When Gujarat Giants pulled off a 36‑32 win over the Bengaluru Bulls on Sunday, October 20, 2024, the result sent a ripple through the opening week of Pro Kabaddi League Season 11. The showdown unfolded at the Badminton Hall inside the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune, a venue that has become the league’s de‑facto home this season. After trailing 19‑16 at halftime, the Giants rallied behind a trio of raiders – Parteek Dahiya, Guman Singh and Sombir – whose combined 14 raid points and a decisive High‑5 flipped the script and clinched the victory.
Background to PKL Season 11
Launched in 2014, the Pro Kabaddi League has grown into India’s second‑most‑watched sporting competition, trailing only the IPL. Season 11 features 12 teams in a round‑robin format, with the top four advancing to the playoffs. Both the Giants and the Bulls entered the campaign with a point to prove – the former seeking to shed the “perennial under‑achiever” tag, the latter hoping to kick‑start a title‑defending run after their 2018‑19 championship.
The match was part of a double‑header on Star Sports Network and streamed live on Disney+ Hotstar, underscoring the league’s multi‑platform reach. Earlier in the season, the two sides had been locked in a 34‑34 dead‑heat on December 3, 2024, a result that added extra spice to this October clash.
First Half: Bulls Take an Early Lead
The game began with a familiar face for the Bulls – captain‑raider Pardeep Narwal. He opened the scoring with a clean raid, setting the tone for a half where his experience would shine. Both sides traded points and were dead‑locked at 7‑7 before the Bulls surged ahead.
An aggressive defensive stand from Bengaluru resulted in an All‑Out against the Giants, pushing the Bulls to a 12‑9 lead. Narwal kept the pressure on, adding raid points one after another, and by the midpoint of the half the scoreboard read 19‑16 in Bengaluru’s favour.
Meanwhile, the Giants’ raiders struggled to find rhythm. It wasn’t until the final minute of the first half that Neeraj Kumar managed a crucial line‑up point, but the gap remained.
Second Half Turnaround: Giants’ Comeback Engine Fires
The locker‑room talk, according to sources, revolved around “reset and regroup”. That plan materialised when Parteek Dahiya opened his second‑half raid with a super‑tackle that earned the Giants two bonus points.
Guman Singh followed with a series of high‑value raids, and together they added 9 points in a 4‑minute sprint that erased the Bulls’ lead. The turning point came when Sombir, the Giants’ defensive anchor, executed a textbook High‑5 – five raid points in a single raid that left the Bulls scrambling for a reply.
By the 35‑minute mark the Giants had not only caught up but taken a 33‑31 advantage. A late‑game raid by Narwal kept the Bulls in contention, but a final defensive stand by Ajinkya Pawar sealed the 36‑32 finish for the Giants.
Key Performances and Milestones
- Parteek Dahiya – 6 raid points, including the opening super‑tackle.
- Guman Singh – 8 raid points, steadying the second‑half surge.
- Sombir – High‑5 raid, a rarity that often decides matches.
- Pardeep Narwal – 12 raid points, and made history as the first player to cross 1,700 career raid points, a landmark achieved despite the loss.
- Ajinkya Pawar – 4 tackle points, anchoring Bengaluru’s defense in the closing minutes.
The 1,700‑point milestone cements Narwal’s status as a generational talent, a narrative that will follow him throughout the season. For the Giants, the collective 14‑point haul from Dahiya, Singh and Sombir represents a statement of intent – a raiding unit capable of turning games on its head.
Reactions and Implications
Coach Manoj Kumar of the Giants (not to be confused with the player) praised his squad’s resilience, saying, “We knew we were out, but the second half showed the heart we have as a team.” The Bulls’ captain, Narwal, admitted the loss was a wake‑up call, noting, “We can’t rely on individual brilliance; we need to tighten our defense.”
The win propels Gujarat Giants to the top of the points table, while the Bulls slip to the bottom, intensifying the pressure on Bengaluru’s back‑court veterans to bounce back in the next fixture.
What’s Next in the Season
Both teams head into a packed schedule. The Giants face the Tamil Nadu Twins next week, a clash that could further cement their early‑season momentum. The Bulls, meanwhile, travel to Kolkata for a showdown against the Poaching Patriots, a match that many pundits label a must‑win to keep playoff hopes alive.
Beyond the immediate fixtures, the league’s midway point is expected to feature a controversial mid‑season draft, a topic already sparking debate among owners, players and fans alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Giants’ win affect their playoff chances?
The victory lifts Gujarat Giants to the top of the ten‑team points table, giving them an early cushion. With a round‑robin format, each win counts heavily, and the momentum could help them secure a top‑four spot, which guarantees a direct entry into the playoffs.
What does Pardeep Narwal’s 1,700‑point milestone mean for the league?
Crossing 1,700 raid points cements Narwal as the most prolific raider in PKL history. It adds a historic narrative to the season, drawing extra viewership and setting a benchmark for future stars aiming to eclipse his record.
Why is the Balewadi Sports Complex chosen as a primary venue?
Balewadi offers a modern indoor arena with excellent acoustics and a large seating capacity, making it ideal for televised Kabaddi. Its central location in Pune also attracts a passionate local crowd, enhancing the home‑court atmosphere for both teams.
What are the key tactical takeaways from the match?
The Giants demonstrated the power of coordinated raids and a high‑risk High‑5, while the Bulls relied heavily on Narwal’s solo brilliance. The game highlighted that a balanced attack‑defense mix, especially in the second half, is crucial for overturning deficits.
When is the next live broadcast of a PKL match?
The next match airs on Tuesday, October 23, 2024, at 7:30 PM IST on Star Sports Network and streams simultaneously on Disney+ Hotstar. The fixture list is available on prokabaddi.com and the official PKL app.