PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 2, Bengaluru Bulls vs Puneri Paltan

Puneri Paltan’s fierce raiding unit will clash against the dangerous corner duo of Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 12.

The Pro Kabaddi League 12 (PKL 12) is set to commence on August 29, 2025. Fans’ long wait is over as they can enjoy the Kabaddi action again. In the second match of the season, Aslam Inamdar’s Puneri Paltan will face Ankush Rathee’s Bengaluru Bulls.

Bengaluru Bulls, who had a disappointing performance last season, will aim to qualify for the playoffs this season. On the other hand, Puneri Paltan had an average season after a strong start. Puneri couldn’t replicate their first-half performance in the second half and failed to qualify for the playoffs.

Looking at the squad, a great match is definitely on the cards with both teams looking to start their season with a win. In the last season, Puneri Paltan got the better of Bengaluru Bulls both times.

However, this season, with the teams having made considerable changes from last year, the story can be different. It will be interesting to see whether the season 6 champion Bengaluru Bulls can stop the season 10 champion Puneri Paltan.

On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between Bengaluru Bulls and Puneri Paltan.

Aslam Inamdar vs Yogesh Dahiya

Pune’s captain is returning from an injury and will be looking to lead his team to the playoffs. Aslam, who is an all-rounder, will be a key player in Puneri Paltan’s run in PKL 12.

The left raider, Aslam, has played just 7 points and scored 31 raid points. However, due to injury, he couldn’t play the whole PKL 11 season and will be looking for redemption this time.

Moreover, with his all-rounder ability, he can be the x-factor for Pune, and if the Bulls want to win the match, they will need to restrict Aslam as much as possible.

On the other hand, Bengaluru Bulls, right corner, Yogesh Dahiya, can be a major threat to the Puneri Paltan raiding unit. Yogesh was the key defender for Dabang Delhi last season.

Having scored 75 tackle points last season, Yogesh will be looking to continue from where he left off. He can be a headache for the Puneri Paltan raiding unit and must be stopped by Pune if they want to win the match.

Also Read: PKL 12: Bengaluru Bulls vs Puneri Paltan prediction, possible starting 7, head-to-head & free live stream

Mohit Goyat vs Ankush Rathee

Another key raider in the Puneri Paltan side is Mohit Goyat. Mohit has been impressive since his debut and is making wonders for the Pune team. In Aslam’s absence, Mohit led the raiding department. He scored 83 raid points last season. As a right raider, Mohit will be looking to challenge Ankush Rathee (left corner).

On the other hand, Ankush Rathee will be the defender to beat this season. He scored 68 tackle points last season and will be looking to replicate the same form this season for Bengaluru Bulls.

Moreover, he is also the captain of the Bulls, and we have to see whether having an additional responsibility would affect his performance this year or not.

It will be an interesting battle for sure, and Puneri Paltan’s raiding unit has to do well to stop both the corner duos of Bengaluru Bulls.

Akash Shinde vs Gaurav Khatri

Playing against his former team, Akash Shinde would want to make Pune realize the mistake of not retaining him. The left raider will now be a part of Bengaluru Bulls and will look to perform well against his former team. Akash scored 92 raid points last season and will look for a triple-digit mark this season.

On the other hand, Akash’s former teammate, Gaurav Khatri, will be a major threat to Akash. As both played together for Pune, they will know each other’s strengths and weaknesses much better than anyone else.

In such a situation, it will be interesting to see who will emerge victorious in this battle. Gaurav was the best defender for Pune last season, having scored 61 points, and would look to perform even better this time.

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