Telugu Titans go head-to-head with Bengaluru Bulls in a crucial semi-final clash today at the NSCI Stadium in Mumbai, and both sides will be looking to give their best in the match with the big final standing just a step away.
It is a do-or-die affair now in the Pro Kabaddi League 2015.
The Titans, who finished their regular league season in the second spot, will have to be wary of the Bulls, who finished third with just as low as two points separating the two teams.
The Bangalore side have a remarkable record against the Telugu Titans so far. The Hyderabad side have not been able to beat the Bulls in any of their four games in the Pro Kabaddi over two seasons, and this stat makes a vital reading, as we go into the game today.
The Bulls recorded a draw and a win over the Titans in the first season of the Pro Kabaddi, and in the present season as well, the Bengaluru Bulls earned a win over their Southern rivals on both occasions so far.
And this can come as a real worry for the Hyderabadi side.
Ajay Thakur has been one of the most influential raiders for the Bengaluru Bulls so far, as he notched as many as 68 raid points. He has been efficiently supported by Bulls skipper Manjeet Chhillar, who has picked 50 raid points and 32 tackle points.
Rajesh Mondal has also been firing with his raids for the Bulls this season.
The defence of the side is also superlative in every department. With Dharmaraj Cherlathan manning the barricades in the right corner and Joginder Narwal on the left, it is hard to get past the players with a successful raid.
And the ever-presence of Somvir Shekhar in the middle just makes the defence all the more perfect.
However, Telugu Titans don't seem to be the side who can be intimidated this time. With the presence of players like Rahul Chaudhary (79 points overall), Sukesh Hegde (62 points), and Prashant Rai (46 points), they have a fairly strong attacking line.
Deepak Hudda (54 raiding points and 27 tackle points), is however, the star man of the side. The exceptional all-rounder has not only been one of the best for the Titans this year, but he is also one of the best all-rounders in the Pro Kabaddi League now.
Defender Sandeep Kandola and hard-rock Iranian Meraj Sheykh can also make life real hard for the Titans. The Titans come into this game at the backdrop of a massive 46-25 win against leaders U Mumba on 18 August, and the momentum might just be with them now.
The match between Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls will begin at 8 pm IST (3:30 pm BST).
Where to Watch Live:
Pro Kabaddi League 2015 Semi-Final 1: Telugu Titans vs Bengaluru Bulls 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
UK viewers can catch the action on Life OK
Live streaming will be available on Hotstar and Starsports.com
