Chennai, PKL 12: The Telugu Titans kept their winning streak alive with a thrilling 40-35 win over UP Yoddhas at the SDAT Multi Purpose Indoor Stadium on Sunday night. Powered by Bharat Hooda’s Super 10 and Shubham Shinde’s High Five, the Titans showcased grit and composure to register their fourth consecutive victory in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12.
Titans’ Big Guns Deliver Again
Bharat Hooda continued his remarkable season by scoring his 100th raid point in PKL 12, while also crossing the 700 career raid points milestone. Skipper Vijay Malik wasn’t far behind, adding nine points of his own to complete 100 raid points this season. Shubham Shinde’s defensive masterclass with a High Five proved just as crucial, while Praful Zaware’s late cameo of four points turned the tide when it mattered most.
On the other side, UP Yoddhas found a shining star in Bhavani Rajput, who delivered a career-best Super 10 with 16 points. Guman Singh chipped in with eight points, but the Yoddhas ultimately fell short despite pushing the Titans to the limit.
Neck-and-Neck in the First Half
Both sides started aggressively, with Malik striking early through a multi-point raid. Rajput responded in style, scoring five points within the opening minutes to keep the contest level. A Super Tackle by Chetan Sahu and solid defending from Shinde gave the Titans breathing room, before Hooda’s Do-or-Die raid helped build a nine-point cushion.
The Yoddhas, however, refused to go away. Rajput and Guman Singh combined to keep them within touching distance, but the Titans ended the first half leading 22-16.
Yoddhas Fight Back, Titans Hold Nerve
Rajput quickly completed his Super 10 after the restart, while Guman Singh’s impact off the bench narrowed the gap. The Yoddhas even inflicted an All Out, reducing the deficit to just three points at 30-27 with less than 10 minutes left.
But the Titans responded like champions. Shubham Shinde came up with back-to-back Super Tackles, swinging momentum back in their favor. Even as Rajput kept the scoreboard ticking for the Yoddhas, the Titans’ defense held firm under pressure.
When the game reached its closing moments, it was Praful Zaware who stepped up unexpectedly, pulling off decisive raids as the last man standing. His four points in crunch time proved match-winning, before Hooda sealed the result with a composed raid in the dying seconds.
What This Win Means
The Telugu Titans’ 40-35 victory highlights their growing confidence and balance between attack and defense. With Hooda firing consistently, Malik leading with authority, and Shinde locking down the defense, the Titans look like genuine contenders for the playoffs. For the Yoddhas, Rajput’s breakout performance was a major positive, but their inability to close out key moments cost them dearly.