Two teams heading in opposite directions clash in Match 85 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12, where in-form Telugu Titans lock horns with a struggling Bengal Warriorz side. The Titans, buoyed by a five-match winning streak, aim to strengthen their playoff charge, while the Warriorz will rely once again on their superstar raider Devank, who continues to redefine PKL records.
Titans’ Twin Threats: Vijay Malik & Bharat in Red-Hot Form
The Telugu Titans have transformed into a title contender thanks to the electric partnership between captain Vijay Malik and star raider Bharat Hooda, who have contributed nearly 85% of the team’s raid points this season.
Vijay Malik vs Bharat – PKL 12 Stats:
- Raid Points: 108 vs 120
- Average Raid Points: 8.3 vs 9.2
- Raid Success Rate: 50% vs 61%
- Super 10s: 4 vs 6
Malik has combined his sharp bonus-point instincts with leadership calm, maintaining an average of nearly nine raid points per game. Meanwhile, Bharat has elevated his all-round game — his 16-point, 89% success masterclass against Haryana Steelers underlined his dominance.
Their synergy has made the Titans’ offence nearly unstoppable, with both raiders capable of switching tempo seamlessly during crunch phases.
Dhaakad Devank: On the Brink of Breaking His Own Record
For Bengal Warriorz, all roads lead to Devank. The league’s most prolific raider has amassed a staggering 220 raid points in 13 matches, averaging 16.9 per game with a 73% success rate — a level of efficiency rarely seen in PKL history.
He’s the fastest player to reach 200 raid points this season and holds the league-high 61 bonus points. Devank has scored 13 Super 10s in 13 matches, matching his own record and inching closer to Naveen Kumar’s iconic streak of 26 consecutive Super 10s.
However, Telugu Titans’ defence has historically managed to restrict him — he averages 8.5 raid points in their previous meetings, indicating that the Titans have a defensive plan that could again slow him down.
Titans’ Defence – The Backbone of Their Revival
The Titans’ turnaround story owes much to their rejuvenated defence. With 143 tackle points at a 44% success rate, they’ve found a balance between aggression and control.
Titans’ Defence in Wins vs Losses:
- Wins: 11.9 avg tackle points, 48% SR
- Losses: 9.6 avg tackle points, 38% SR
Ankit and Shubham Shinde have been particularly influential, combining for 61 tackle points. Ankit’s leap in assists — from 5 last season to 30 this year — highlights improved coordination and understanding across the backline.
Bengal Warriorz: Devank Alone Can’t Do It All
The Bengal Warriorz continue to rely heavily on Devank’s brilliance, but defensive inconsistency has cost them dearly. Their 31% tackle success rate is the lowest in PKL 12, with only Ashish showing consistent form (39 tackle points at 48% SR).
Support raiders such as Manprit and Himanshu Narwal have shown flashes of promise but haven’t been able to sustain it. Without greater defensive resistance or secondary raiding support, Bengal risk slipping further from playoff contention.
Key Head-to-Head Battles
- Devank vs Ankit: Titans’ defensive lynchpin vs PKL’s most feared raider.
- Vijay Malik & Bharat vs Ashish: A duel that could decide the match tempo.
- Telugu Titans vs Bengal Warriorz (Overall H2H): Titans 6 wins | Warriorz 14 wins | 5 draws.
Titans have, however, beaten the Warriorz in their last three encounters, including a 10-point victory earlier this season.
What to Expect
This contest offers a tactical contrast: Telugu Titans’ collective strength versus Bengal Warriorz’ dependence on one superstar. If the Titans’ defence continues its disciplined form and their raiding duo stays sharp, they could extend their unbeaten run. But underestimate Devank at your peril — his late-game heroics have flipped matches before, and he’ll be hungry to script another.
Match Details:
- Fixture: Telugu Titans vs Bengal Warriorz (Match 85, PKL Season 12)
- Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2025
- Time: 7 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi