The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) is all set to return with its 12th edition on Friday, August 29, at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Telugu Titans will kick off the tournament in a Southern Derby against arch-rivals Tamil Thalaivas, marking the beginning of an intense league season that will span nearly two months.
In the lead-up to the opening fixture, Telugu Titans have confirmed Vijay Malik as their captain for the upcoming season. The all-rounder takes over the reins full-time after leading the squad in the absence of former captain Pawan Sehrawat last year. Alongside him, defender Shubham Shinde has been appointed vice-captain.
Vijay, a seasoned campaigner in the PKL circuit, brings a wealth of experience to the leadership role. Having started his Pro Kabaddi journey in 2017 with the Patna Pirates, he later represented Dabang Delhi for three seasons, followed by a short stint with UP Yoddhas. He joined the Telugu Titans with a growing reputation, and his form in the previous season only strengthened it — amassing 183 points, including 172 raid points and 29 tackle points from 22 matches.
His deputy, Shubham Shinde, is another experienced name in the league. After spending two seasons each with Puneri Paltan, Bengal Warriors, and most recently Patna Pirates, Shinde registered 58 points in 22 appearances during PKL 11. Known for his aggressive defensive play, Shinde’s presence will be crucial to the Titans’ backline this season.
The Telugu Titans will be aiming to turn their fortunes around after a challenging previous campaign. With fresh leadership and a balanced mix of raiders and defenders, the team looks primed for a competitive run in PKL 12.
This season’s group stage will take place across four major cities — Vizag, Jaipur, Chennai, and Delhi — and will run from August 29 to October 23. Each franchise is scheduled to play 18 matches during the league stage. The top six teams will qualify for the playoffs, though details about the playoff venues and dates are still awaited.
As PKL 12 gets underway, all eyes will be on the Titans and their new captaincy duo to see if they can start strong against the Tamil Thalaivas in what promises to be a high-octane opener.
