Puneri Paltan Defeats Telugu Titans: A Thrilling 39-33 Victory
In a high-octane clash on September 13, 2025, Puneri Paltan secured a crucial 39-33 victory over Telugu Titans at the SMS Indoor Stadium in Jaipur. With this win, the Paltan moved back to the top of the Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 standings, showcasing defensive brilliance and relentless attacking play.
Key Performances: Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj Shine
The game was a showcase of individual brilliance, especially from the Puneri Paltan’s defenders. Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj were the standouts, both registering High Fives for their defensive exploits. Khatri contributed seven tackles, while Bhardwaj supported with six. Their impeccable performance in shutting down the Titans’ attack was a defining factor in Puneri Paltan’s win.
Telugu Titans Show Resilience but Fall Short
Despite the loss, the Telugu Titans exhibited great fighting spirit, led by their captain, Bharat Hooda. Hooda managed to score a Super 10, accumulating 10 points from raids. However, his efforts were insufficient to tilt the game in the Titans’ favor. The defense, despite some flashes of brilliance from Avi Duhan, couldn’t withstand the relentless pressure from the Paltan.
First Half: A Tight Contest with Puneri Paltan on Top
The match began with both teams exchanging raids and tackles. Aslam Inamdar’s quick raids and Vishal Bhardwaj’s strategic tackles helped Puneri Paltan edge out a slim lead, finishing the first quarter with a slight 8-7 advantage. The intensity was palpable, with both teams refusing to give an inch. As the first half progressed, Puneri Paltan took control, primarily due to their superior defense, with a 24-14 lead at halftime.
The Paltan’s Defensive Masterclass: High Fives and Super Tackles
The highlight of the match was Puneri Paltan’s defensive display. Khatri and Bhardwaj’s performances were nothing short of extraordinary. Their constant pressure on the raiders, coupled with strategic tackles, ensured that Telugu Titans struggled to gain momentum. Gaurav Khatri’s Super Tackle on Bharat Hooda was a pivotal moment, keeping the Paltan in command.
Telugu Titans Fight Back but Fall Short
After the break, the Titans showed resilience. Bharat Hooda found his rhythm and helped his team reduce the deficit. Avi Duhan’s Super Tackle also brought hope for the Titans as they tried to make a comeback. However, Puneri Paltan’s defenders, including Bhardwaj, refused to let the game slip away. With each Titans’ attack, the Paltan responded strongly, maintaining a lead that they never relinquished.
Puneri Paltan Maintains Composure to Seal the Win
As the match neared its conclusion, the Titans, led by Hooda, continued to push hard, but Puneri Paltan’s defensive prowess was unshakeable. Even though the Titans reduced the gap to seven points, the Paltan showed composure, managing to close the game with a 39-33 win. The tactical decisions, combined with brilliant performances from Khatri and Bhardwaj, ensured that Puneri Paltan returned to the top spot in the standings.
Final Thoughts: Puneri Paltan’s Dominance on Display
Puneri Paltan’s victory was not just about the win but how they dominated the game, especially in the defensive department. Gaurav Khatri and Vishal Bhardwaj were the standout players, but the entire team’s performance was indicative of their strength. On the other hand, Telugu Titans, despite showing glimpses of brilliance, fell short due to inconsistent defense and an inability to stop the Paltan’s relentless attack.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams?
As we look forward to the next round of matches, both teams have lessons to take forward. Puneri Paltan, with their dominant performance, will look to maintain their momentum as they aim for the top spot in the standings. On the other hand, Telugu Titans must regroup, focusing on strengthening their defense and building consistency if they are to challenge the top teams in future matches.