The wait is finally over as the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) kicks off with a high-octane Southern Derby. In the opening clash, Telugu Titans will square off against Tamil Thalaivas in the curtain-raiser at the Vishwanadh Sports Club, Vizag.

This clash of southern rivals promises drama, intensity, and a fierce start to the season as both sides aim to make a strong statement.

Head-to-Head Record: Telugu Titans vs Tamil Thalaivas

Over the years, the two teams have faced off 16 times in PKL history:

  • Tamil Thalaivas – 9 wins

  • Telugu Titans – 6 wins

  • 1 match tied

In recent form, the Thalaivas hold the upper hand, having won 4 of the last 5 encounters. Adding extra spice, Pawan Sehrawat, who captained the Titans last season, now leads the Tamil Thalaivas against his former franchise in this season opener.

Telugu Titans Squad for PKL Season 12

The Titans have restructured their roster after a tough PKL 11 campaign, combining young talent with impactful auction signings.

  • Key Auction Buys:

    • Bharat Hooda (All-rounder) – ₹81 lakh

    • Shubham Shinde (Defender, Right Corner) – ₹80 lakh

    • Vijay Malik (All-rounder, retained via FBM) – ₹51.50 lakh

  • Retained Core:

    • Raiders: Praful Sudam Zaware, Chetan Sahu, Nitin, Rohit, Jai Bhagwan, Manjeet, Ashish Narwal

    • Defenders: Ajit Pandurang Pawar, Sagar, Ankit, Avi Duhan, Bantu, Rahul Dagar, Aman, AmirHossein Ejlali (F)

    • All-rounders: Shankar Bhimraj Gadai, Ganesh Parki (F)

The Titans will look to Manjeet, Ashish Narwal, and Vijay Malik for attacking flair, while Shubham Shinde and Ajit Pawar anchor the defence.

Tamil Thalaivas Squad for PKL Season 12

The Thalaivas, meanwhile, arrive with a well-rounded unit, retaining their young stars while adding big names at the auction.

  • Key Auction Buys:

    • Arjun Deshwal (Raider) – ₹1.405 crore

    • Pawan Sehrawat (All-rounder, Captain) – ₹59.50 lakh

  • Retained Core:

    • Raiders: Narender, Vishal Chahal, Yogesh Yadav, Abhiraj Manoj Pawar, Rohit Kumar Beniwal, Dhiraj Ravindra Bailmare

    • Defenders: Himanshu, Sagar, Nitesh Kumar, Ronak, Aashish, Anuj Kaluram Gawade, Tarun, Mohit, Alireza Khalili (F)

    • All-rounders: Moein Safaghi (F), Suresh Jadhav

The Thalaivas boast a formidable raiding unit led by Arjun Deshwal, Narender, and Pawan Sehrawat, while their defence, marshalled by Sagar and Nitesh Kumar, remains a strength.

What to Expect

  • Rivalry Factor: Thalaivas’ dominance in recent clashes will weigh on Titans’ minds.

  • Star Clash: Arjun Deshwal & Narender vs Manjeet & Ashish Narwal – a raiding battle to watch.

  • Captain’s Twist: Pawan Sehrawat faces his former side, adding an emotional edge to the contest.

  • Playoff Motivation: With the top 8 teams qualifying this season, both sides will aim to start strong.

Match Details

  • Match: Telugu Titans vs Tamil Thalaivas
  • Tournament: Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 – Match 1
  • Venue: Vishwanadh Sports Club, Visakhapatnam
  • Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
  • Time: 7:30 PM onwards
  • 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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