Pro Kabaddi League: Complete List of teams that won the PKL title after finishing runners-up in the previous season ft. Haryana Steelers

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) never fails to amaze, and the 2024 season was no different. The Haryana Steelers scripted a fairytale ending to their campaign by defeating the Patna Pirates 32-23 in the PKL Season 11 final at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune. After narrowly missing out on the title last year, the Steelers came back stronger and delivered a performance that was nothing short of spectacular.

This triumph not only crowned Haryana as champions but also added them to an elite list of teams that have bounced back from the heartbreak of finishing second to lifting the trophy in the very next season.

Interestingly, this was not the first time such a turnaround had occurred. The Haryana Steelers’ triumph marked the fourth instance in PKL history where a team that finished as runner-up went on to claim the title in the subsequent season.

On that note, let’s take a closer look at the complete list of teams that achieved this remarkable feat in the Pro Kabaddi League.

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#4 U Mumba (PKL 1 Runners-Up, PKL 2 Winners)

U Mumba won the PKL season 2 title (Image via PKL)

The inaugural season of the PKL saw the U Mumba fall short against the Jaipur Pink Panthers, losing 35-24 in the final. It was a bitter pill to swallow for Anup Kumar and his men, who had been one of the most consistent teams in the league.

But true champions don’t dwell on defeats. The U Mumba came back roaring in Season 2, led by the ever-calm Anup Kumar. Their final against the Bengaluru Bulls was a tightly contested affair, but a moment of magic from Shabeer Bapu turned the tide.

His game-changing Super Raid ensured the U Mumba secured a 36-30 victory, giving them their maiden PKL title and erasing the pain of the previous season.

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#3 Dabang Delhi KC (PKL 7 Runners-up, PKL 8 Winners)

Dabang Delhi KC won the PKL season 8 title (Image via PKL)

Delhi fans remember Season 7 as the one that slipped away. Despite topping the league standings, the Dabang Delhi KC faltered in the final, losing 34-39 to the Bengal Warriorz. It was a tough loss for Joginder Narwal and his team, who had been relentless throughout the season.

But they didn’t let it define them. Season 8 saw the "Naveen Express" in full flow once again, guiding Delhi back to the final. This time, they held their nerves in a thrilling encounter against Patna Pirates, edging out a 37-36 win.

Naveen Kumar’s Super 10 and Vijay Malik’s heroics sealed the deal, as Delhi lifted their first-ever PKL title.

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#2 Puneri Paltan (PKL 9 Runners-up, PKL 10 Winners)

Puneri Paltan won the PKL season 10 title (Image via PKL)

The Puneri Paltan’s rise has been nothing short of inspiring. Season 9 saw them finish second in the league standings, only to lose a hard-fought final against the Jaipur Pink Panthers 33-29. The young Indian core of the Paltan was dejected but determined to come back stronger.

And stronger they came. Season 10 was all about Pune’s dominance. The team gelled perfectly, producing one stellar performance after another. The final against the Haryana Steelers was a gritty battle, but Pune emerged victorious with a 28-25 win, clinching their maiden PKL title and redeeming themselves in style.

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#1 Haryana Steelers (PKL 10 Runners-up, PKL 11 Winners)

Haryana Steelers’ journey to the PKL summit is the stuff of dreams. In Season 10, they were the ultimate underdogs, scraping into the playoffs after finishing fifth in the standings. Their improbable run to the final captured the hearts of fans, but they couldn’t overcome a strong Puneri Paltan side, losing 28-25 in a closely contested game.

Fast forward to Season 11, and the Steelers were a transformed unit. Under Manpreet Singh’s guidance, they dominated the league, finishing atop the standings. In the final, they faced a spirited Patna Pirates side, but Haryana’s defense, led by their star corner duo, was impenetrable to seal a 32-23 victory.