In PKL 2025 Match 42, Tamil Thalaivas will face off against Telugu Titans on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 9:00 PM IST at the Sawai Mansingh Indoor Stadium in Jaipur. This encounter is set to be a thrilling showdown, especially after their gripping opening match this season where Tamil Thalaivas edged out Telugu Titans with a narrow 38-35 victory. The Titans will now be looking for revenge as they come into this match with a fresh mindset, determined to turn their recent form around.
Tamil Thalaivas vs Telugu Titans Head-to-Head
The head-to-head record between these two Southern rivals has seen Tamil Thalaivas generally have the upper hand. Out of the 17 encounters between the teams, Tamil Thalaivas have won 10 while Telugu Titans have secured 6 victories, with 1 match ending in a tie.
Head-to-Head Summary:
- Matches Played: 17
- Tamil Thalaivas Wins: 10
- Telugu Titans Wins: 6
- Ties: 1
Interestingly, Telugu Titans are the only team in PKL history against whom Tamil Thalaivas have a win percentage of 50% or higher. Despite this record, the Titans have often proven to be a tricky opponent for the Thalaivas, making this Southern Derby always one to watch out for.
PKL 12: Current Form of Both Teams
Tamil Thalaivas
Led by Arjun Deshwal, Tamil Thalaivas have shown signs of resurgence after a somewhat shaky start to the season. With a record of 3 wins and 2 losses in 5 matches, they are currently positioned 6th in the points table with 6 points.
Despite having some initial struggles in their raiding department, Thalaivas have found their rhythm in the last two matches, with Arjun Deshwal leading from the front. Under the leadership of Deshwal, Tamil Thalaivas have managed to secure two consecutive victories and are now looking to keep the momentum going. If they continue to perform at this level, they could well position themselves for a playoff berth in the coming weeks.
Key players like Narender Kandola, Sagar Rathee, Aashish, and Nitesh Kumar have been stepping up in both attack and defense. With Arjun Deshwal continuing to shine, the team’s morale is high heading into this match.
Telugu Titans
On the other hand, Telugu Titans are struggling to find their best form this season. They have 3 wins and 5 losses from 8 matches, putting them in 8th place with 6 points — level with the Thalaivas but trailing on goal difference. The Titans have suffered from inconsistency, and they have to shake off a three-match losing streak if they are to make an impact in this game.
The loss of Pawan Sehrawat to disciplinary action was a setback for the team, but the leadership of Vijay Malik has given the Titans a sense of direction. Bharat Hooda and Vijay Malik have been performing well in raids, and the Titans will rely heavily on them to turn the tide in this encounter. However, their defensive units, including Shubham Shinde, need to show improvement if they are to stand a chance against the high-flying Thalaivas.
Possible Starting 7s
Telugu Titans Starting 7:
- Shubham Shinde (Right Corner)
- Vijay Malik (Captain & Raider)
- Ankit (Defender)
- Bharat Hooda (Raider)
- Ajit Pawar (Defender)
- Ashish Narwal (Raider)
- Avi Duhan (Defender)
Tamil Thalaivas Starting 7:
- Arjun Deshwal (Raider & Captain)
- Narender Kandola (Raider)
- Sagar Rathee (Defender)
- Aashish (Raider)
- Nitesh Kumar (Defender)
- Himanshu (Defender)
- Ronak (Defender)
Players to Watch Out For
For Tamil Thalaivas:
- Arjun Deshwal: As the team captain and star raider, Arjun Deshwal has been in outstanding form, leading the team’s offensive plays with consistency. His ability to perform under pressure and score crucial raid points makes him a key player in this match.
- Narender Kandola: Kandola has been a reliable raider for Thalaivas and will need to step up alongside Arjun to provide a balanced attack.
- Nitesh Kumar: Known for his solid defense, Nitesh Kumar has the ability to neutralize the Titans’ raiders, including Vijay Malik and Bharat Hooda. His defensive skills will be critical in restricting the Titans’ scoring potential.
For Telugu Titans:
- Shubham Shinde: After a disappointing start to the season, Shubham Shinde needs to show why he was such a high-profile acquisition. His performance in the right corner will be pivotal if the Titans hope to challenge Tamil Thalaivas’ attack.
- Vijay Malik (C): As the captain, Vijay Malik has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. His leadership will be tested as he looks to guide the Titans out of their recent slump.
- Bharat Hooda: A consistent performer in raids, Bharat Hooda will be a key player in the Titans’ attacking game. His synergy with Vijay Malik will be crucial in breaking down Tamil Thalaivas’ defense.
Match Prediction
Given their current form, Tamil Thalaivas are the favorites to win this match. With two consecutive victories and a more balanced squad, they have the momentum on their side. Arjun Deshwal’s leadership and the solid defensive unit, including Nitesh Kumar, make them a formidable opponent for the Telugu Titans.
Telugu Titans, despite their struggles, have players like Vijay Malik and Bharat Hooda who can turn the game around with their attacking prowess. However, their defensive unit, led by Shubham Shinde, needs to improve significantly to stop the Thalaivas from scoring freely.
Overall, Tamil Thalaivas look like the stronger team going into this Southern Derby, but if Telugu Titans can find their rhythm, it could be a closely contested match.
Where to Watch the Tamil Thalaivas vs Telugu Titans PKL 12 Clash
The Tamil Thalaivas vs Telugu Titans match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network and can be streamed live on JioHotstar. For live scores and updates, visit the Pro Kabaddi Official Website or download the Pro Kabaddi Official App for real-time match information.
Prepare for an exciting battle between two fierce Southern rivals as both teams look to improve their positions in the league standings!
