Telugu Titans host Bengaluru Bulls in a critical Southern Derby

Following their defeat last night against U.P. Yoddha, Telugu Titans face another stern test against current Zone B leaders Bengaluru Bulls at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Vizag on Wednesday. A victory for the visitors will see them go 13 points clear at the top of the zone standings, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the Playoffs.

The two teams last met in Bengaluru Bulls’ home leg where Telugu Titans succumbed to a 34-26 defeat.

Match 109 (Zone B): Telugu Titans vs. Bengaluru Bulls

Head-to-head: Bengaluru Bulls 7-3 Telugu Titans. 3 ties.

Form Guide:

Stats from the last five matches –

Average Points Scored – 29.4

Average Points Conceded – 29.4

Best Raider- Rahul Chaudhari

Best Defender – Abozar Mohajermighani

Stats from the last five matches –

Average Points Scored – 34.2

Average Points Conceded – 32.8

Best Raider – Rohit Kumar

Best Defender – Amit Sheoran

The big battle

Vishal Bhardwaj vs. Rohit Kumar

Vishal Bhardwaj’s stellar campaign sees him just two points shy of a second straight campaign with 50 tackle points. The responsibility of captaincy has only improved Bhardwaj’s game, evident from the rise in his average tackle points from 3.23 last season to 3.69 this campaign. In his last outing against Bengaluru Bulls, Bhardwaj managed six tackle points in just eight attempts, as his team fell just short of beating their Zone B rivals.

Bengaluru Bulls captain Rohit Kumar has been in inspired form since Bengaluru Bulls’ home leg and has scored 68 points in seven games at an average of 9.71. Kumar’s form and leadership have helped his team hold the top spot in Zone B and, another couple of wins in their upcoming matches will most likely secure their place in the Playoffs. Against Telugu Titans, Kumar has scored 51 raid points in six matches at an average of 8.50 points per match and Bengaluru Bulls will be hopeful of another big performance from their captain in the upcoming Southern Derby.

Both captains have led their team by example this campaign and the duel between these two stalwarts will take centre stage when the two teams collide in Vizag.  

Key Khiladi -

Abozar Mohajermighani – Telugu Titans

With eight tackle points in his last two matches, Abozar Mohajermighani is well and truly back to his very best in Telugu Titans’ home leg. Bengaluru Bulls boast of three outstanding raiders in Rohit Kumar, Kashiling Adake and Pawan Kumar Sehrawat and hence, Mighani’s performance on the night against Bengaluru Bulls’ potent raiding trio will be a huge factor in Telugu Titans’ quest for a third victory at home.

Pawan Kumar Sehrawat – Bengaluru Bulls

Pawan Kumar Sehrawat has been magnificent in Season 6 for Bengaluru Bulls and currently ranks third in the list of Best Raiders this campaign. The raider let skipper Rohit Kumar take the lead during his team’s home leg but, given his form and numbers this campaign, Sehrawat will be raring to take the mat by storm in Vizag and score his ninth Super 10 of the season in a crucial Southern Derby.