The action continues in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 as the Telugu Titans lock horns with Gujarat Giants in Match 97 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi. The Titans, already assured of a playoff berth, currently sit third on the points table with nine wins from 16 matches. Meanwhile, Gujarat Giants are in 8th place and must keep their winning momentum alive to remain in the playoff race.
Titans Seek Double Over Giants
The last time these two sides met in Match 47, the Titans edged past the Giants by just one point. With confidence and form on their side, they will aim to complete the double and strengthen their top-four finish.
Gujarat, who have won four of their last five games, arrive in Delhi with renewed belief. Their recent comeback in the season has kept their playoff hopes alive, but the margin for error is slim.
Probable Starting 7s
Telugu Titans
- Right Corner – Shubham Shinde
- Right In – Bharat
- Right Cover – Avi Duhan
- Centre – Ashish Narwal
- Left Cover – Ajit Pawar
- Left In – Vijay Malik (C)
- Left Corner – Ankit
Gujarat Giants
- Right Corner – Lucky Sharma
- Right In – Himanshu Singh
- Right Cover – Nitin Panwar
- Centre – Rakesh (C)
- Left Cover – Rohit Nandal
- Left In – Ankit Dahiya
- Left Corner – Mohammadreza Shadloui
Raiding Duel: Bharat & Vijay Malik vs Shadloui’s Defence
Telugu Titans’ raiding department has been one of the most consistent this season. The pair of Bharat and skipper Vijay Malik has contributed a massive 84% of the team’s raid points, highlighting their importance to the side.
Bharat, especially, has been exceptional in the last five matches, crossing double digits in three of them. Malik, on the other hand, is the league’s third-best bonus point specialist (53 bonus points).
However, they will be tested by Mohammadreza Shadloui, who has rediscovered his rhythm in the second half of the season. The Iranian defender has delivered at least 4 tackle points in five of his last seven matches and boasts two High 5s against the Titans in his career.
Titans’ Defence: Backbone of Their Playoff Surge
The Titans have transformed into a defensively strong unit, averaging 11.1 tackle points per game. Their defence has crossed 10 tackle points in six of the last eight matches—crucial to their qualification.
They win more tackles in victories (48% SR) compared to losses (38%), proving how vital their defence is. Ajit Pawar also leads with 50 assists, while Shubham Shinde excels in high-pressure situations with six or more defenders on the mat.
Gujarat’s Revival – Himanshu Shines, Rakesh Struggles
Gujarat Giants’ weak spot this season has been their raiding unit—league-low 18.3 raid points per match and 42% strike rate. But in the past few games, Himanshu Singh has stepped up with three consecutive Super 10s.
Captain Rakesh has 107 raid points this season but has struggled recently, especially in second halves (only 31 second-half raid points at 36% SR). His return to form will be critical against a solid Titans defence.
Key Contest to Watch
- Bharat vs Shadloui – Head-to-head raid-tackle record sits at 10–10, making this a battle of equals.
- Vijay Malik vs Lucky Sharma & Shadloui – Malik’s bonus skill could be crucial in breaking Gujarat’s tackle rhythm.
- Himanshu Singh vs Shubham Shinde & Ajit Pawar – If Himanshu is contained early, Gujarat may struggle to score consistently.
What to Expect
Expect a thrilling contest of contrasting motivations—Titans playing with freedom after sealing playoffs, and Giants fighting for survival. The Titans’ balanced approach, with strong raiding and a disciplined defence, gives them the edge. Gujarat’s chances heavily depend on Shadloui’s defensive brilliance and Himanshu’s continued raiding form.
Match Details
- Match: Telugu Titans vs Gujarat Giants (Match 97, PKL 12)
- Date: Sunday, 19 October 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi