The final day of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 ‘Revenge Week’ witnessed the Bengaluru Bulls avenge their previous defeat against the Tamil Thalaivas with a close-fought 33-29 win, while the Telugu Titans
edged past the UP Yoddhas in a thrilling 40-35 victory. Speaking exclusively on KBD Live, JioStar expert Rishank Devadiga shared his insights on the Bulls’ disciplined defensive display, Arjun Deshwal’s off-day, Alireza Mirzaian’s rise as a lead raider, and the Telugu Titans’ sharp raiding combination led by Vijay Malik and Bharat Hooda.
Speaking on KBD Live, JioStar expert Rishank Devadiga lauded the Bengaluru Bulls’ defense for their disciplined performance against the Tamil Thalaivas: “The Bengaluru Bulls defenders did a great job against the Tamil Thalaivas, executing their tackles at the right moments. Credit also goes to assistant coach Jeeva Kumar, who has trained these young players exceptionally well. The Bulls’ defenders played with immense responsibility, especially in that crucial final raid against Tamil Thalaivas’ captain Arjun Deshwal. Sanjay Dhull made a brave decision to attempt the tackle in a super tackle situation. Had Arjun managed to escape, the Thalaivas would have won the match. But Sanjay executed a perfect hold and didn’t allow Arjun to cross the midline which proved to be a match-defining moment for the Bulls.”
On Telugu Titans coach Krishan Kumar Hooda's approach from the sidelines: “We often see coaches stepping into the corner and giving instructions to players, but this was a different level of coaching altogether. The words used by Krishan Kumar Hooda were truly impactful. He knew that some players on the mat were from Maharashtra, and to lift their spirits, he shouted ‘Jai Maharashtra!’ That instantly fired them up. It gave the players a different kind of energy, and they responded brilliantly on the mat.”
On Arjun Deshwal’s below-par performance: “Arjun Deshwal kept raiding continuously, and the defenders revived him several times. But we didn’t see his usual flair against the Bengaluru Bulls. He made crucial errors, at moments when the team needed points, he ended up getting caught. He finished with eight successful raids, eight unsuccessful raids, and one empty raid. It just wasn’t Arjun’s day. He had a golden opportunity to become the hero in that final raid. Had he escaped from that tackle, it would have given the fans a moment of pure joy.”
Telugu Titans have continued their impressive form: Rishank Devadiga
On Tamil Thalaivas’ decision in the final raid: “There was no better raiding option for the Thalaivas than their skipper Arjun Deshwal. He was the only realistic choice at that moment. Although Arjun was struggling throughout the match, the team had no option but to send him in for that decisive raid. Credit must also go to the Bulls’ defense for holding their nerve in that situation. Perhaps, if the Thalaivas had sent Rohit Beniwal instead, he might have helped secure those crucial points. But, experience matters in such crunch moments. Arjun Deshwal couldn’t deliver against the Bulls this time.”
On Bengaluru Bulls’ star raider Alireza Mirzaian: “If we praise Alireza, it still wouldn’t be enough. At the start of the season, he was playing as the third raider, but now, he has taken charge as the team’s lead raider. He’s a smart and calculated player, who understands when to go in, and when to pick up points. However, towards the end of the match against the Thalaivas, he made a mistake. Instead of opting for an empty raid, he got trapped, and gave an easy ankle hold opportunity to Nitesh Kumar. That was a rare lapse in judgment. Thankfully, the Bulls’ defense made up for it with that brilliant super tackle on Arjun Deshwal.”
On the strong form and smart raiding executions of Telugu Titans: “The Telugu Titans have continued their impressive form, especially with the raiding combination of captain Vijay Malik and star raider Bharat Hooda. They started the match brilliantly, but towards the end, the UP Yoddhas had a chance to turn things around. However, substitute Praful Zaware made a big impact, first with a multi-point raid, and then, with a crucial touch point. From that moment, the match shifted comfortably in favour of the Telugu Titans.”
(With Inputs from Press Release)
