PKL 12 Qualifier 2: Telugu Titans Beat Patna Pirates to Play Puneri Paltans

Telugu Titans vs Patna Pirates: A Night of Redemption, Passion, and Pure Kabaddi Drama

The playoff clash between Telugu Titans and Patna Pirates in Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 will be remembered as one of the most iconic battles in recent kabaddi history. It had everything — pressure, passion, heartbreak, and comeback stories that define this sport.

For Patna Pirates, it was a chance to continue their fairy-tale run — a team that was written off early in the season but came roaring back under Coach Randeep Dalal, winning eight consecutive matches to storm into the playoffs. For Telugu Titans, it was about belief — about proving to everyone that even when the odds are against you, courage and teamwork can change the script.

Patna Start Strong, But Titans Refuse to Back Down

As expected, the Pirates started the match with their trademark aggression. Their raiders looked sharp, and the defense was well-coordinated in the opening minutes. Ayan, Patna’s star raider, led the charge with his swift movements and smart touch points, scoring 22 points in the match. The Pirates took an early lead, and it felt like another one-sided affair was on the way — something fans had become used to during their eight-match winning streak.

But kabaddi is a game of momentum, and that momentum shifted dramatically when Telugu Titans found their rhythm. The combination of Bharat Hooda and Vijay Malik proved to be the turning point of the night. The duo displayed fearless raiding and incredible mat awareness, combining for 28 points between them. Every successful raid brought the crowd alive, and every tackle lifted the team’s morale.

What stood out most was the Titans’ resilience. When they were trailing, instead of panicking, they regrouped. The defensive unit, which had been inconsistent throughout the season, suddenly looked organized and focused. Each tackle felt calculated, and the coordination between corners and covers was impeccable.

The Pirates’ Journey Deserves Respect

Even though the Pirates lost the match, their journey deserves immense respect. After languishing at the bottom of the points table during the first half of the season, few believed they could make a comeback. Critics had almost given up on them, but the arrival of Coach Randeep Dalal changed everything.

Dalal brought a fresh energy into the camp. He instilled belief, discipline, and a renewed focus on teamwork. Under his guidance, Patna won eight matches in a row, climbing from the bottom to 4th place on the points table — an achievement that speaks volumes about the team’s fighting spirit.

In the post-match press conference, Coach Randeep Dalal said,

“We need to make one or two changes in defense; rest, we’ll keep our core intact. This team has shown heart, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come.”

His words reflect the pride of a coach who rebuilt a team mid-season and turned them into serious contenders.

Krishan Kumar Hooda’s Emotional Moment

On the other side, Telugu Titans’ head coach Krishan Kumar Hooda had tears in his eyes during the post-match press conference. Known for his passionate approach to the game, Hooda had always believed in his players, even when results didn’t go their way.

He said with emotion,

“Look, I said at the start, we will play our best kabaddi — and we did. We may not have been perfect, but tonight, this team showed character.”

That statement summed up the Titans’ journey this season. A team that struggled with combinations, fitness issues, and form finally came together at the right time. The players seemed to be feeding off their coach’s belief, showing aggression in raids, discipline in defense, and unity in every huddle.

Titans March to Qualifier 2

With this victory, Telugu Titans advanced to Qualifier 2, where they will face the formidable Puneri Paltan. The Paltans, known for their consistency and balanced gameplay, won’t be an easy challenge. However, if the Titans continue their fearless approach and teamwork, they could very well surprise everyone once again.

. Players like Bharat Hooda, Vijay Malik, and Pawan have turned into unlikely heroes, while the defensive unit, led by experienced campaigners, has finally found its groove.

The match against Patna was more than just a game — it was a story of redemption. It reminded everyone why kabaddi is such a thrilling sport. It’s not just about skills or speed; it’s about heart, about never giving up, about fighting till the last whistle.

Final Thoughts

As Telugu Titans prepare for their next big challenge, they carry with them confidence, momentum, and belief — three things every successful team needs in knockout stages. For Patna Pirates, though the journey ends here, they walk away with pride, respect, and hope for a stronger comeback next season.

Both teams showcased the true essence of kabaddi — courage under pressure, unity in adversity, and spirit that refuses to break. This match will surely go down as one of the greatest playoff encounters in PKL Season 12 — a perfect blend of strategy, emotion, and entertainment.

In the end, kabaddi was the real winner.