The Southern Derby is set to captivate fans as Bengaluru Bulls take on Tamil Thalaivas in Match 66 of Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 on Sunday, 5th October 2025, at 9:00 PM IST. The match will take place at the SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium in Chennai, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating contest between two fierce rivals. The home team, Tamil Thalaivas, will be looking to continue their winning momentum in the tournament as they go head-to-head with Bengaluru Bulls in this crucial encounter.
A win here will not only boost their points tally but also enhance their confidence as they look to secure a place in the top half of the standings. The Chennai leg of the PKL 12 is expected to be a festive affair, with the Tamil Thalaivas fans creating an electric atmosphere inside the stadium. The Bulls, on the other hand, will want to spoil the home team’s party and walk away with the two points to end their week on a high.
Current Form and Position of Both Teams
Bengaluru Bulls and Tamil Thalaivas, both with identical records of 5 wins from 11 games, are in desperate need of the two points that come with a victory. While the points table shows that Bengaluru Bulls occupy the 7th position with a -7 point difference, Tamil Thalaivas are not far behind at 8th place with a -23 point difference. This match has a lot at stake for both teams, as they are locked in a tight battle for a playoff spot.
Bengaluru Bulls: The Bengaluru-based franchise has had an up-and-down season. They were handed a disappointing loss in their previous encounter against Puneri Paltan, where they lost in a nail-biting tie-breaker. It’s been a topsy-turvy season for the Bulls, and this game is crucial for their playoff hopes.
Tamil Thalaivas: The Tamil Thalaivas, on the other hand, have been showing signs of improvement. In their previous match, they secured a hard-fought win against Haryana Steelers, marking their first win in Chennai after a gap of seven long years. This victory will no doubt boost their morale as they look to build on that momentum and make a serious push for the playoffs.
Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas: Head-to-Head Record
Over the years, Bengaluru Bulls have had the upper hand in their rivalry against Tamil Thalaivas. In the 17 matches played between these two teams, Bengaluru Bulls have come out on top 13 times, while Tamil Thalaivas have managed only 4 victories. There has never been a tie between the two teams, showcasing the dominance that Bengaluru Bulls have had over Tamil Thalaivas in recent seasons.
In the earlier encounter between these two sides this season, Bengaluru Bulls emerged victorious, and they will be looking to repeat that performance to take the crucial two points from this match.
Players to Watch Out For
Tamil Thalaivas – Nitesh Kumar
Tamil Thalaivas’ defensive stalwart Nitesh Kumar will be one of the key players to watch in this match. The left corner defender has been in exceptional form throughout the season, sitting at the top of the defender charts with 42 tackle points. His ability to neutralize some of the best raiders in the league has been crucial to Thalaivas’ defensive setup. In particular, Bengaluru Bulls’ raiders Alireza Mirzaein and Akash Shinde will need to be wary of Nitesh, who can turn the game on its head with his well-timed tackles. If Nitesh continues his stellar form, Tamil Thalaivas may well avenge their earlier defeat to Bengaluru Bulls.
Bengaluru Bulls – Deepak Sankar
On the other hand, Bengaluru Bulls have their own set of match-winners, and one player who will be looking to shine is Deepak Sankar. The Tamil Nadu-born raider has been an exciting addition to the team this season, amassing 30 points from just 10 matches. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd in Chennai, Deepak is expected to be in the limelight. His speed, agility, and knack for scoring quick points will be crucial for the Bulls, especially in high-pressure moments. The home crowd will be cheering him on, making this a special occasion for him.
Possible Starting 7 for Both Teams
Tamil Thalaivas:
- Arjun Deshwal (C)
- Rohit Beniwal
- Arulnantha Babu
- Aashish
- Nitesh Kumar
- Himanshu
- Ronak
Bengaluru Bulls:
- Akash Shinde
- Satyappa Mutti
- Alireza Mirzaian
- Sanjay Dhull
- Aashish Malik
- Deepak Sankar
- Yogesh Dahiya (C)
Match Prediction: Tamil Thalaivas to Secure a Close Win
Given Tamil Thalaivas’ recent win against Haryana Steelers and the fact that they are playing in front of their home crowd, they will head into this match with a slight edge. Bengaluru Bulls will, however, put up a strong fight, especially with players like Deepak Sankar and Alireza Mirzaian in their ranks. Despite the Bulls’ offensive strength, Tamil Thalaivas’ solid defense, led by Nitesh Kumar, may prove to be the difference. This clash is expected to be closely contested, but Tamil Thalaivas should manage to edge out Bengaluru Bulls for a narrow win.
When and Where to Watch the Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas PKL 12 Clash?
- Date: Sunday, 5th October 2025
- Time: 9:00 PM IST
- Venue: SDAT Multi-Purpose Indoor Stadium, Chennai
- Telecast: Star Sports
- Live Streaming: JioHotstar
For live scores and updates, you can visit the Pro Kabaddi official website or download the Pro Kabaddi Official App to keep track of the match in real-time.
As the Southern Derby between Bengaluru Bulls and Tamil Thalaivas draws near, fans can expect an exciting and high-intensity game. With both teams looking to climb up the points table, this match promises to be a thrilling contest, full of fierce competition and edge-of-the-seat action. Whether you’re rooting for the Bulls or the Thalaivas, this is one match you won’t want to miss!
