The Telugu Titans face their biggest challenge of the season when they meet Dabang Delhi K.C. in Match 37 of PKL Season 12 at Jaipur’s SMS Indoor Stadium on Wednesday, September 17. Delhi enters this clash as the only unbeaten team in the league, while the Titans aim to stop their perfect run and boost their playoff aspirations.
Tactical Face-Off: Ashu Malik vs Krishan Hooda
A fascinating subplot of this match is the tactical battle between Ashu Malik, Delhi’s captain and former Delhi stalwart, and Krishan Hooda, his ex-coach who now leads the Telugu Titans. Hooda transformed Delhi from strugglers into title contenders during his tenure (PKL 6–9), and Malik now has the chance to prove his mettle against his mentor.
Adding intrigue, Vijay Malik, Ashu’s former teammate, captains the Titans. Together with Bharat, he forms a dynamic raiding duo that has carried much of the Titans’ offense this season.
Dabang Delhi K.C. – The Unstoppable Force
Delhi has been in imperious form, winning all five of their opening matches, including double-digit victories in their last two games. Their perfect start is powered by Ashu Malik, who has racked up five consecutive Super 10s, averaging 15 raid points per match, just shy of league leader Devank.
The defensive stalwarts, led by Fazel Atrachali, have also returned to peak form. Fazel’s High 5 against Gujarat Giants brought him level with Surjeet Singh as the joint-holder of most High 5s in PKL history (34). Consistent performances from Saurabh Nandal and other veterans make Delhi a formidable unit in every department.
Telugu Titans – Hunting Their First Win Against Delhi
Telugu Titans have impressed this season, currently sitting 5th in the league, but their historical record against Delhi is grim. The Titans have lost 11 consecutive matches to the capital outfit since PKL 6, with their last triumph dating back to PKL 5.
Despite this, Telugu’s raiding duo of Vijay Malik and Bharat has been exceptional, combining for 122 raid points this season. Vijay Malik ranks joint-third for bonus points and thrives against full defensive lines, while Bharat has a strong track record against Delhi, boasting four Super 10s in past encounters.
Defence – Titans’ Key to an Upset
Telugu Titans’ defence has shown marked improvement compared to last season, now averaging over 10 tackle points per match. Key defenders like Ajit Pawar (14 tackle points), Ankit (14), Avi Duhan (13), and Shubham Shinde (11) have contributed significantly.
However, consistency is a concern, particularly against stronger raiders like Ashu Malik. Their efficiency with 4-5 defenders on the mat sits at a league-low 39%, making this match a true test of defensive resilience.
Head-to-Head History
- Total Matches: 20
- Dabang Delhi K.C. Wins: 11
- Telugu Titans Wins: 8
- Tied: 1
Key Player Battles
Telugu Raiders vs Delhi Defenders
- Vijay Malik: 1–3 Surjeet Singh | 11–6 Saurabh Nandal | 10–4 Fazel Atrachali
- Bharat: 4–2 Surjeet Singh | 5–2 Fazel Atrachali
Delhi Raiders vs Telugu Defenders
- Ashu Malik: 8–10 Shubham Shinde | 5–1 Ankit
- Ajinkya Pawar: 6–4 Shubham Shinde | 3–4 Ajit Pawar
Match Details
- Match: Telugu Titans vs Dabang Delhi K.C., Match 37 – PKL 12
- Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur