Two teams with contrasting trajectories collide in Match 59 of PKL 12 as Puneri Paltan host Bengaluru Bulls. The Paltan, sitting comfortably at second position with their league-best defence, face a Bulls side that has transformed their season after a disastrous start. The battle between Puneri Paltan's seasoned raiding trio and Bengaluru Bulls' emerging young attackers promises to be a fascinating tactical encounter.

Probable Starting 7

Puneri Paltan

Right Corner – Gaurav Khatri
Right In – Aditya Shinde
Right Cover – Abinesh Nadarajan
Centre – Pankaj Mohite
Left Cover – Gurdeep
Left In – Aslam Inamdar ©
Left Corner – Vishal Bhardwaj

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

Headlines

➢ Puneri Paltan boasts the best defence in PKL 12, averaging 12 tackle points per match at a 47% success rate

➢ Aditya Shinde leads Pune's raiding unit with an exceptional 73% raid success rate

➢ Bengaluru Bulls have transformed their season with 4 wins in their last 5 matches

➢ Alireza Mirzaian has emerged as a revelation with 6 Super 10s in 10 matches

➢ Gaurav Khatri maintains an outstanding 63% tackle success rate in PKL 12

➢ A clash of the league's best defence against a resurgent attacking force

➢ Both teams are seeking to strengthen their playoff positions

Top Stories of the Match

Puneri Paltan's Defensive Fortress Against Bulls' Emerging Raiding Force

  • Puneri Paltan have established themselves as the defensive benchmark in PKL 12, boasting statistics that set them apart from every other team in the league. Their 12 tackle points per match average leads the competition, complemented by a 47% tackle success rate that reflects both quantity and quality in equal measure.
  • Puneri Paltan's defensive dominance in PKL 12: 120 tackle points in 10 matches (most by any team) | 47% tackle success rate (highest in the league) | 14 average tackle points in their 7 victories | All 4 starting defenders have recorded at least 1 High 5 this season
  • The defensive unit's importance to Puneri Paltan's success cannot be overstated. In their seven victories, they've averaged 14 tackle points at a 52% success rate, compared to just 7.3 points at 31% in their three defeats. This 6.7-point swing in tackle production directly correlates with match outcomes.
  • Gaurav Khatri has been the defensive lynchpin, recording 32 tackle points in 10 matches at an exceptional 63% success rate with 3 High 5s. His consistency has provided the foundation for Puneri Paltan's defensive excellence.
  • Gaurav Khatri's PKL 12 credentials: 32 tackle points in 10 matches at 3.2 average | Outstanding 63% tackle success rate | 3 High 5s demonstrating match-winning capability
  • Vishal Bhardwaj complements Khatri perfectly, contributing 25 tackle points at 68% success rate with 2 High 5s. His experience and reading of the game make him one of the most reliable left corners in the competition.
  • The depth of Puneri Paltan's defence extends beyond the primary duo. Gurdeep and Abinesh Nadarajan have both recorded 2 and 1 High 5s respectively, ensuring the defensive load is shared across the unit.
  • Historically, both Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj have excelled against Bengaluru Bulls. Khatri averages 4.5 tackle points per match at an remarkable 84% success rate across 6 encounters, whilst Vishal has accumulated 50 tackle points at 60% success rate in 14 matches.
  • Key historical records vs Bulls:
    Gaurav Khatri: 27 tackle points at 84% SR with 2 High 5s in 6 matches
    Vishal Bhardwaj: 50 tackle points at 60% SR with 4 High 5s in 14 matches
    Since PKL 8, Vishal vs Bulls: 22 tackle points at 71% SR
  • In the first meeting this season, Gaurav Khatri recorded a High 5, scoring 5 tackle points at 83% success rate, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion against the Bulls.
  • This formidable defensive wall now faces the challenge of containing Bengaluru Bulls' resurgent raiding trio led by the sensational Alireza Mirzaian.

Alireza Mirzaian's Emergence as Bulls' Talisman

  • Alireza Mirzaian has been a revelation for Bengaluru Bulls, transforming from a promising prospect to the team's primary offensive weapon. His statistics in PKL 12 reflect a raider operating at an elite level, consistently delivering match-winning performances.
  • Alireza Mirzaian's PKL 12 dominance: 83 raid points in 10 matches at 8.3 average | 52% raid success rate with 6 Super 10s | 5 Super 10s in his last 7 matches | Joint third-most Do-or-Die raid points (15) at 65% SR
  • Alireza's excellence extends beyond raw numbers. His ability to perform under pressure, particularly in Do-or-Die situations, makes him one of the most clutch performers in the league. His 15 raid points in these high-stakes moments rank joint third alongside Aditya Shinde, demonstrating his mental fortitude.

Most Do-or-Die raid points in PKL 12:

Ashu Malik: 20 points at 125% SR
Bharat: 16 points at 67% SR
Aditya Shinde: 15 points at 75% SR
Alireza Mirzaian: 15 points at 65% SR

  • The Iranian raider's situational awareness is reflected in his performance across different time intervals. After a relatively slower start in the opening 10 minutes (47% SR), Alireza grows into matches, peaking in the final 10 minutes with a 59% success rate.
  • Alireza's raiding by intervals in PKL 12:

1-10 minutes: 16 points at 47% SR
11-20 minutes: 18 points at 53% SR
21-30 minutes: 23 points at 49% SR
31-40 minutes: 26 points at 59% SR

  • In the Bulls' last match against UP Yoddhas, Alireza continued his Super 10 streak with 10 raid points, though the team lost in a tiebreaker. This consistency, regardless of match outcome, underscores his reliability.
  • Alireza's supporting cast has strengthened significantly with the return of Akash Shinde and the development of Aashish Malik. Together, they form a formidable raiding trio that can share the offensive burden.
  • Bulls' raiding unit in PKL 12:
    Alireza Mirzaian: 83 raid points at 8.3 average (52% SR)
    Aashish Malik: 43 raid points at 5.4 average (39% SR) in 8 matches
    Akash Shinde: 29 raid points at 4.8 average (48% SR) in 6 matches
  • Akash Shinde's return is particularly significant given his history with Puneri Paltan. Facing his former franchise in the first encounter this season, he delivered 12 raid points at 75% success rate, demonstrating his comfort level against familiar opposition.

The Battle of Contrasting Raiding Philosophies

  • Whilst Bengaluru Bulls' raiding unit is finding its rhythm, Puneri Paltan possess a seasoned trio led by the exceptional Aditya Shinde. The contrast between Pune's experience and Bulls' emerging talent adds another fascinating dimension to this encounter.
  • Aditya Shinde has been Puneri Paltan's offensive revelation in PKL 12, posting statistics that place him amongst the elite raiders in the competition. His 73% raid success rate is one of the best in the league, reflecting intelligent raiding backed by exceptional execution.
  • Aditya Shinde's PKL 12 excellence: 74 raid points in 9 matches at 8.2 average | Outstanding 73% raid success rate | 3 Super 10s and 3 super raids | Joint third-most Do-or-Die raid points (15) at 75% SR
  • Shinde's ability to excel in Do-or-Die situations mirrors Alireza's clutch performances, setting up a fascinating battle between two raiders who thrive under pressure. His 75% success rate in these situations edges Alireza's 65%, suggesting a slight advantage in the mental battle.
  • In his last outing against Bengal Warriorz, Aditya delivered his career-best performance, scoring 18 raid points at a perfect 100% success rate. This form makes him a formidable threat to even the best defences.
  • Pankaj Mohite provides the perfect complement to Shinde's brilliance. The experienced raider has delivered back-to-back Super 10s against Haryana Steelers (14 raid points at 70% SR) and Bengal Warriorz (10 raid points at 83% SR), demonstrating his ability to share the raiding responsibilities.
  • Puneri Paltan's raiding trio in PKL 12: Aditya Shinde: 74 raid points at 8.2 average (73% SR) Pankaj Mohite: 59 raid points at 5.9 average (50% SR) Aslam Inamdar: 36 raid points at 3.6 average (32% SR)
  • An interesting pattern has emerged in Pankaj Mohite's performances – he is significantly stronger in the second half than the first. His 31 second-half raid points at 54% success rate compare favourably to 28 first-half points at 45%, suggesting the Paltan may strategically deploy him more aggressively after the break.

Bulls' Defensive Resurgence

  • Whilst Puneri Paltan's defence garners the headlines, Bengaluru Bulls have quietly assembled one of the better defensive units in the league. Their 10.6 tackle points per match average places them amongst the top defensive teams, with a 43% tackle success rate reflecting solid fundamentals.
  • Bulls' defensive performance in PKL 12: 106 tackle points in 10 matches at 10.6 average | 43% tackle success rate | 12.2 average tackle points in their 5 victories (51% SR) | 9.0 average tackle points in their 5 defeats (35% SR)
  • The transformation under Yogesh's captaincy has been remarkable. In his 10 matches as captain (7 as official captain), the Bulls have recorded 5 wins, with only defeats against Tamil Thalaivas and a tiebreaker loss to UP Yoddhas.
  • Yogesh's leadership and defensive contribution: 27 tackle points in 10 matches at 2.7 average | 48% tackle success rate with 2 High 5s | 5 wins in 7 matches as official captain | Outstanding 120% tackle SR in previous match vs Gujarat Giants
  • Deepak Sankar's emergence has been crucial to the Bulls' defensive solidity. Replacing the experienced Ankush Rathee is no easy task, but Deepak has exceeded expectations with a 53% tackle success rate and 2 High 5s in 9 matches.
  • Deepak Sankar's impressive PKL 12 numbers: 27 tackle points in 9 matches at 3.0 average | Excellent 53% tackle success rate | 2 High 5s demonstrating match-winning capability
  • Together, Yogesh and Deepak form the cornerstone of the Bulls' defensive structure, supported by Sanjay in the cover position. Their ability to contain Puneri Paltan's in-form raiders will be crucial to the Bulls' chances.

Team Stories

Puneri Paltan – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

M#56 vs Bengal Warriorz – Won 49-44
M#41 vs Haryana Steelers – Lost 30-34
M#40 vs U Mumba – Won 40-22
M#32 vs Telugu Titans – Won 39-33
M#26 vs UP Yoddhas – Won 43-32

  • Puneri Paltan sit comfortably at second position in the table with 7 wins in 10 matches, establishing themselves as one of the most consistent teams in PKL 12. Their excellence has been built on the foundation of the league's best defence, complemented by an in-form raiding unit.
  • After a disappointing 4-point defeat to Haryana Steelers ended their 3-match winning streak, the Paltan responded emphatically with a 5-point victory over Bengal Warriorz. This resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks highlight their championship credentials.
  • Gaurav Khatri has led the defensive unit brilliantly, but the collective contribution from all four starting defenders – each recording at least one High 5 this season – underscores the depth of quality in the defensive department.
  • Offensively, Aditya Shinde has emerged as the lead raider, supported admirably by Pankaj Mohite's experience. Their contrasting styles – Shinde's efficiency and Mohite's second-half surges – provide tactical flexibility that few teams can match.

Bengaluru Bulls – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

M#49 vs UP Yoddhas – Lost 36(5)-36(6) in tiebreaker
M#45 vs Gujarat Giants – Won 28-24
M#36 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Lost 29-35
M#34 vs Telugu Titans – Won 34-32
M#29 vs Jaipur Pink Panthers – Won 28-23

  • Bengaluru Bulls have orchestrated one of the most impressive turnarounds in PKL 12. After losing their opening three matches, they've won 4 of their next 6, with only the Tamil Thalaivas defeat and a heartbreaking tiebreaker loss to UP Yoddhas blotting their recent record.
  • The Bulls' transformation coincides with Yogesh taking over the captaincy. His leadership has galvanised both the defensive unit and the overall team structure, creating a winning mentality that was absent in the early matches.
  • Alireza Mirzaian's emergence as a consistent match-winner has given the Bulls a reliable offensive weapon. His 6 Super 10s in 10 matches demonstrate remarkable consistency, providing the scoring punch the team lacked in their difficult start.
  • The raiding trio of Alireza, Aashish Malik, and Akash Shinde is still finding its optimal rhythm, but recent performances suggest they're developing the chemistry needed for a strong playoff push.
  • In their last match against UP Yoddhas, all three raiders contributed significantly – Alireza with 10 raid points, Akash with 5, and Aashish with 5 – showcasing the balanced attack that makes them dangerous opponents.

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 21 | Puneri Paltan – 14 | Bengaluru Bulls – 7
Since PKL 10: Matches – 5 | Puneri Paltan – 5 | Bengaluru Bulls – 0

Recent form (Last 5 meetings):

M#2 PKL 12: Puneri Paltan won 32(6)-32(5) in tiebreaker
M#110 PKL 11: Puneri Paltan won 36-22
M#16 PKL 11: Puneri Paltan won 56-18
M#109 PKL 10: Puneri Paltan won 40-31
M#33 PKL 10: Puneri Paltan won 43-18

Key Player Battles

Puneri Paltan's Raiders vs Bengaluru Bulls' Defenders

Aditya Shinde 4–0 Yogesh
Pankaj Mohite 1–2 Yogesh
Sachin 5–6 Yogesh

Bengaluru Bulls' Raiders vs Puneri Paltan's Defenders

Akash Shinde 2–2 Gaurav Khatri
Aashish Malik 1–1 Gaurav Khatri
Akash Shinde 1–0 Abinesh Nadarajan

What to Expect

  • This encounter promises to be a tactical masterclass between two teams with clearly defined strengths. Puneri Paltan's league-best defence and seasoned raiding trio face Bengaluru Bulls' emerging offensive force and improving defensive unit.
  • The key battle lies in whether the Bulls' raiders can breach what has been an impenetrable defensive wall, whilst their own defence must contain the in-form Aditya Shinde and the resurgent Pankaj Mohite. The psychological weight of the Bulls' winless streak against Puneri Paltan since PKL 10 adds another fascinating dimension.
  • Gaurav Khatri's exceptional record against the Bulls (84% tackle SR) suggests he'll be pivotal in shutting down Alireza and Akash. Conversely, Akash Shinde's emotional return against his former franchise – where he scored 12 points in the first meeting – could inspire another stellar performance.
  • The match could be decided by the supporting casts. Can Aashish Malik and Ganesha Hanamantagol provide Alireza with adequate support? Will Pankaj Mohite's second-half surge prove decisive? These questions will determine whether the Bulls can finally break their losing streak against the Paltan or if Pune's dominance continues.
  • With both teams chasing playoff positions, expect a high-intensity encounter where defensive solidity meets offensive ambition, and where small margins will determine the outcome.

Match Details

  • Match: Puneri Paltan vs Bengaluru Bulls – Match 59, PKL Season 12
  • Date: Thursday, 2nd October 2025
  • Time: 7:30 PM IST
  • Venue: SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai
  • Live Streaming: Watch live on Star Sports Network and JioHotstar. For live scores and updates, visit prokabaddi.com or download the Pro Kabaddi Official App.

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