PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 13, Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Telugu Titans

Telugu Titans are still looking for their first win of Season 12.

The home team, Telugu Titans, are yet to register their first win of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12). They will play their next match against the young and emerging team, Jaipur Pink Panthers, on Thursday, September 4, 2025.

On the one hand, where the Telugu Titans have failed to find a win, the Jaipur Pink Panthers defeated the three-time champions, Patna Pirates, in their first match of the season. The newly built team found a good rhythm and had some really spectacular performances from their new buys, like Nitin Dhankhar and Ali Samadi.

Although many considered the Pink Panthers as underdogs this season, they established their presence early in the season.

Vijay Malik’s Titans have not been able to capitalize on the moments they have had during their matches and have failed to build momentum. Either their defence gives away points with unsuccessful tackles, or their raiders fail to bring touch points.

Someone will have to take responsibility in both departments if they want to find their way into the tournament quickly. On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between the Jaipur Pink Panthers and Telugu Titans in PKL 12.

Bharat Hooda vs Reza Mirbagheri

Bharat Hooda has had a mixed couple of matches. In the first match of the season, Hooda had a nice outing and scored 9 touch and 2 tackle points.

However, he had a disappointing second match, where he only scored 2 touch and a tackle point. Hooda will have to play with more responsibility if Telugu Titans need to win.

It won’t be easy for Hooda as the Jaipur Pink Panthers‘ defence had a good outing with some great defence combinations. Reza Mirbagheri is one of the most crucial links in the Pink Panthers’ defence.

He had a great start to the season, as he didn’t seem under pressure and played with freedom and clarity about his role. Mirbagheri scored 3 tackle points in the season opener, and if he gets going against the Titans, Vijay Malik’s Titans might have a tough time.

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

Nitin Dhankhar vs Shubham Shinde

Nitin Dhankhar scored a stellar Super 10 in the season opener against Patna Pirates. Dhankhar is playing his first season as the main raider and has done a commendable job with all his responsibilities. He scored 13 points against Patna.

Telugu Titans haven’t had a good time with their defence till now. However, they can defend better. In the upcoming encounter, Shubham Shinde will have the major responsibility of leading the team’s defence and achieving better results.

Shinde has scored 6 tackle points in two matches, including a High 5. If he can put together a good show with his fellow defenders, he might take the team towards their first win.

Nitin Rawal vs Vijay Malik

The battle of the captains is once again going to be the crucial one. Vijay Malik will have a major responsibility to score points in the raid, especially.

Telugu Titans’ raiding depends on how Vijay Malik performs, as Ashish Narwal and Bharat Hooda didn’t have the best of starts yet. Malik has scored 19 raid points in two matches.

On the other side, Jaipur Pink Panthers’ captain, Nitin Rawal, had a quiet start to the season. He only earned a tackle point in the first match, but they played splendidly as a defensive unit, which led to their victory.

Although Rawal didn’t have a stunning start, he will be the crucial factor in the next match, as his performance will elevate the team’s performance to a whole other level.

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