When Yogesh, captain of Bengaluru Bulls steered his side to a 28‑24 win over Gujarat Giants on September 22, 2025, the match marked a turning point in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (Match 45). The clash unfolded under floodlights at an undisclosed indoor arena, kicking off at 20:00 local time. A gritty, defense‑first approach saw the Bulls edge ahead in the final minutes, snapping a three‑match skid and forcing the Giants to regroup ahead of their next bout against the Telugu Titans.
Match Overview
From the first whistle, both squads treated the encounter like a chess game, trading tackles and bonus points while keeping the scoreboard tight. Bengaluru managed a marginal lead of 12‑10 after the opening raid, thanks to a timely super tackle from Deepak Sankar. The Giants answered back with a series of quick raids, but the Bulls’ back‑line, anchored by Yogesh’s six tackle points, held firm.
By halftime, the tally read 14‑13 in Bengaluru’s favour. The second half saw Akash Shinde add six raid points, the only raid contribution that pushed the Bulls past the 20‑mark. Gujarat’s Lucky Sharma recorded a rare "High 5" – five tackle points including a super tackle – yet the gap never closed enough to threaten the lead.
Key Performances
The headline was Yogesh’s defensive masterclass. Six successful tackles, two of them super, meant the Giants could never build momentum. "We stuck to the plan: defend first, raid when we see an opening," Yogesh told the post‑match interview, his voice calm despite the adrenaline rush.
On the raid front, Akash Shinde’s six points turned out to be the difference. His raid at the 28‑minute mark secured a bonus point that stretched the lead to four, a cushion the Giants could not erase. Meanwhile, Shubham Kumar of Gujarat earned two super tackles and finished with four points, showcasing why he’s considered one of the league’s rising defenders.
Rookie Rakesh crossed the 50‑raid‑point milestone for the season, adding three raid points and a tackle point of his own. Though his contribution was modest, the personal milestone underlines his growing confidence at the top level.
Tactical Battle: Defense vs. Raid
What set this match apart was the sheer emphasis on defence. Bengaluru’s coach, Mahesh Nanda, had reportedly instructed his squad to limit high‑risk raids in the first half, a strategy that paid dividends when the Giants tried to force the issue in the second half.
Gujarat, on the other hand, gambled on their raiders – notably Visvanth V, who chipped in five points (four touch points and a bonus). The gamble flattered the Bulls’ defense, which responded with a series of swift tackles that halted any surge.
Former India captain Anup Kumar, now a PKL analyst, noted, "When a team can keep the opponent under ten points for a half, they’re playing at a championship level. Bengaluru showed they can, even after three losses."
Reactions from Teams
Commentator Rohit Sharma summed up the atmosphere, "The Bangalore Bulls are back to winning ways after a little bump on the road." His words captured the collective sigh of relief felt by Bulls supporters.
Gujarat’s official match report was gracious in defeat: "Despite the result, the defensive grit of Shubham & Lucky were key takeaways from this clash." The Giants’ coach, Sanjay Singh, added, "We’ll learn from today. Our super tackles show the heart we have; now we need more points on the board."
Implications for the Season
This win nudges Bengaluru Bulls to fifth place in the league table, with seven points from eight games – a modest but vital climb. More importantly, the victory ends a three‑match losing streak that had seen them slip to the lower half of the standings.
For Gujarat Giants, the loss drops them to eighth, leaving the fight for a playoff spot precarious. Their next challenge against the Telugu Titans on September 23 will be a must‑win if they hope to stay alive.
Looking Ahead
Both teams will now focus on fine‑tuning specific areas. The Bulls are expected to emphasise a balanced raid‑defence mix, while Gujarat will likely give their raiders more freedom, hoping that the likes of Akash Shinde and Visvanth V can translate individual brilliance into team points.
Fans can mark their calendars for the next blockbuster: the Mumbai Indians versus Patna Pirates clash on September 25, a match that could reshuffle the top‑four race.
Background on PKL Season 12
Season 12 of the Pro Kabaddi League launched on August 7, 2025, featuring twelve teams across India. The league has introduced a new rule allowing a “double bonus” if a raider secures two consecutive bonus points in a single raid, a tweak that has already influenced team strategies. So far, the league averages 49.3 points per match, slightly higher than the 47.8‑point average of Season 11, reflecting a subtle shift towards more aggressive play.
As the league approaches its midway point, four teams—Bengaluru Bulls, U Mumba, Jaipur Pink Panthers, and Tamil Thalaivas—have consistently sat in the top half, while the battle for the remaining playoff spots tightens daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bengaluru Bulls' win affect their playoff chances?
The victory lifts the Bulls to fifth place with seven points, putting them within two wins of the fourth‑place spot. If they keep winning their next two matches, they’ll be strong contenders for a playoff berth.
What were the standout defensive performances?
Yogesh’s six tackles (including two super tackles) anchored Bengaluru’s defense, while Gujarat’s Shubham Kumar also logged two super tackles and a High 5 from Lucky Sharma, showcasing top‑tier defensive skill on both sides.
Who are the key raiders to watch in the upcoming matches?
Akash Shinde’s six raid points were decisive for Bengaluru, while Visvanth V’s mix of touch and bonus points keeps Gujarat’s raid department competitive. Both players are likely to be pivotal in their teams’ next fixtures.
What does the new "double bonus" rule mean for future games?
The rule rewards raiders who secure two consecutive bonus points in a single raid with an extra point. Teams are now designing set‑pieces to exploit this, potentially raising overall scoring averages as the season progresses.
When does Gujarat Giants face the Telugu Titans?
The Giants are scheduled to meet the Telugu Titans on September 23, 2025, at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad. A win will be crucial to keep their playoff hopes alive.
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