PKL Season 12 Match 65 Preview: UP Yoddhas vs Telugu Titans – Yoddhas Seek Double Over In-Form Titans

UP Yoddhas face Telugu Titans in Match 65 of PKL 12 at the SMS Indoor Stadium, Jaipur. The Yoddhas, struggling with back-to-back losses, aim to complete a double over the Titans, who arrive in red-hot form with three consecutive victories.

Probable Starting 7

UP Yoddhas

• Right Corner – Hitesh
• Right In – Bhavani Rajput
• Right Cover – Ashu Singh
• Centre – Shivam Chaudhary
• Left Cover – Mahender Singh
• Left In – Gagan Gowda
• Left Corner – Sumit (C)

Telugu Titans

• Right Corner – Shubham Shinde
• Right In – Bharat
• Right Cover – Avi Duhan
• Centre – Chetan Sahu
• Left Cover – Ajit Pawar
• Left In – Vijay Malik (C)
• Left Corner – Ankit

Headlines

➢ In-form Telugu Titans looking to make it 4 wins in a row ➢ Struggling UP Yoddhas looking to turn fortunes by completing double over Titans ➢ Gagan Gowda – the Badshah among Yoddhas ➢ Rampaging duo of Telugu Titans – Vijay Malik and Bharat Hooda ➢ Yoddhas defence looking up to Sumit for inspiration ➢ Titans' improved defence supporting their raiders

Top Stories of the Match

In-Form Titans Raiding Duo Ready for Round 2 v Yoddhas

The Telugu Titans' raiding unit continues to fire on all cylinders, led by the formidable partnership of skipper Vijay Malik and Bharat Hooda. Both raiders have been instrumental in the Titans' recent surge, with their combined output accounting for 83% of the team's total raid points.

Vijay Malik has been exceptional in PKL 12, averaging 8.4 raid points per match at 50% strike rate, with four Super 10s in 11 matches. His contribution of 42% to the team's total raid points underlines his importance to the Titans' cause.

Bharat Hooda complements his captain brilliantly, averaging 8.2 raid points at an impressive 56% strike rate, also with four Super 10s. What makes Bharat particularly dangerous is his mastery in Do or Die situations – he boasts the third-best raid strike rate (67%) in DOD situations in PKL 12, amongst raiders with a minimum of 15 raids.

His improvement in pressure situations from last season has been remarkable. In PKL 11, Bharat managed just 8 raid points from 19 DOD raids at 42% strike rate. This season, he's scored 16 points from 24 raids at 67% – a dramatic transformation that makes him lethal in crunch moments.

The duo's tactical distribution across halves has been crucial to closing out matches. In their last five games, Vijay Malik has dominated the first half with 23 raid points from 43 raids at 53% strike rate, whilst Bharat has been devastating in the second half, scoring 21 points from 35 raids at 60%.

Against UP Yoddhas, Vijay Malik holds an excellent record, having scored 37 raid points in three matches since PKL 11 at 64% strike rate, including two Super 10s. In the reverse fixture earlier this season, he registered 14 points (13 raid points and 1 tackle point).

Yoddhas in Search of Inspiration from Sumit

UP Yoddhas find themselves in troubled waters, having lost three of their last five matches, including back-to-back defeats. Their struggles extend across both departments – they possess the second-lowest average raid points (20.8) and the third-lowest tackle strike rate (38%) in PKL 12.

Amidst this turmoil, captain Sumit has emerged as the lone beacon of consistency, leading from the front with his defensive exploits. The veteran defender has accumulated 33 tackle points in 10 matches at 59% tackle strike rate, with three High 5s to his name.

Sumit's performances have been remarkably consistent, barring a rare off-day in the last match. In four of his last five outings, he's maintained a tackle strike rate exceeding 80%, showcasing his ability to deliver under pressure.

His prowess in Do or Die situations has been particularly noteworthy – Sumit leads all defenders in PKL 12 with 14 tackle points from 21 DOD tackles at 67% strike rate. This ability to deliver in clutch moments could prove crucial against the rampaging Titans duo.

Sumit's preferred techniques this season – ankle hold (8 skill points), thigh hold (7) and block (7) – align perfectly with the vulnerabilities of the Titans raiders. Vijay Malik has been dismissed six times each via ankle hold and thigh hold this season, whilst Bharat has fallen 14 times to ankle holds.

In the reverse fixture against Telugu Titans, Sumit produced his best performance of PKL 12, scoring 8 tackle points from 10 tackles at 80% strike rate. He dismissed both Bharat and Vijay Malik twice in that encounter, demonstrating his ability to neutralise the Titans' primary weapons.

Gagan Gowda – The Lone Raider for Yoddhas

Gagan Gowda has shouldered an enormous burden for UP Yoddhas this season, single-handedly keeping their raiding unit afloat. His dominance is staggering – he's contributed 49% of the team's total raid points, scoring 100 points at 10.0 average with 71% strike rate.

The gulf between Gagan and his supporting cast is alarming. He's already crossed the century mark, whilst the second-highest raid points scorer for Yoddhas, Bhavani Rajput, hasn't even reached 50 points (43 points at 39% strike rate).

Gagan's consistency places him amongst the elite raiders of PKL 12. His 71% raid strike rate ranks second-best amongst all raiders with a minimum of 75 raid points, trailing only Devank (75%). Last season too, he maintained an impressive 70% strike rate.

His proficiency in collecting bonus points has been exceptional – Gagan leads all raiders in PKL 12 with 50 bonus points, narrowly ahead of Devank (49) and comfortably clear of Vijay Malik (37).

What sets Gagan apart is his ability to maintain high efficiency across all intervals of the match. His strike rates by phase demonstrate remarkable consistency: 59% (1-10 mins), 70% (11-20 mins), 53% (21-30 mins), and an extraordinary 100% (31-40 mins).

His 100% strike rate in the final interval is the best amongst all raiders in PKL 12 (minimum 25 raids), showcasing his ability to finish matches strongly when others tire.

Against Telugu Titans, Gagan has been particularly effective, scoring 36 raid points in three matches since PKL 10 at 103% strike rate, with two Super 10s. In the reverse fixture, he registered 14 raid points – his second-best performance in PKL 12.

Titans' Improved Defence Supporting the Raiders

Telugu Titans' defensive unit has undergone a remarkable transformation this season, providing crucial support to their star raiders. In their last five matches, they've scored 10+ tackle points in three encounters, with tackle strike rates exceeding 45% in four of those games.

The improvement is evident in their PKL 12 statistics. All four starting defenders boast tackle strike rates above 45% – a significant upgrade from PKL 11, where none of their defenders achieved this benchmark.

Ankit has emerged as the leader of this defensive revival, accumulating 27 tackle points at 2.5 average with 47% strike rate in 11 matches. His evolution from last season has been striking, particularly in his assist game – he's recorded 29 assists this season compared to just 5 in PKL 11.

Ankit's recent form has been exceptional, with tackle strike rates exceeding 55% in each of his last three matches. His performances in these encounters highlight his consistency:

• vs Patna Pirates: 4 tackle points at 57% strike rate
• vs Gujarat Giants: 3 tackle points at 75% strike rate
• vs Tamil Thalaivas: 4 tackle points at 57% strike rate

His ability to perform in the closing stages of matches makes him particularly valuable. Ankit has scored 10 tackle points at 63% strike rate in the 31-40 minute interval – the phase where Gagan Gowda has been most dominant for the Yoddhas.

Shubham Shinde (23 tackle points, 45% strike rate), Ajit Pawar (21 tackle points, 46% strike rate), and Avi Duhan (17 tackle points, 50% strike rate) complete a well-balanced defensive quartet that has provided stability to the Titans' campaign.

Team Stories

UP Yoddhas – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

• M#61 vs Dabang Delhi – Lost 26–43
• M#53 vs Gujarat Giants – Lost 27–33
• M#49 vs Bengaluru Bulls – Won 36–36 (tie-breaker 6–5)
• M#46 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Won 39–22
• M#35 vs Bengal Warriorz – Lost 37–41

UP Yoddhas find themselves in a precarious position, occupying 9th place with 4 wins in 10 matches. The back-to-back defeats to Gujarat Giants and Dabang Delhi have derailed their momentum at a crucial juncture.

The Yoddhas possess two standout performers in Gagan Gowda and captain Sumit, both delivering consistently in their respective departments. However, the lack of support for Gagan in raiding and the overall defensive struggles have severely hampered their progress.

They'll take confidence from their victory over Telugu Titans earlier in the season, where both their star performers excelled. Completing a double over the high-flying Titans could provide the catalyst needed to revive their campaign.

UP Yoddhas' Raiding – Gagan Gowda's One-Man Show

The over-dependence on Gagan Gowda has become a critical concern for UP Yoddhas. Whilst his individual brilliance has kept them competitive, the absence of a reliable second raiding option leaves them vulnerable.

Current raiding statistics:

• Gagan Gowda: 100 raid points (10.0 average, 71% SR, 5 Super 10s)
• Bhavani Rajput: 43 raid points (4.3 average, 39% SR, 1 Super 10)
• Guman Singh: 28 raid points (3.5 average, 42% SR)

The stark contrast between Gagan's output and his teammates' contributions highlights the problem. When Gagan faces additional defensive pressure or has an off day, the Yoddhas' entire raiding structure collapses.

Against Telugu Titans, this balance becomes even more crucial. The Titans' improved defence, led by Ankit's form in the closing stages, could potentially neutralise Gagan's late-game dominance – the phase where he's been most effective.

Telugu Titans – PKL 12 So Far

Recent Results:

• M#55 vs Patna Pirates – Won 37–28
• M#47 vs Gujarat Giants – Won 30–29
• M#42 vs Tamil Thalaivas – Won 43–29
• M#37 vs Dabang Delhi – Lost 29–33
• M#34 vs Bengaluru Bulls – Lost 32–34

Telugu Titans are enjoying their best run of the season, sitting in 3rd position with 6 wins in 11 matches. Their current three-match winning streak has propelled them firmly into playoff contention.

The Titans' success stems from the perfect synergy between their raiding duo and defensive unit. Vijay Malik and Bharat Hooda have carried the attacking burden brilliantly, whilst the defence has stepped up when required.

Their next challenge is revenge against UP Yoddhas, who defeated them 40-35 in the reverse fixture. Extending their winning streak to four matches would send a strong message to their playoff rivals.

Telugu Titans' Defence – From Weakness to Strength

The transformation of Telugu Titans' defence represents one of the season's most significant improvements. Last season's defensive frailties, where no defender achieved 45% tackle strike rate, have been comprehensively addressed.

PKL 12 defensive statistics:

• Ankit: 27 tackle points (2.5 average, 47% SR, 1 High 5, 29 assists)
• Shubham Shinde: 23 tackle points (2.1 average, 45% SR, 27 assists)
• Ajit Pawar: 21 tackle points (1.9 average, 46% SR, 1 High 5, 30 assists)
• Avi Duhan: 17 tackle points (1.7 average, 50% SR, 23 assists)

The assist numbers reveal another crucial aspect of their improvement – better coordination and support play. Ankit's leap from 5 assists in PKL 11 to 29 this season exemplifies the enhanced teamwork.

In their last five matches, the defence has been particularly impressive, recording tackle strike rates of 45% or higher in four games. This consistency has allowed their raiders to take calculated risks, knowing the defence can bail them out if needed.

Against UP Yoddhas' Gagan Gowda-dependent raiding, the Titans' balanced defensive unit could prove decisive. If they can contain Gagan whilst limiting support from Bhavani Rajput and Guman Singh, victory becomes highly probable.

Head-to-Head in PKL

Overall: Matches – 17 | UP Yoddhas – 12 | Telugu Titans – 3 | Tied – 2

The head-to-head record overwhelmingly favours UP Yoddhas, who have dominated this fixture historically. Since PKL 9, the Yoddhas maintain a commanding 6-1 record, winning four of the last five encounters.

Recent Form (Last 5 meetings):

• PKL 12 M#3: Yoddhas won 40–35
• PKL 11 M#91: Yoddhas won 36–33
• PKL 11 M#53: Yoddhas won 40–34
• PKL 10 M#81: Titans won 49–32
• PKL 10 M#15: Yoddhas won 48–33

Key Player Battles

UP Yoddhas' Raiders vs Telugu Titans' Defenders

• Gagan Gowda 4–0 Ankit
• Gagan Gowda 3–1 Shubham Shinde
• Gagan Gowda 2–0 Ajit Pawar
• Bhavani Rajput 5–0 Shubham Shinde
• Guman Singh 8–5 Ajit Pawar
• Guman Singh 4–4 Shubham Shinde

Telugu Titans' Raiders vs UP Yoddhas' Defenders

• Vijay Malik 11–2 Sumit
• Vijay Malik 7–2 Hitesh
• Bharat 6–1 Sumit

What to Expect

This encounter presents a fascinating contrast in current form and momentum. Telugu Titans arrive brimming with confidence after three consecutive victories, their raiding duo firing in unison and defence providing reliable support. UP Yoddhas, conversely, are desperately seeking answers to arrest their slide, heavily reliant on individual brilliance from Gagan Gowda and Sumit.

The pivotal battle will unfold between Gagan's exceptional raiding and the Titans' improved defensive unit, particularly Ankit's ability to perform in the closing stages. Conversely, Sumit's proven record against the Titans raiders – especially his 8-tackle-point masterclass in the reverse fixture – could neutralise Vijay Malik and Bharat's threat.

The key question centres on supporting cast contributions. Can Bhavani Rajput or Guman Singh provide adequate raiding support for Gagan? Will the Yoddhas' defence beyond Sumit step up? For the Titans, maintaining their balanced approach across all departments will be crucial.

Historical dominance favours the Yoddhas, but current form firmly supports the Titans. Expect a closely contested affair where small margins and individual brilliance could prove decisive, with both teams aware that consistency will determine their playoff destinies.

Match Details

• Match: UP Yoddhas vs Telugu Titans – Match 65, PKL Season 12
• Date: Sunday, 5th 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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