Two in-form teams with contrasting strengths go head-to-head as Telugu Titans take on table-toppers Puneri Paltan in Match 95 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. While the Titans rely heavily on the spectacular raiding duo of Vijay Malik and Bharat, Puneri Paltan have built their success on the league’s most intimidating defensive unit.
With both teams eyeing crucial playoff positions and only a few matches left in the league stage, this contest promises intensity, calculated strategy, and nerves of steel.
Puneri Paltan – Defence Setting New Standards
Puneri Paltan arrive in Delhi full of confidence after demolishing Jaipur Pink Panthers by 24 points in their previous match. Their defence was nothing short of ruthless, collecting 20 tackle points – only the second time this season any team has done so.
- Gaurav Khatri led from the right corner with a 7-point show, taking his tally to 50 tackle points this season. He became only the third defender to achieve this milestone in PKL 12.
- Newcomer Vaibhav Rabade made an immediate impact at left cover with a High 5 on debut.
- Vishal Bhardwaj and Gurdeep have complemented Gaurav superbly, forming a defensive trio that reads the game exceptionally well.
Most Tackle Points in PKL 12:
- Nitesh Kumar – 62
- Jaideep – 54
- Gaurav Khatri – 50
No other team has been as consistent in defence as Puneri Paltan, who average 12.3 tackle points per match, comfortably the highest in the league.
Telugu Titans – Brilliant Raiders, Unsteady Defence
The Titans have been one of the surprise packages of this season, climbing to third in the standings after a shaky start. However, back-to-back defeats have exposed their biggest flaw – defensive inconsistency.
Their last match against U Mumba was a tale of two halves. The defence held firm with six tackle points in the opening period, only to collapse in the second half, managing just two. A similar drop-off against Bengal Warriorz earlier cost them valuable points.
Titans’ Performance Split:
- In wins: 11.9 tackle points (48% success rate)
- In losses: 9.9 tackle points (38% success rate)
Corners Shubham Shinde and Ankit remain vital, while covers Ajit Pawar and Avi Duhan need to provide tighter support to handle Puneri’s smart raiders.
The Vijay–Bharat Raiding Show
If Telugu Titans are still in the top three, much credit goes to captain Vijay Malik and Bharat, who have carried the scoring burden almost entirely on their shoulders.
Bharat had delivered three consecutive Super 10s before being stopped by U Mumba, while Vijay has emerged as the season’s third-best bonus point scorer.
The last time the Titans met Paltan this season, Bharat scored a Super 10 (11 raid points), but they still lost 39–33 due to Puneri’s defensive brilliance.
Puneri Paltan Raiders Rising at the Right Time
While their defence steals headlines, Paltan’s raiding trio of Aditya Shinde, Pankaj Mohite, and Aslam Inamdar has been equally impactful.
- Aditya Shinde remains their most consistent performer with 118 raid points at 64% success rate.
- Pankaj Mohite has hit form in the second half of the season, doubling his output from the first eight games.
- Captain Aslam Inamdar provides balance and maturity in pressure situations.
What to Expect Tonight?
This match is a classic clash of philosophies — attack-heavy Titans vs defence-dominant Paltan.
- If Vijay and Bharat break through early, Titans can rattle Paltan’s rhythm.
- But if Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj settle into their defensive groove, Puneri will be tough to stop.
- Defensive consistency in both halves will be the biggest challenge for the Titans.
Puneri Paltan, on a seven-match winning streak and already assured of playoff qualification, start as favourites. But the Titans, desperate to solidify their top-four place, will not go down without a fight.
Match Details
- Match: Telugu Titans vs Puneri Paltan – PKL 12, Match 95
- Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025
- Time: 8:30 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi