Pro Kabaddi 2024, BLR vs TAM: Preview, probable starting 7s, prediction, and live-streaming details for Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas
The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2024 gears up for its 34th match as Bengaluru Bulls (BLR) take on Tamil Thalaivas (TAM) in the highly anticipated Southern Derby. Set for November 4 at Hyderabad’s Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, this match offers contrasting storylines as one team struggles to find form while the other looks to dominate the league.
The Bengaluru Bulls have stumbled through PKL Season 11, currently languishing at the bottom of the standings with just one win in six games. It’s been a season filled with missteps and missed opportunities. Their lone victory over Dabang Delhi KC seemed like a glimmer of hope, yet they quickly squandered any momentum with a disappointing 35-38 loss to the struggling Telugu Titans in their last game.
This recent performance was especially frustrating because it marked their second loss to the Titans, whom they had also lost to in the season opener. This was a critical opportunity for redemption, but the Bulls faltered, with five out of seven starting players contributing zero points—a glaring indicator of their inconsistency and lack of cohesion. Pardeep Narwal’s leadership seems ineffective as the team continues to fall short in both attack and defense.
However, a few individuals did shine amidst the chaos. Nitin Rawal delivered a commendable performance with a High 5, securing seven tackle points, while Ajinkya Pawar earned nine raid points. Substitute Pankaj also showed his versatility, contributing seven raid and two tackle points without a single failed attempt, while another substitute, Arulnanthababu, added four tackle points. But the Bulls can’t rely solely on sporadic individual performances if they hope to climb out of the bottom ranks. This team urgently needs to regroup and find a strategy that works if they’re to have any chance against Tamil Thalaivas’ disciplined squad.
Tamil Thalaivas, in stark contrast, have had a brilliant season so far, sitting comfortably in second place with three wins from five games. Their last outing saw them dismantle Gujarat Giants 44-25, showcasing their strengths across the board. Narender Kandola led the charge with a Super 10 and even contributed two tackle points.
Tamil’s defensive unit has been exceptional, led by stand-in skipper Sahil Gulia, who scored a High 5 against the Giants, while Nitesh Kumar and Amir Hossein each added four tackle points. Their strategy of playing an extra defender has been a game-changer, as it allows players like Nitesh to flexibly switch positions and contribute effectively wherever needed. The Thalaivas have found a near-perfect balance between offense and defense, and their sights are now set on claiming the top spot from Puneri Paltan.
Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas Match Details
Match: Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas, Match 34, PKL 2024
Date: November 4, 2024, 9:00 PM IST
Venue: Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad
Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas Form Guide in PKL 2024
Bengaluru Bulls (BLR): LWLLL
Tamil Thalaivas (TAM): WTLWW
Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas Player Squads
Bengaluru Bulls (BLR): Pardeep Narwal (C), Ponparthiban Subramanian, Akshit, Jatin, Jai Bhagwan, Arulnanthababu, Manjeet, Surinder Singh, Lucky Kumar, Pramot Saising, Chandranaik M, Nitin Rawal, Parteek, Saurabh Nandal, Pankaj, Hasun Thongkruea, Ajinkya Pawar, Rohit Kumar, Sushil, Aditya Powar
Tamil Thalaivas (TAM): Sahil Gulia, Dhiraj Bailmare, M. Abishek, Amirhossein Bastami, Himanshu, Ramkumar Mayandi, Ronak, Sachin, Nitesh Kumar, Sagar Rathee (C), Mohit, Sourabh Fagare, Anuj Gawade, Narender, Moein Safaghi, Aashish, Vishal Chahal
Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas Expected Playing 7
Bengaluru Bulls (BLR): Pardeep Narwal (C), Ajinkya Pawar, Pankaj, Saurabh Nandal, Nitin Rawal, Surinder Singh, Parteek Gulia
Tamil Thalaivas (TAM): Narender Kandola, Abhishek M, Nitesh Kumar, Sachin Tanwar, Aashish, Amir Hossein, Sahil Gulia (C)
Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas Match Prediction
Tamil Thalaivas enter this game as the clear favorites. With a well-coordinated defense and a dynamic raiding unit led by Narender, they have the upper hand in almost every department. Bengaluru Bulls, on the other hand, have been inconsistent at best and disjointed at worst. The Bulls’ defensive line has been porous, and their raiders lack the firepower to keep up with Tamil’s relentless pace.
For Bengaluru to stand a chance, Pardeep Narwal and Ajinkya Pawar need to step up and lead from the front, while their defenders must stay alert and avoid costly errors. Tamil Thalaivas’ defense has proven adept at neutralizing key raiders, so Pardeep and his team must find ways to break through. However, given Tamil’s solid defense and the Bulls’ current struggles, it seems unlikely that Bengaluru will be able to mount enough of a challenge.
Prediction: Expect a scoreline of around 42-30 in favor of Tamil Thalaivas.
Bengaluru Bulls vs Tamil Thalaivas Telecast Details
TV: Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD, Star Sports 1 Tamil, Star Sports 1 Telugu and Star Sports 1 Kannada
Live Stream: Disney+ Hotstar