Bengaluru Bulls take on Bengal Warriors in the second match of the day in the Pro Kabaddi League 2015 at the National Sports Club of India (NSCI), Mumbai.
The teams faced contrasting luck in the inaugural season last year as the Bulls finished third in the eight-league table, while the Warriors finished seventh.
However, this year, it is mooted that the teams will throw an even bigger challenge to the other teams, and the battle is expected to be very competitive.
Bengaluru Bulls is coached by Randhir Singh -- an Arjuna Awardee -- and is led by Manjit Chillar, an experienced campaigner.
Ajay Thakur – with his signature frog-leap – became one of the key players for the Bulls last year. However, the side will be heavily affected this year due to the unavailability of Thakur for most of the season, for an untimely illness. The side now put their hopes on 21-year-old raider Vinoth Kumar to fill Thakur's void this season.
The introduction of the experienced Joginder Narwal is also believed to be crucial this year. Narwal was once considered India material but he couldn't represent the country due to an injury in 2010.
The Bengal Warriors, meanwhile, will look to finish way above what they finished last year, and avenge their loss to the Bulls on both occasions. The side, coached by Raj Narain Sharma, will have their hopes pinned on veteran kabaddi player and skipper Dinesh Kumar.
At 34, Dinesh is one of the most experienced players in the side as his laurels include gold medals in the 2002 and the 2006 Asian Games respectively. The 2010 Arjuna Awardee, fondly called 'Dada' by peers, has already been named captain by the Kolkata-franchise.
Pune's Vikas Kale is also another signing believed to make an impact. The patient and sure-footed athlete will help stabilise an otherwise inconsistent defence of the Warriors.
Jang Kun Lee from South Korea is also one of the players to watch out for.
The match gets under way at 9pm IST.
Previous meeting - 30 July, 2014: Bengal Warriors 30 - 46 Bengaluru Bulls
Meanwhile, Indian superstar Amitabh Bachchan has announced that he will be inaugurating the PKL 2015 tonight.
Where to Watch Live:
Pro Kabaddi League: Bengaluru Bulls vs Bengal Warriors, can be caught LIVE on Star Sports.
Hindi Coverage - Star Sports 3, Star Sports HD 3, Star Gold
English Coverage - Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD 2
Telugu Coverage - Maa Movies
Kannada Coverage - Suvarna Plus
Marathi Coverage - Star Pravah (Sunday Matches only)
Live streaming will be available on starsports.com.
