The Pro Kabaddi League is back with its 12th season. One of the most prolific sporting leagues in the country returns with a Southern Derby as Telugu Titans lock horns with Tamil Thalaivas in the season opener at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag, on August 29, 2025. Marking the league’s return to the port city after seven years, this clash coincides with India’s National Sports Day, adding patriotic fervor to the kabaddi spectacle.
Both teams have undergone strategic overhauls, setting the stage for a high-voltage encounter. Tamil Thalaivas have probably secured the best raiding trio this season with Hi-Flyer Pawan Sehrawat leading the team this time around, Narender Kandola, and raid machine Arjun Deshwal. With these bankable raiders, Thalaivas have all that it takes in the raiding unit this season.
Meanwhile, Telugu Titans have relied on young guns like Aman Antil, Sagar Rawal, Ashish Narwal, and Bharat Hooda. Besides the youth, the team have some experienced players like Shubham Shinde and skipper Vijay Malik, who will be at the helm of things this time around.
Both teams would be eager to get their tournament off to a sublime start. A win in the opening game will add feathers to the team’s approach and set the tone for the Pro Kabaddi League 2025.
Also Read: Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12 – Complete Guide, Schedule, Auctions & Streaming
TEL vs TAM Team News & Expected Playing 7
Telugu Titans (TEL)
- The Telugu Titans will be led by all-rounder Vijay Malik, who played an instrumental role in the last season for the Titans.
- Aman Atil will take the left corner spot, whereas Shubham Shinde will stand parallel to him at the right corner.
- Sagar Rawal and Ajit Pawar will be the defensive covers.
- Bharat Hooda will help the covers at the left-in position and will be a vital cog in the raids along with Ashish Narwal and skipper Vijay Malik.
Raiders: Ashish Narwal, Vijay Malik
Defenders: Shubham Shinde, Aman Antil, Sagar Rawal, Ajit Pawar
All-rounder: Bharat Hooda
Tamil Thalaivas (TAM)
- The Tamil Thalaivas will be led by the prolific all-rounder ‘Hi-Flyer’ Pawan Sehrawat.
- The ‘Raid machine’ Arjun Deshwal will be raiding from the left side, whereas Narender Kandola and Pawan Sehrawat will be the two right raiders in the side.
- Former skipper Sagar Rathee will be patrolling the defense. He will be playing at the right corner.
- Nitesh Kumar will be present in the left corner.
- Aashish will be present at the right cover position. Moein Shafaghi will keep an eye on the left cover.
Raiders: Arjun Deshwal, Narender Kandola
Defenders: Sagar Rathee, Nitesh Kumar, Aashish
All-rounder: Moein Shafaghi, Pawan Sehrawat
TEL vs TAM Key Battles to Watch
- Pawan Sehrawat vs Shubham Shinde: The former Titans captain now leads Thalaivas and will be up against his old franchise’s new right-corner defensive lynchpin.
- Arjun Deshwal vs Aman Antil: Deshwal’s left-corner raids will test the Titans’ cover defense. Aman Antil should be on his toes to tackle the raid machine.
- Bharat Hooda vs Sagar Rathee: Hooda’s all-round prowess could be pivotal against Rathee’s returning flamboyance in the defense at the right corner.
TEL vs TAM Head-to-Head in PKL History
- Matches Played: 16
- Tamil Thalaivas Wins: 9
- Telugu Titans Wins: 6
- Draws: 1
Thalaivas hold a slight edge historically, but Titans will be buoyed by home support and a revamped squad.
Also Read: PKL 2025 Retentions: List of Players Retained by Teams Ahead of Pro Kabaddi League 2025 Auctions
Tactical Outlook
- Titans: Focused on defensive solidity with Shinde and Aman, aiming to contain Thalaivas’ raiding depth.
- Thalaivas: Banking on explosive raids from Sehrawat, Kandola, and Deshwal, with a balanced backline to counter Titans’ all-rounders.
TEL vs TAM: Where to Watch?
- Date: 29th August 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM IST
- Venue: Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Vizag
- TV Telecast: Star Sports Network
- Online Live Streaming: JioHotstar
Follow Us on Instagram and X (Twitter) for regular updates.
