The stage is set at Jaipur’s SMS Indoor Stadium as Gujarat Giants lock horns with the Bengaluru Bulls in Match 45 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12. Both teams enter this contest with contrasting momentum, making it a must-watch encounter for fans of high-octane raiding and tactical defence.
While the Giants languish at the bottom of the table, searching desperately for their second win of the season, the Bulls are eager to bounce back after suffering their first defeat following a four-match winning streak. This matchup promises fireworks both on and off the mat.
Can Shadloui Rekindle His Championship Form?
Mohammadreza Shadloui, famously known as the “Showstopper,” has had a frustrating start to PKL 12. In six matches, he has managed just 6 raid points and 8 tackle points, with no High 5s—a stark contrast to his dominant form in previous seasons.
Having won back-to-back titles with Puneri Paltan (PKL 10) and Haryana Steelers (PKL 11), Shadloui is no stranger to big-match performances. Historically, he averages 4 tackle points per match against Bengaluru Bulls, which could be crucial if Gujarat wants to turn the tide.
His last taste of victory came against Tamil Thalaivas, contributing in both raiding and defence. Giants will need Shadloui to rise to the occasion again if they hope to break free from the bottom of the table.
Alireza Mirzaian: Bulls’ Emerging Star Raider
For the Bulls, Alireza Mirzaian has emerged as a dependable raider this season. With four Super 10s in the last five matches, he has consistently provided the team with momentum during crunch situations.
Mirzaian’s do-or-die raid points have been particularly impressive, ranking third in the league. He tends to start cautiously in the first 10 minutes but quickly accelerates, maintaining over 55% raid success rate in later intervals. His partnership with Ashu Malik and support from Ganesha has made Bengaluru’s raiding a formidable threat.
Gujarat Giants: Searching for Stability
The Giants’ campaign has been marred by inconsistency. Out of six games, they have secured just one victory—a 9-point win over Tamil Thalaivas—while suffering narrow losses and heavy defeats elsewhere.
Their raiding department has struggled, producing only 2 Super 10s collectively. Rakesh has been the lone bright spot with two Super 10s, but his average of 8.2 raid points per match is insufficient to carry the team alone. Defensively, Nitin Panwar has been a rock, averaging 2.8 tackle points per match with a 71% tackle success rate and four Super Tackles, highlighting his importance in this showdown.
Bengaluru Bulls: Strong Defence Meets Strategic Raiding
Bulls have shown a well-rounded performance this season, blending a sturdy defence with efficient raiding. Their defensive unit averages 10 tackle points per match, with captain Yogesh leading from the front. Cover defenders Sanjay and Satyappa Matti have provided vital support, while Deepak Sankar has stepped up admirably in Ankush’s absence.
Although they stumbled against Tamil Thalaivas, the Bulls have the tools and confidence to reclaim their momentum in this fixture.
Head-to-Head Insights
Historically, Gujarat Giants have had the upper hand, winning 8 out of 15 matches against Bengaluru Bulls, with two encounters ending in ties. Bengaluru’s last triumph over the Giants came in PKL 9, adding an extra layer of motivation for a win.
The battle between Alireza Mirzaian and Gujarat’s defensive anchors like Nitin Panwar and Shubham Kumar will likely decide the outcome. Similarly, Shadloui’s resurgence could tilt the balance in Gujarat’s favour.
Match Details
- Fixture: Gujarat Giants vs Bengaluru Bulls – Match 45, PKL Season 12
- Date: Monday, 22nd September 2025
- Time: 7:30 PM IST
- Venue: SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur