Telugu Titans Vs Bengaluru Bulls 18 October 2024

Full-Time
Telugu Titans 37 - 29 Bengaluru Bulls

Comprehensive win that for the Telugu Titans, who really needed that good start to PKL 11! They did seem to be in trouble as the Bulls mounted a 2nd-half comeback, but the coaches' words at the timeout in the 2nd half has certainly had an effect, inspiring them to secure an all-out and register an 8-point win over a toothless Bengaluru Bulls outfit.

It turned out to be a battle of the defenders, with Pawan Sehrawat the only raider who looked like scoring points. Surinder Singh, Saurabh Nandal, and Nitin Rawal all looked good, with Surinder, securing a High 5 after going unsold at the auction. However, their raiders simply did not fire, with Pardeep Narwal struggling, scoring only three raid points in 14 raids! Ajinkya Pawar and Jai Bhagwan failed to make an impact, and that's a real problem area for them.

The Titans also struggled to assist Pawan in the raiding department, but they didn't need to as the defense revived him with timely tackle points. Pawan himself looked in great touch, scoring a Super 10, and while he was tackled quite a few times, he found ways to keep scoring points, finishing with 13 for the night. Krishan Dhull led the defensive charts with a whopping 6 tackle points, with the rest of the defense looking really sharp too, with Sagar on the right cover really impressing with his timing and choice of tackle.

That's a solid and action-packed start to what promises to be another stellar season of PKL. We're not done yet, by any means, as Dabang Delhi KC and U Mumba battle it out in the 2nd encounter tonight. Click here to get the complete coverage of that match as I, Shreyas, bid you adieu.

1st Half, 40'
Telugu Titans 37 - 29 Bengaluru Bulls

Well, despite a handy raid point from Jatin, the Bulls will not get anything from this match! Pawan Sehrawat runs the clock down in the final raid, and with the deficit at 8 points, he decides to have some fun. While he's tackled by Jatin himself, he secures the bonus point before that happens, robbing the Bulls of any reward from this encounter.

A huge, huge win for the Titans in front of their home fans! They've struggled, really struggled over the last few seasons, but a resurgent Pawan Sehrawat, backed by what looks to be a solid defense has gotten them off to a great start in PKL 11.

1st Half, 39'
Telugu Titans 36 - 27 Bengaluru Bulls

The Bulls take a desperate review for a bonus point, but that's way off from Sushil! It's not going the Bulls' way tonight, especially in the raiding department. Ohh, what a block-dash that is from Nitin Rawal! He's looked solid on the left corner for the Bulls and he fully commits to that dash on Pawan, as the deficit is down to 8 now.

Pardeep faces another do-or-die raid, and uh oh, he's been tackled once again. Pardeep hasn't shown any speed or urgency tonight and is a sitting duck for Krishan Dhull, who gets his 6th tackle point of the night.

1st Half, 37'
Telugu Titans 35 - 26 Bengaluru Bulls

Well, that should be game set and match for the Telugu Titans. Pawan Sehrawat toys with Nitin Rawal, bringing the Bulls down to one, picking up his 12th raid point, and Jai Bhagwan can manage only a bonus as Ankit's challenge in the left corner gets the Titans their 2nd all-out of the match!

The Bulls need to focus on bringing the deficit of defeat down to 7 points or less to take something from this game.

1st Half, 36'
Telugu Titans 31 - 24 Bengaluru Bulls

Sagar is looking like a really good find for the Titans. He has been impeccable with the timing of his blocks and dashes, putting in another one to send Pardeep to the bench.

Pawan Sehrawat has a field day in a 1v3 situation, once again getting Parteek as the Bulls call for a timeout.

The Titans lead by seven points, and with the Bulls down to two, they have it all to do if they want to make a comeback!

1st Half, 34'
Telugu Titans 29 - 24 Bengaluru Bulls

Pawan focuses on killing time, but that leads to a do-or-die raid, where Nitin Rawal makes light work of Pawan in a 1v4 situation.

Krishan Dhull gets to his High 5 now, initiating a challenge on Sushil in a do-or-die raid, and while the left raider gets away from him, the solid cover combination of Sagar-Ajit Pawar time their dash to perfection.

1st Half, 32'
Telugu Titans 28 - 23 Bengaluru Bulls

Back to basics for the Titans with Pawan getting the bonus point, with Sagar following it up with a solid chain block on Pardeep Narwal.

Pawan Sehrawat gets to his Super 10 with another pacy running hand touch, re-asserting his authority on Surinder Singh. Vijay Malik, while not doing much on the raiding front tonight, doesn't miss with a well-timed ankle hold from the left-in position to send Jatin back to the bench.

Strong reply from the Titans immediately after the timeout.

1st Half, 30'
Telugu Titans 24 - 23 Bengaluru Bulls

Sushil delivers once again for the Bulls, picking up a quick point in a Super Tackle situation, reducing the Titans to two. They'll look to enforce the all out now, the Bulls, and Pardeep finally gets a point, making the most of Ankit's weak challenge.

Surinder does not miss with his thigh hold, and as he gets to his High 5, the Bulls get the all-out, completing their comeback! We have a game on our hands now! The momentum completely with the Bulls now as substitute raider Jatin adds to his tally, capitalizing on a silly error from Krishan Dhull, who now seems a bit rattled.

That's the final action before the timeout, and the deficit is down to one now! The Bulls' youngsters, Sushil, in particular, have stepped up in this 2nd half, and the Titans have looked hapless in the last five mins and need to regroup. Who'll have the last laugh in these last ten minutes is unclear, but we have a real nail-biter on our hands!

1st Half, 27'
Telugu Titans 22 - 17 Bengaluru Bulls

Another unsuccessful raid for Pawan Sehrawat, with Parteek putting in the challenge this time around in a do-or-die raid.

The Bulls have a do-or-die raid now, and they need to score to make a comeback and they do! Sushil is desperate and moves around quickly, somehow forcing Krishan Dhull into an error. A Huge point that!

Saurabh Nandal then initiates another successful challenge on Manjeet, and the Bulls' charge is well and truly on! The deficit is down to five points and the Titans are down to three!

1st Half, 25'
Telugu Titans 22 - 14 Bengaluru Bulls

Defenses clearly on top here as both right corners add to their tallies, with the secondary raiders from both teams failing to impress. Apart from Pawan, no raider has looked threatening here, with Krishan Dhull and Surinder Singh the standout defenders for the two teams. Both are on four tackle points!

Both teams playing on their defense now, waiting for the do-or-die raids.

1st Half, 22'
Telugu Titans 21 - 13 Bengaluru Bulls

Ohh, brave challenge from Ajit Pawar to get the Titans up and running in the 2nd half. Absorbs all the momentum from Sushil's run and puts in a solid block to bring him down.

Pawan faces a do-or-die raid immediately, however, and in a 1v4 situation, there's not much he can do, especially with Surinder Singh racing across from the right to put in a monstrous block. After being tagged by him at the start, Surinder has the upper-hand now in that battle. Up to 4 tackle points now for Surinder!

Half-Time
Telugu Titans 20 - 11 Bengaluru Bulls

Pawan Sehrawat has definitiely won the battle between Pardeep Narwal, with 8 raid points to his name, compared to Pardeep's 2. Overall, the Bulls haven't posed any threat in the raiding department, with both Ajinkya Pawar and Jai Bhagwan unable to get a single touch point. It's Surinder Singh and Nitin Rawal who have somewhat kept them in the game with some well-timed tackles, but they'll need their raiders to join the party in the 2nd half.

The Titans, meanwhile, do look like a one-man show in the raiding department, but with the defense in good nick, Pawan hasn't stayed off-court for too long. Krishan Dhull has been a rock in that right corner, picking up three tackle points already, with their new right cover Sagar also looking the part.

A thrilling 2nd half awaits, where the Bulls will no doubt, look to mount a comeback? Will they succeed or will the Titans' journey to redemption get off to a good start? Let's find out. 

1st Half, 20'
Telugu Titans 20 - 11 Bengaluru Bulls

Well, what happened there? Pawan is dashed off court by a well-timed dash from Surinder Singh, but a defender is adjudged to be off-court, and a point each is awarded. The Bulls contest the decision though and review it, and it's successful, with Nitin Rawal showing good awareness to keep his foot on the court.

Both teams play it safe in the final minute of the half and with the 20 minutes up, it's the Titans who reward their home fans with a 9-point lead at half-time!

1st Half, 18'
Telugu Titans 19 - 10 Bengaluru Bulls

Vijay Malik follows Pawan to the bench as Parteek comes out on top, and it's reviving him which will be a challenge for them. However, the defense does that job as Krishan Dhull remains rock-solid in his ankle hold on Jai Bhagwan in a do-or-die raid.

Pawan goes in for the do-or-die raid himself, anticipates the challenge from Saurabh Nandal and rides it with ease to pick up another point. He's already on eight points now.

Pardeep, meanwhile, falls to yet another tight ankle hold from Krishan Dhull. He could prove to be a brilliant signing for the Titans!

1st Half, 16'
Telugu Titans 17 - 9 Bengaluru Bulls

Pawan in a 1v2 and the result is pretty evident. He picks up an easy point to bring the Bulls down to one, and Sushil can't do much against a strong challenge from Ajit Pawar, as the Titans claim the first all-out of the match.

Pawan looks to extend his points haul even further, and while he gets the bonus, Surinder Singh executes a very technically difficult block-hold to bring him down. Could this spark a Bulls comeback?

1st Half, 13'
Telugu Titans 12 - 7 Bengaluru Bulls

Pawan Sehrawat is moving with great comfort and fluidity on the mat, this time forcing Saurabh to lose his balance and fall over the end line. The Bulls are down to four now, with Pardeep on the bench. A do-or-die raid ensues, and it's Jai Bhagwan who goes in, but he never looked comfortable there and is sent flying by a confident dash from Sagar.

With the Bulls down to three, Pawan makes light work of it, cornering Parteek and securing an easy touch point. The Titans looking to enforce an all-out now, with Bulls having only two on the mat.

1st Half, 10'
Telugu Titans 9 - 6 Bengaluru Bulls

The first do-or-die raid of the match goes the way of the Bulls, and Pardeep volunteers himself, but is completely done in by the block from the left chain. Never looked like scoring there.

The Titans have a do-or-die raid next, but Vijay Malik uses his experience, bides his time, and draws a silly error close to the mid-line from Nitin Rawal. He'll be crucial to their chances of success this season, will Vijay Malik.

The whistle blows for a timeout, and we've had a really close game so far. Both raiders and defenders have had their say, with Pawan and Pardeep clearly leading their respective units. The Titans lead by three points, courtesy some solid defending from their two corners. Can they extend their lead?

1st Half, 8'
Telugu Titans 7 - 6 Bengaluru Bulls

The defenders stamping their authority on the match now. First, it's last season's second-best defender Krishan Dhull, who puts in a solid block on Jai Bhagwan. That revives Pawan Sehrawat, but this time, Surinder Singh has the last laugh, putting in a powerful dash with no half measures, sending the Titans' captain back to the bench once again.

Such a fast-paced game this so far. We've not gotten anywhere close to a Do-or-Die raid.

1st Half, 6'
Telugu Titans 6 - 5 Bengaluru Bulls

The Bulls draw level after Saurabh Nandal times his diving ankle hold to perfection on Vijay Malik. The Titans' all-rounder goes back to the bench, and it's here that they will be tested. Pawan needs to be revived and he needs support from Vijay Malik and Manjeet.

1st Half, 4'
Telugu Titans 5 - 3 Bengaluru Bulls

Pawan Sehrawat has marked Surinder Singh as his target here, getting him once again with such ease. At the other end, we have our first tackle point of the match, with Jai Bhagwan brought down by a challenge initiated by the left corner Ankit, but it was the dash from the two covers that really sealed the deal.

Sparkling start from the Titans this, but oh wait! Pawan has been brought down, and Nitin Rawal shows his experience with a well-timed challenge, and the support comes in immediately. It'll now be interesting to see how the Titans can revive Pawan.

1st Half, 2'
Telugu Titans 3 - 1 Bengaluru Bulls

Pawan begins with a trademark running hand touch on the right cover, also picking up an easy bonus. He certainly looks to be in great touch does the 'Hi-Flyer'. Pardeep hits back immediately, matching his opposite number, drawing a silly advance tackle from left cover Ajit Pawar, opening his account as well. 

Pawan follows it up with another bonus point against Nitin Rawal in the left corner, who seems happy not to engage.

What a battle we have on our hands here! Both star raiders look to be in great touch.

Right then, we're seconds away from live action. Pawan Sehrawat to raid first. PKL 11, here we go!

Both the teams make their way out onto the mat. It's the Bulls who charge in first, led by none other than the Record-Breaker Pardeep Narwal. The Titans now enter the mat buoyed by a raucous home support who'll hope for a positive start this time around.

We're set to start the new season with the national anthem. The toss will follow.

Captaincy is the most important facet of any Dream11 team, and ensuring you make the right choice is essential. Check out our in-house experts' top three Dream11 captaincy picks for this match:

This Southern Derby is one filled with rich history and many memorable moments in the PKL. Here's all you need to know about the head-to-head records and numbers when these two sides have faced off:

Struggling to navigate between the different options on Dream11? Worry not as we have you covered with our all-encompassing Dream11 prediction:

Team News

Here are the starting lineups of the two teams:

Telugu Titans: Pawan Sehrawat (C), Manjeet, Vijay Malik, Krishan Dhull, Ankit, Ajit Pawar, and Sagar.

Bengaluru Bulls: Pardeep Narwal (C), Ajinkya Pawar, Jai Bhagwan, Saurabh Nandal, Surinder Singh, Nitin Rawal, and Parteek.

Both teams' starting 7s are on expected lines, with the Titans' choice to play right cover Sagar over the more experienced Milad Jabbari the only surprise in selection. This should be a very interesting encounter. 

Preview

Hello and Welcome to Sportskeeda's coverage of the 11th edition of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL). The Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad will play host to the first leg of this three-leg tournament including what should be a blockbuster curtain-raiser to PKL 11.

The Telugu Titans and the Bengaluru Bulls will face off in the first match of this season in what should be a cracking Southern Derby. 

This fixture has produced many memorable encounters including arguably the greatest match in PKL history in Season 2 when the Bulls won a thrilling semi-final 39-38. Back then, it was a battle of two star raiders, Rahul Chaudhari vs Kashiling Adake. That equation remains the same even now as it's Pawan 'Hi-Flyer' Sehrawat taking on Pardeep 'Record-Breaker' Narwal in this one.

The Titans have finished at the bottom of the table in the last three seasons, and they'll desperately hope for a change of fortunes in this one.
Some smart buys in the auction were a good first step in that direction, with Krishan Dhull, Vijay Malik, and of course, retaining Pawan Sehrawat, all bolstering their lineup. They'll look to start well and make the most of the home support they'll receive in Hyderabad.

Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Bulls have assembled quite the new-look side after a disappointing PKL 10 where they finished 8th, with Pardeep Narwal leading the team this season. The Dubki King is set to spearhead their raiding unit this time around alongside Ajinkya Pawar, with Nitin Rawal also joining as a defensive reinforcement.

This match has all the makings of an absolutely cracking encounter with multiple stars set to battle it out for the perfect start. So sit back and relax as I, Shreyas, take you through all the action that unfolds.