We're a little over a week from the end of the Pro Kabaddi League season nine, the playoffs and the race for the top-six was well and truly heating up in the closest PKL season ever, but on Thursday, the identities of all six playoff teams were known.
Puneri Paltan were the first team to assure themselves of a spot in the knockouts. while Jaipur Pink Panthers, Bengaluru Bulls and UP Yoddhas have also made it to the playoffs. The Tamil Thalaivas followed them with a win over UP Yoddhas, while Dabang Delhi's thrilling tie against the Bengal Warriors means that they too have made it through to the playoffs.
The top two teams will directly progress to the semifinals, while the next four will compete in an eliminator, with the victors moving into the semis.
Who are in?
Puneri Paltan, Jaipur Pink Panthers Bengaluru Bulls, UP Yoddhas, Tamil Thalaivas, and Dabang Delhi.
Who's out?
Telugu Titans, Patna Pirates, U Mumba, Bengal Warriors, Haryana Steelers, Gujarat Giants
What is the Playoff Lineup looking like?
Jaipur Pink Panthers topped the league stage with 82 points, while Puneri Paltan finished second, two points behind. Both these teams are directly through to the semifinals, where they await the winners of the eliminators.
Bengaluru Bulls finished third with 74 points, and will face defending champions Dabang Delhi in the eliminator, who finished sixth. The other eliminator will see fourth-placed UP Yoddhas take on Tamil Thalaivas.