In Match 106 of PKL Season 12, third-placed Bengaluru Bulls host bottom-placed Gujarat Giants at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. Bengaluru’s formidable defence, led by Deepak Sankar and Yogesh, faces Mohammadreza Shadloui, while Alireza Mirzaian spearheads the Bulls’ raiding attack against a Giants’ unit desperately fighting for survival.
Probable Starting Lineups
Bengaluru Bulls
- Right Corner: Yogesh (C)
- Right In: Aashish Malik
- Right Cover: Sanjay
- Centre: Akash Shinde
- Left Cover: Satyappa Matti
- Left In: Alireza Mirzaian
- Left Corner: Deepak Sankar
Gujarat Giants
- Right Corner: Lucky Sharma
- Right In: Himanshu Singh
- Right Cover: Nitin Panwar
- Centre: Rakesh (C)
- Left Cover: Rohit Nandal
- Left In: Ankit Dahiya
- Left Corner: Mohammadreza Shadloui
Headlines
- Bengaluru Bulls’ defence faces Shadloui’s showstopping skills
- Deepak Sankar and Yogesh lead Bulls’ defensive revival
- Alireza Mirzaian continues as the Bulls’ raiding powerhouse
- Gujarat Giants rely on Himanshu Singh for raiding impact
- Bulls look to cement playoff position; Giants fight to survive
Key Match Stories
Bulls’ Defence vs Shadloui
Bengaluru Bulls have turned their season around through defensive excellence, averaging 11.4 tackle points per match this season.
Deepak Sankar’s interval-based performance highlights his strategic approach: cautious in the first 10 minutes (37% SR) and dominant thereafter (~70% SR). His recent High 5 against Bengal Warriorz underscores his pivotal role in Bengaluru’s resurgence.
Shadloui’s Performance:
- PKL 12: 37 tackle points, 2.2 avg, 45% SR
- Historically strong against Bengaluru Bulls with 2 High 5s in 9 matches
- Performs better in the second half (21 points at 48% SR)
Alireza Mirzaian – Bulls’ Raiding Supreme
Alireza continues to deliver consistently:
- Total points: 170 across 17 matches (10 avg)
- Raid success rate: 57%
- Super 10s: 11 (second only to Devank)
- Do-or-Die raids: 33 points at 70% SR
He excels in bonus and super tackle scenarios but faces a slight challenge against 4–5 defenders (32 points at 32% SR). His interval-based consistency ensures Bengaluru’s attack remains potent throughout matches.
Team Form
Bengaluru Bulls – Last 5 Matches:
- M#104 vs Bengal Warriorz – Won 54–24
- M#94 vs Dabang Delhi – Won 33–23
- M#88 vs Patna Pirates – Lost 32–32 (tiebreaker)
- M#80 vs Bengal Warriorz – Won 43–32
- M#77 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Won 47–26
Bulls have won 4 of their last 5 matches, with defensive solidity and Alireza’s raids driving their ascent to third place.
Gujarat Giants – Last 5 Matches:
- M#102 vs Haryana Steelers – Lost 32–50
- M#97 vs Telugu Titans – Lost 25–30
- M#87 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Won 42–35
- M#83 vs Patna Pirates – Won 40–32
- M#75 vs Dabang Delhi – Lost 33–39
Giants face near-elimination, dependent on a win and favourable results elsewhere. Raiding remains their weak link with lowest average raid points (18.2) and SR (43%) in PKL 12.
Himanshu Singh has been the standout performer with 4 Super 10s in 5 matches, but lack of support limits the Giants’ threat.
Key Player Battles
Bengaluru Raiders vs Gujarat Defenders:
- Akash Shinde 6–5 Shadloui
- Alireza Mirzaian 2–0 Shadloui
Gujarat Raiders vs Bengaluru Defenders:
- Rakesh 0–2 Yogesh
- Parteek Dahiya 6–6 Yogesh
- Rakesh 1–1 Deepak Sankar
The duels between Sankar vs Rakesh/Himanshu and Alireza vs Shadloui are pivotal.
Match Outlook
Expect a tactical showdown with Bengaluru Bulls’ defence likely dominating proceedings. Alireza Mirzaian’s raids should exploit Gujarat’s fragile defence, while Sankar and Yogesh limit the Giants’ attacking impact. Bulls appear poised for a commanding victory, reinforcing their playoff credentials, while Gujarat faces an uphill battle to remain in contention.
Match Details:
- Match: Bengaluru Bulls vs Gujarat Giants – Match 106, PKL Season 12
- Date: Thursday, 23rd October 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi