PKL 12: Key player battles to watch out for in Match 45, Gujarat Giants vs Bengaluru Bulls

Gujarat Giants will be looking to break their losing streak in PKL 12.

Gujarat Giants have had a terrible start to the Pro Kabaddi League season 12 (PKL 12), with five losses, three of which have come in a row. The Giants haven’t been able to thrive under Mohammadreza Shadloui’s leadership and have been struggling throughout this season.

Shadloui’s Giants will face BC Ramesh’s Bengaluru Bulls in their upcoming match on Monday, September 22, 2025. Bengaluru Bulls have been in spectacular form with all departments clicking together to clinch four consecutive wins. However, they lost their previous match against Tamil Thalaivas and will be eyeing a comeback against the Giants.

The Giants have struggled in all departments. None of their raiders, other than Rakesh, has made any notable contribution this season. Similarly, none of their defenders have really made any big contributions. The defence has looked scattered and hasn’t been able to play as a unit to create any pressure on their opponent’s raiders.

Bengaluru Bulls will be ready for this contest as their raiders, such as Alireza Mirzaian and Ganesha, have been in good rhythm. They must be looking to take advantage of the out-of-form Gujarat Giants’ defence. Meanwhile, their defenders must be planning to restrict Rakesh.

On that note, here are the three key player battles that will definitely make an impact in this PKL 12 match.

Himanshu Singh vs Deepak Sankar

Himanshu SIngh hasn’t been a regular part of the Starting 7 of Gujarat Giants. However, in the last couple of matches, Singh has played decently whenever he was given the chance. He might start the match for the Giants against the Bulls, and his contribution is going to be crucial for the Giants.

Singh scored a crucial 6 points in their previous match, which took his team closer to a rare win this season. If he can continue that rhythm and support Rakesh against the Bulls, they will have the capability of putting the young Bengaluru Bulls’ defence under pressure.

On the other hand, Deepak Sankar will be aiming for another good match. Sankar has been splendid for the Bulls on the left corner. He has played remarkably well considering this is his debut season. Sankar has scored 20 tackle points in 7 matches, including 2 High 5s.

If Sankar continues to pull out good combination tackles with Yogesh on the other corner, they might make a massive impact in this game.

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

Rakesh vs Yogesh Dahiya

Rakesh has been phenomenal for the Giants this season. Unfortunately, he hasn’t received any support from his teammates until now. He has scored 49 raid points in 6 matches, including 2 Super 10s. Rakesh has to once again take the responsibility and lead the raiding unit against the Bulls. If he also fails to deliver, the Giants will be in massive trouble.

On the other hand, Bengaluru Bulls’ captain, Yogesh Dahiya, will be aiming to restrict Rakesh with aggressive defending. If Dahiya can dominate Rakesh on the right corner and stop him from getting bonus points, he might get him restless, which can result in keeping him under pressure.

Dahiya has also had a good season and has scored 19 tackle points, including a High 5.

Alireza Mirzaian vs Mohammadreza Shadloui

The battle of the Iranians is going to be the battle to watch out for. Alireza Mirzaian has been a game-changer for the Bulls. He has become the main raider for the Bulls this season and has delivered remarkably. Mirzaian has scored 70 raid points in 8 matches, including 5 Super 10s. If he can bring out another good performance, he can take his team into a dominant position.

For the Giants, Mohammadreza Shadloui will have to take the responsibility. However, with responsibility, he will have to balance his freestyle kabaddi, which he used to play in the past few years. He has been totally off-form this season. Shadloui has scored just 8 tackles and 6 raid points in 6 matches, with no High 5s yet.

If Gujarat Giants want to roar back, Shadloui has to get back his rhythm and take the defence with him. If Shadloui and the other defenders can restrict Mirzaian, they might open a narrow space for a comeback in their upcoming clash.

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