PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 29, Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Bengaluru Bulls

Both Jaipur and Bengaluru will look to clinch their third win in PKL 12 in the Jaipur Leg.

The second leg of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) will commence on September 12, 2025, in Jaipur. After a spectacular couple of weeks and 28 matches in Vizag, the season will now continue in the Pink City of Rajasthan.

The leg will start with the home team taking on Bengaluru Bulls this Friday. Jaipur Pink Panthers have started their season with a good rhythm, with the young side they created in the auction.

Nitin Dhankhar has almost single-handedly fulfilled the responsibilities of the raiding unit, with a little support from young Ali Samadi and Sahil Satpal. However, their defense is still under construction and may require some modifications.

On the other hand, Bengaluru Bulls are facing challenges on and off the field. Where their main raider and defender, Akash Shinde and Ankush Rathee, haven’t played in their last few matches, the team has found their combinations well set without them.

With both teams in a wonderful space, they both would want to put out a good contest on Friday and keep their momentum going. On that note, let’s take a look at the key battles to watch out for between the Jaipur Pink Panthers and Bengaluru Bulls in PKL 12.

Aashish Malik vs Nitin Rawal

Aashish Malik has taken up the role of the second raider smoothly. The raiding transformation has been brilliant for the Bulls, and the new pair are doing wonders for them. BC Ramesh would expect similar performances from this pair going forward in the league.

Malik has been able to get crucial revivals and multi-point raids when the team needs him the most. In 5 matches, he has scored 33 raid points and 2 tackle points.

On the other hand, Nitin Rawal will be getting on the mat against his former team on Friday. Rawal hasn’t been able to get his form this season. However, form is temporary, and he can make a comeback anytime.

He didn’t play in the last match, but will possibly play the next one. In Season 12, Rawal has scored only 6 tackle points in 3 games, with a success rate of just 33%.

The Jaipur Pink Panthers’ captain would definitely want to change these figures, and what better place to start than at home against the former team. If Nitin Rawal can find his rhythm in the next match, the Bulls’ raider might find it difficult to score points.

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

Alireza Mirzaian vs Reza Mirbagheri

Alireza Mirzaian has been phenomenal for Bengaluru Bulls. In the absence of Akash Shinde, Mirzaian has taken the responsibility of the main raider and has been stellar with his performance. He has scored 41 raid points in 5 matches, including three Super 10s, and a successful raid percentage of 59.42%.

Mirzaian’s last two matches have been sensational. He scored 22 points and has led his team to consecutive victories. If the Pink Panthers can succeed in restricting him, they might increase their chances of winning the contest.

Reza Mirbagheri is one of the few retentions by Jaipur Pink Panthers, and will be expected to restrict his fellow countryman. They had many expectations from him; however, he hasn’t been at his best yet.

The tournament has just started, and there is a long way ahead. The Pink Panthers would want their star defender to do well in the upcoming matches.

Mirbagheri has scored only 8 tackle points in 4 matches with a success rate of 42%. Although Reza contributes to many other tackles as well, the management would want him to lead the defence from the front.

Nitin Dhankhar vs Yogesh Dahiya

The last and most crucial battle will be between the captain of the Bulls and the most successful raider of the Pink Panthers at the moment.

Nitin Dhankhar has single-handedly taken the attack to the opponents. If Yogesh Dahiya can break Dhankhar’s rhythm early in the match, the Bulls might get a big edge for the rest of the games.

On the other hand, if Dhankhar gets into his rhythm early in the match, he will dominate the defence and can be lethal. Jaipur Pink Panthers would want that to happen. Dhankhar has scored 55 raid points this season, including 4 successive Super 10s.

Similarly, Yogesh Dahiya has also found his rhythm. He has scored 13 tackle points, including a High 5, which came in the last match. If he can continue from that, the Bulls might get their third consecutive victory on Friday.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Kabaddi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.