
The Haryana Steelers, last season’s winners, come in strong with their star raider, Naveen Kumar.
With Naveen’s amazing speed and his high success rate in raids, their plan is simple – just attack. But their defense is also strong. Their captains, Jaideep Dahiya and Rahul Sethpal, work well together, and they’ve won some games with great defense.
On the other side, the Gujarat Giants are building their team around the best defender from last season, Mohammadreza Shadloui.
He is the most expensive foreign player in the league, and a smart choice to lead their defense because of his strong blocks. While their raids need work from Parteek Dahiya and Rakesh, their plan is to make the other team tired and make them make mistakes.
The big question is, “Can Haryana’s fast attack get past the Giants’ new strong defense?” Or will the defensive plan of coach Jaivir Sharma be a perfect match against the attacking champions? Fans might just see a very exciting game from the start.
Head-to-Head Dominance: Gujarat Giants vs Haryana Steelers
Looking at their past, the Haryana Steelers have a pretty solid grip on the Gujarat Giants. For a match-up that has seen 17 games, the record isn’t close at all.
Haryana has won a whopping 12 matches, with the Giants only managing to secure 4 victories. The teams have also tied once, which shows how fierce the battle can get.
| Stat | Haryana Steelers | Gujarat Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 17 | 17 |
| Wins | 12 | 4 |
| Losses | 4 | 12 |
| Tied | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Score | 42 | 47 |
| Lowest Score | 25 | 20 |
It is very noticeable in this rivalry that there are sudden big shifts. The Giants once smashed the Steelers with a massive 47-37 scoreline, while Haryana has also handed them a brutal 17-point loss in last season’s playoffs.
But the last loss at a bad 42-25 in the elimination round must still sting for Gujarat. It proves that even though Gujarat has its moment, Haryana is tough to beat for them.
And for the Gujarat Giants, this mental block is what is standing between them and a better season.
Iconic Moments from the Gujarat Giants vs Haryana Steelers
This rivalry isn’t so much a battle as it is a story of one team trying to get out from under the other’s shadow.
While the Steelers have mostly had the last laugh, the Giants had a moment of pure magic back in Season 6. They handed Haryana a jaw-dropping 47-37 loss, a statement win that proved they were not to be underestimated.
There have also been matches so close they could have gone either way. The Season 9 game that ended with a narrow 33-32 win for Haryana was an absolute thriller, proving that even a single raid point can change everything.
But lately, it’s been all about the Steelers. They’ve completely owned the Giants in recent seasons, including a brutal 42-25 knockout in the playoffs last year.
That loss must still sting. It was a game where Naveen Kumar ran wild, and Gujarat’s defense, for all its strength, seemed to have no answers for his explosive raiding.
So now, the storyline is simple. Can the new captain, Mohammadreza Shadloui, finally be the one to change the script? He has to break the Steelers’ hold and deliver a win that the Giants have been craving for years.
Shadloui, finally turn the tide and deliver a victory that changes the narrative?
Key Players for Gujarat Giants vs Haryana Steelers in 2025
The contrast between these two teams couldn’t be sharper. The defending champions, Haryana Steelers, have built their empire around the “Naveen Express.”
At the same time, the Gujarat Giants have bet big on one of the best defenders in the league, Mohammadreza Shadloui. This match will be a test to see if Gujarat has really worked out a plan for itself.
| Team | Haryana Steelers | Gujarat Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Jaideep Dahiya | Mohammadreza Shadloui |
| Coach | Manpreet Singh | Jaivir Sharma |
| Key Raiders | Naveen Kumar, Vinay Tevathia, Shivam Patare | Rakesh Sungroya, Parteek Dahiya |
| Key Defenders | Rahul Sethpal, Ankit Dhull, Sachin Dahiya | Milad Jabbari, Rohit Nandal, Lucky Sharma |
| All-Rounders | Sahil Narwal | Mohammadreza Shadloui, Nitin Panwar |
Naveen Kumar leads the Haryana Steelers’ core offensive unit. A prolific raider with a high success rate, he is capable of scoring points in critical moments, though his recent injury history remains a factor in team strategy.
The team’s defensive strength is a collective effort. Captain Jaideep Dahiya and Rahul Sethpal constitute a formidable defensive wall, with tactical support provided by Ankit Dhull and Sachin Dahiya.
Meanwhile, the raiding unit gets backup from the speedy Vinay Tevathia and Shivam Patare, ensuring that even on an off day, they have players who can get the job done.
On the other side, Gujarat’s entire identity is now wrapped around their new captain, Mohammadreza Shadloui. His powerful ankle holds and fearless dashes are what opponents fear most.
He’s not alone, though. He’s got the “Iranian Steel” duo with him, as Milad Jabbari brings his own brand of tough defense, supported by the consistency of Rohit Nandal. In attack, the Giants are a team without a single superstar.
Instead, they rely on the collective strength of Rakesh Sungroya and Parteek Dahiya, who are quick on their feet and focus on scoring points to keep the scoreboard ticking over, rather than going for a one-man show.
Team Line-ups for 2025: Gujarat Giants vs Haryana Steelers
Both sides have stacked squads this season, but their strengths lie in different places.
The defending champions have an incredible raiding force, while the Giants have built a fortress of a defense. Let’s break down their line-ups.
| Position | Haryana Steelers | Gujarat Giants |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Jaideep Dahiya (Defender) | Mohammadreza Shadloui (All-Rounder) |
| Raider | Naveen Kumar | Parteek Dahiya |
| Raider | Vinay Tevathia | Rakesh Sungroya |
| Raider | Shivam Patare | V. Ajith Kumar |
| Raider | Ghanshyam Magar | Himanshu Singh |
| Raider | Vikas Jadhav | Ankit Dahiya |
| Raider | Mayank Saini | Harish |
| Raider | Sha Mohammed Shahan | Shridhar Kadam |
| Defender | Rahul Sethpal | Rohit Nandal |
| Defender | Ankit Dhull | Lucky Sharma |
| Defender | Sachin Dahiya | Milad Jabbari |
| Defender | Hardeep | Amit |
| Defender | Rahul Ahri | Shubham Kumar |
| Defender | N. Manikandan | Sumit |
| Defender | Jaya Soorya N. S. | – |
| Defender | Ritik Radheyshyam | – |
| Defender | Zubair Malik | – |
| All-Rounder | Sahil Narwal | Mohammadreza Shadloui |
| All-Rounder | Ashish Narwal | Nitin Panwar |
| All-Rounder | – | Himanshu Yadav |
| All-Rounder | – | Visvanth V |
Looking at the table, it’s clear what each team values. The Steelers have loaded up on firepower, especially in the raiding department, to support their big star, Naveen.
The Giants, on the other hand, have invested heavily in a diverse defensive unit and all-rounders, trusting them to win games with their strategic tackles.
Historical Performance Comparison: Gujarat Giants vs Haryana Steelers
The stories of these two teams are totally different. The Steelers are like that one friend who’s always been good at everything, they’ve consistently been top contenders.
The Giants, meanwhile, have had more of a wild ride, with a few big wins mixed in with some tough seasons.
| Metric | Gujarat Giants (Overall) | Haryana Steelers (Overall) | Gujarat Giants (Season 11) | Haryana Steelers (Season 11) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 166 | 165 | 22 | 24 |
| Wins | 79 | 87 | 5 | 18 |
| Draws | 16 | 13 | 3 | 0 |
| Losses | 71 | 65 | 14 | 6 |
| Highest Score | 51 | 61 | 47 | 48 |
| Biggest Winning Margin | 29 | 23 | 19 | 21 |
| Total Raids | 7035 | 7046 | 943 | 1031 |
| Successful Raids | 2487 | 2609 | 295 | 379 |
| Raids Success % | 35% | 37% | 31% | 37% |
| Total Tackles | 3828 | 4097 | 560 | 585 |
| Successful Tackles | 1548 | 1605 | 215 | 269 |
| Tackles Success % | 40% | 39% | 38% | 46% |
| All Out Points | 410 | 390 | 32 | 60 |
The numbers tell a clear story. Historically, both teams have been fairly evenly matched, but Haryana’s recent performance is on a completely different level.
Their Season 11 stats are a masterclass in consistency, with an impressive raid success rate of 37% and an even better 46% success rate on defense—a true championship effort.
For the Giants, Season 11 was a complete letdown. Their raid and tackle numbers dropped significantly, proving that their once-dominant defense-first strategy failed to hold up. This year, Gujarat will be desperate to show its true value.
Match-Winning Players: Who Will Shine for Gujarat Giants vs Haryana Steelers?
This match will be a clash of a superstar’s speed against an anchor’s raw power. The most crucial showdown will be the “Naveen Express” versus the “Showstopper” himself, Mohammad Reza Shadloui.
Naveen Kumar thrives on chaos, using his incredible pace to get quick points and force errors. Shadloui, on the other hand, wants to slow everything down with his brutal ankle holds and thigh blocks.
The Giants’ fate may well depend on whether their captain, who has recently looked a bit frustrated, can find his form and make that first big tackle stick.
But this is not a two-man show. The real story here is how Gujarat’s raiding duo of Rakesh and Parteek Dahiya tries to outsmart the Steelers’ disciplined defensive pairing of captain Jaideep Dahiya and Rahul Sethpal.
If Haryana’s defense can successfully shut down the Giants’ raiders, it will put a ton of pressure on Shadloui to perform.
The winning team will be the one that can force its own style onto the other, whether it’s a quick-fire raid or a slow, grinding defensive battle.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win Gujarat Giants vs Haryana Steelers?
Right now, the defending champs, the Haryana Steelers, are looking incredibly strong. They’ve not only kept their championship core together, but they’ve also added a superstar in Naveen Kumar.
This is a team that plays incredibly well together; they have the kind of deep trust that comes from years of experience.
On the other side, the Gujarat Giants are a fascinating team. They’ve brought in a game-changer with Mohammadreza Shadloui, but their squad is brand new.
All that talent has to learn to work together, and finding their rhythm under pressure won’t be easy. My simple take is that the Giants are going to have a really tough time with Haryana’s potent attack and their strong defense.
Even if Shadloui gets a few great tackles in, Haryana’s veteran experience will ultimately give them the edge in a match they should win comfortably.
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Conclusion: Haryana Steelers Have The Edge, But Gujarat Giants Have A New Strategy
The contrast between these two teams comes down to an essential question of team-building. The Haryana Steelers are a championship-winning machine, built on a foundation of chemistry and the raw power of their new star.
The Gujarat Giants, however, are a project in motion, a team that has gambled on top-tier talent in the hopes they will come together as a unit.
Recent history is a stark reminder of this divide, with Haryana’s team cohesion leading to a dominant 39-23 victory. While Mohammadreza Shadloui can get his tackles in, his team’s inability to play together makes them vulnerable.
Ultimately, this match is a test of will. Haryana has the balance and a proven winning record to be the clear favorite, but Gujarat’s fighting spirit means they can never be counted out if their defense clicks and forces a moment of chaos.
FAQs
The Steelers have huge fan support from their home region, which is famous for producing top kabaddi talent. The Giants, meanwhile, have a loyal following in Ahmedabad.
Haryana loves to attack, with Naveen Kumar leading their fast-paced raids. The Giants play a more patient, defense-first strategy, waiting for the perfect moment.
Mohammad Reza Shadloui is the most expensive player in the Gujarat Giants team. He is also the most expensive player in the season at 2.23 crores.
Naveen Kumar is the most expensive player in Haryana Steelers at 1.2 crores.
They’ve had some tight matches, but Haryana has a clear edge. They completely dominated recent games, including a big win over the Giants in the playoffs.
