The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 rolls into Jaipur with a fascinating clash as the Gujarat Giants face off against the Telugu Titans in Match 47. Both sides arrive with very different ambitions—Gujarat searching for their second win of the season and the Titans aiming to solidify their playoff charge.
The spotlight, however, will be firmly on Iranian legend Mohammadreza Shadloui, who steps onto the mat for his 100th PKL appearance. For a player of his stature, this milestone should have been a celebration, but it comes amid his most difficult season yet.
Shadloui’s Struggles Under the Spotlight
Once regarded as the most feared defender in PKL, Shadloui has endured a nightmare start to Season 12. With just 9 tackle points in seven matches and a success rate under 30%, his numbers are the lowest of his career. The additional responsibility of captaincy appears to be weighing heavily, restricting his natural aggressive style of play.
Interestingly, the Giants’ fortunes dip sharply when he spends extended time off the court. As captain, Shadloui has managed just one win in seven games—a worrying statistic for both player and team. Yet, against the Titans, history is on his side. Shadloui averages 3.4 tackle points at a 55% success rate against them, and his head-to-head records with Vijay Malik and Bharat suggest this could be the perfect stage for revival.
Titans Lean on Their Dynamic Duo
If Gujarat’s problems lie in defence, the Titans have no such issues in attack. Their twin strike force—Bharat and captain Vijay Malik—has been consistently reliable. Both average over eight raid points per match, combining tactical awareness with brute strength.
- Bharat thrives against full defensive lines, boasting an 80% strike rate in such situations. His track record against the Giants is impressive, with 75 points in 8 games and four Super 10s.
- Vijay Malik, meanwhile, has emerged as one of PKL 12’s bonus kings, ranking among the top three in bonus point collection. His sharp game-reading allows him to dictate tempo, particularly when six or seven defenders are in play.
Their recent 14-point victory over Tamil Thalaivas showcased what happens when both raiders fire in unison—a warning sign for the struggling Gujarat defence.
Gujarat Giants: Searching for Identity
The Giants’ season so far has been a story of narrow defeats and squandered chances. Six losses in seven matches, including heartbreakers in golden raids, have left them rooted to the bottom of the table.
Their defence has blown hot and cold—solid against the Bulls, dismal against Delhi. While Nitin Panwar has been a standout with a 65% tackle success rate and four super tackles, he has lacked consistent support. Lucky Sharma and Shubham Kumar have shown flashes, but the cohesion needed to stop top-class raiders is missing.
In attack, the Giants have struggled even more. With the lowest raid success rate in PKL 12 (39%), they are overly reliant on Rakesh, who averages 7.4 raid points. Support raiders like Parteek Dahiya and Himanshu Singh haven’t provided enough backup, leaving the team vulnerable whenever Rakesh is contained.
Titans’ Defence: A Key Factor
The Titans’ defence has mirrored their season—solid in wins, leaky in losses. In victories, they average 12.3 tackle points at nearly 50% efficiency, but those numbers drop significantly in defeats. Players like Ajit Pawar and Ankit have been reliable, while Shubham Shinde’s inconsistent form has often put them under pressure.
Against Gujarat’s limited raiding options, this could be the perfect opportunity for the Titans’ defenders to reassert control.
Head-to-Head Edge Favors Gujarat
Historically, Gujarat Giants dominate this rivalry with 10 wins from 12 matches. But the Titans broke that trend in PKL 11, proving they can take down the Giants. With Gujarat in disarray, this might be the Titans’ best chance to level the scales.
For Gujarat Giants, this is a fight for pride and survival—their season risks collapsing beyond repair if they cannot find consistency. For the Titans, victory would mean consolidating their playoff push while sending a statement to rivals.
And then there’s Shadloui. His 100th match could either mark a defiant comeback or further highlight a decline no one saw coming.
Match Details
- Match: Gujarat Giants vs Telugu Titans – Match 47, PKL Season 12
- Date: Tuesday, 23rd September 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur