Day 23 of Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 saw the UP Yoddhas snap their four-game losing streak with an authoritative 39-22 win against the Tamil Thalaivas, while the Bengaluru Bulls emerged victorious over the Gujarat Giants in a pulsating contest, winning 28-24. Speaking exclusively on KBD Live, JioStar expert Sunil Taneja praised the performances of Deepak Sankar and Yogesh Dahiya from the Bengaluru Bulls, analyzed Mohammadreza Shadloui’s struggles this season, and elaborated on the strengths of the UP Yoddhas.
Speaking on KBD Live, JioStar expert Sunil Taneja spoke about UP Yoddhas’ win over Tamil Thalaivas: “When the defense clicks, this team wins. When the captain and left-corner Sumit secures a High Five, the Yoddhas win. That is the biggest
formula behind their success, they play like a team. Mahender was very effective, and among the other three defenders, at least one always stood up. Being the most experienced, Mahender orchestrated well, and even when advance tackles were attempted, they came as combinations. If Sumit went in, Ashu supported him, Hitesh covered from the right corner, and when Mahender moved, both corners backed him. This was the defense operating at full potential. If they continue like this, no team will score heavily against them. Another factor was the raiding rotation. First raid, Gagan Gowda. Second, Bhawani Rajput. Third, Shivam. This rotation gave raiders time to warm up and settle into the match. That’s why Gagan got 7 points, Bhawani 6, and Shivam 5. In previous matches, Gagan was overused, but in this match, the plan was clear, all three raiders shared the responsibility. The dependency on a single player is gone. This was a perfect game for UP Yoddhas, their best win of the season so far.”
On Tamil Thalaivas’ ace raider Arjun Deshwal: “There are two problems. First, his physical fitness is 2–4% down. He was clearly struggling. Second, there’s a bigger mental aspect. He wasn’t ready for captaincy. After Pawan left, no one expected Arjun would suddenly have to lead. Adding to this, Sagar Rathee, who captained in the last 2 seasons for Tamil Thalaivas, has also been missing. The sudden shift of responsibility, combined with controversies around Pawan, has weighed heavily on him. To make matters worse, he isn’t getting consistent raiding support. Narender Kandola plays only sporadically, and Moein Shafaghi, who was their No. 1 raider last season, is on the bench this time. Arjun simply isn’t ready for all these responsibilities together.”
Akash Shinde was the biggest factor: Sunil Taneja on Bengaluru Bulls' "comeback" win
On Bengaluru Bulls’ win over Gujarat Giants: “It was an amazing comeback, and the biggest factor was Akash Shinde. He saved the first all-out, which was crucial. Had he not, Gujarat Giants would have taken the lead and built on it. After that, Bengaluru’s defenders executed a chain of super tackles. These small moments change the game. Another highlight was Yogesh. He didn’t let the pressure of being captain for the first time affect him. Unlike some players, he thrived under responsibility, even pulling off points in super tackle situations. That confidence is remarkable. The match was slipping away, but Yogesh brought it back. For me, he is emerging as one of the biggest superstars of this season.”
On Deepak Sankar’s breakthrough performance: “Every season, a new player deserves recognition. This time, it is Deepak Sankar. Hardly anyone had heard his name before. To replace a captain like Ankush Rathee, and still deliver, is remarkable. Coming from Tamil Nadu, positioned in the left-corner, he formed a completely new defensive combination with Yogesh. He didn’t just stay back, but was confidently tackling in the front. The way he played deserves high praise. Credit also to coach B.C. Ramesh, who trusted a newcomer in the starting seven.”
On Mohammadreza Shadloui’s struggles this season: “There are two issues. He has become captain for the first time and has joined a team that isn’t a settled unit. At Patna Pirates, Puneri Paltan, and even last season with Haryana Steelers, he played in set combinations where his role was clear. Here, he’s been given an unsettled defense to lead. That’s difficult. I would request the coach to relieve him of captaincy. Let Rakesh take the leadership role, and allow Shadloui to focus solely on defense. If he plays with freedom, without any pressure of leadership, he can perform much better.”
(With Inputs from Press Release)
