PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 1, Telugu Titans vs Tamil Thalaivas

PKL 12 will kick off with the clash of the Southern derby.

Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) will commence tomorrow, August 29, 2025. Following a highly successful season, the league returns with new and exciting rules and revamped team lineups to deliver another thrilling season of kabaddi.

The first leg of PKL 12 will be played in Vizag. The first match of the season will be played between two heavyweights of South India, Tamil Thalaivas and Telugu Titans.

Both teams have included new players in their lineups and ensured to create a balanced side. On one hand, where Tamil Tahalivas have recruited a stunning raiding department, the Titans have managed to rope in some class defenders in their lineup.

Both teams have match winners on their side. It will be interesting to see how the highly skilled players have gelled together in the training camps and how they synergise to kick off the new season. On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between Telugu Titans and Tamil Thalaivas.

Bharat Hooda vs Sagar Rathee

Bharat Hooda is a stellar all-rounder who has consistently made his mark in the Pro Kabaddi. Hooda has been delivering steadily since his debut in Season 8 and is a fresh addition to the Titans.

He was a strong pillar to the UP Yoddhas in the previous season and provided a much-needed balance to the side. Telugu Titans would be expecting a similar role from him in Season 12. The all-rounder has scored 599 raid points, including 28 Super 10s and 37 tackle points in 87 matches.

On the other side of the mat, Sagar Rathee will be providing challenges to Hooda. Rathee was named captain of the Thalaivas in PKL 11; however, due to an injury in the first match of Season 11, he missed the whole season.

PKL 12 will be a comeback season for Rathee, and the experienced defender will look to make it count. Rathee has vast experience in the PKL. He is also a consistent performer who has given efficient results to the team.

In his 71-match career, he has scored 226 tackle points, including 20 High 5s. The Thalaivas will hope that Rathee remains available this season and leads the defence by example.

Also Read: PKL 12: Telugu Titans vs Tamil Thalaivas prediction, possible starting 7, head-to-head & free live stream

Arjun Deshwal vs Shubham Shinde

This is going to be another battle between the experienced campaigners. Arjun Deshwal and Shubham Shinde both have much experience.

On one hand, Arjun Deshwal has been one of the best raiders in the last few years. He has delivered unstoppably for his previous franchise, and the Thalaivas would love him to keep contributing.

Deshwal has been in the Top 3 raiders for the last 4 seasons. He has scored 1174 raid points in his PKL career, including 63 Super 10s. Shubham Shinde has proved his dominance in defence over the last few seasons.

As Arjun Deshwal attacks from the left corner more naturally, Shinde might be effective with his dashes from the right corner to keep Deshwal in check. Although the Thalaivas have an army of raiders, keeping Deshwal content might be the key to asserting pressure on them.

In his PKL career of 106 matches, Shinde has scored 207 tackle points, including 9 High 5s. He will have a huge role in the Titans’ defence structure this year.

Pawan Sehrawat vs Vijay Malik

The battle of the captains. Pawan Sehrawat led the Titans for the last couple of seasons, and now he will be kicking off the season against them.

Sehrawat’s fitness has been an issue lately, and it gave Vijay Malik a golden opportunity in the last season, which he grabbed with both hands. Malik led the team spectacularly and has been rewarded this year with the permanent captaincy.

It will be exciting to see these two all-rounders playing against each other. Both these players will play a vital role in the clash of the Southern Derbies on Friday.

Hi-Flyer Sehrawat has 1318 raid points, including 70 Super 10s and 70 tackle points, including 2 High 5s, and numerous records in his PKL career. He will aim for the record of the most raid points in the next couple of seasons. However, everyone’s eyes will be on the fitness of this legendary player.

On the other hand, Malik has 581 raid points, including 18 Super 10s, and 92 tackle points, including a High 5. In the last season, he displayed some excellent skills in all departments, which gave management confidence in him. They will be expecting similar efforts from his side, with better results, preferably.

The first battle of Season 12 is looking to be a blockbuster opener of the season. Keep your eyes on these battles, as these players might be the ones to decide the fate of the match number one of the season.

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