The stage is set at the SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai as Bengaluru Bulls lock horns with Tamil Thalaivas in Match 66 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12. Both sides enter the contest with identical 5–6 records, yet their journeys have been starkly different. While the Bulls are recovering from back-to-back heartbreaks in tie-breakers, the Thalaivas arrive with renewed confidence after stitching together consecutive wins.
Probable Line-Ups
Bengaluru Bulls
- Right Corner – Yogesh (C)
- Right In – Aashish Malik
- Right Cover – Sanjay
- Centre – Akash Shinde
- Left Cover – Satyappa Matti
- Left In – Alireza Mirzaian
- Left Corner – Deepak Sankar
Tamil Thalaivas
- Right Corner – Arulnathababu
- Right In – Arjun Deshwal (C)
- Right Cover – Ronak
- Centre – Rohit Beniwal
- Left Cover – Ashish
- Left In – Yogesh Yadav
- Left Corner – Nitesh Kumar
Spotlight on Arjun Deshwal: Can He Maintain His Magic?
The Thalaivas’ skipper Arjun Deshwal enters this clash in sizzling form after dismantling Haryana Steelers with a monumental 22-raid-point performance. That display not only secured a massive win but also underlined why he is among the league’s elite raiders this season. With over 118 raid points and seven Super 10s in 11 matches, Arjun is the heartbeat of Tamil Thalaivas’ attack.
But therein lies the risk – the Thalaivas’ over-dependence on him is glaring. When Arjun fires, they dominate; when he falters, the team struggles to cross the line. Against a resolute Bulls defence, the pressure on him will be immense.
Bulls’ Defence: From Fragile to Fearsome
If there is one silver lining in the Bulls’ campaign so far, it’s their defensive resurgence. Corner duo Yogesh and Deepak Sankar have been rock solid, guiding the Bulls to 10+ tackle points in three successive games. Deepak has already amassed 30 tackle points this season, while Yogesh has chipped in with 29 – making them one of the most consistent corner pairings in PKL 12.
However, the last time these two sides met, the Bulls’ defence fell flat with just 5 successful tackles, a major reason behind their six-point defeat. To turn the tide, the Bulls must bring early aggression and avoid their recurring slow starts.
Alireza Needs Backup in the Bulls’ Attack
Iranian star Alireza Mirzaian has carried Bengaluru’s raiding load almost single-handedly, tallying 89 raid points with six Super 10s. His sharpness in Do-or-Die situations (63% success rate) has been a lifeline, even though a last-minute miss against Puneri Paltan cost the Bulls dearly.
Yet, the lack of consistent support remains Bengaluru’s Achilles heel. Neither Aashish Malik nor Akash Shinde have maintained strike rates above 50%, leaving Alireza to shoulder the bulk of responsibility. Against Nitesh Kumar’s defensive brilliance, the Bulls desperately need their secondary raiders to rise to the occasion.
Nitesh Kumar: The Wall of the Thalaivas
While Arjun leads the attack, Nitesh Kumar has anchored the defence for the Thalaivas. The left corner defender has been in exceptional touch, registering 42 tackle points with four High 5s this season – the highest in the league. His consistency across different defensive situations has been the backbone of Tamil Thalaivas’ recent success.
Partnered by Ronak, who leads the league in assists, Nitesh will once again be tasked with stopping Alireza. This clash between two in-form stars could very well decide the outcome.
Head-to-Head Record
Historically, Bengaluru Bulls hold the edge with 12 wins in 17 meetings. However, recent history paints a different picture – the Thalaivas have won three of the last five, including their earlier triumph this season where Arjun Deshwal and Nitesh Kumar stole the show.
What to Expect
This is a battle of contrasts – two teams equally matched on paper but driven by very different momentums. The Thalaivas, buoyed by Arjun’s heroics and Nitesh’s defensive steel, enter as slight favourites. Yet, the Bulls’ hunger to bounce back from narrow defeats, coupled with their improving defence, makes them dangerous opponents.
If Arjun can once again outwit the Bulls’ corners, the Thalaivas may extend their winning streak. But should Alireza receive the long-awaited support from his raiding partners, Bengaluru could well script revenge in Chennai.
Expect a closely fought, high-intensity clash where individual brilliance might just tip the scales.
Match Details
- Fixture: Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas, Match 66, PKL Season 12
- Date: Sunday, 5th October 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai