After a long and agonising wait, it's finally time for the Giants to take to the mat again this Sunday. The Gujarat Fortunegiants get their Vivo Pro Kabaddi season 7 campaign underway at Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, and what better way to start off the season than a crunch tie, the repeat of the season 6 final.

While the pain from previous seasons may still hurt, it is the ideal driving force that will make the Giants even more dangerous in their pursuit for ultimate glory.

Manpreet and Co. are working effortlessly with one goal in mind - to defy all odds in the next three months and claim the elusive trophy.

With high expectations from our loyal fans this time around as well, we kick-off our season 7 campaign against Bengaluru Bulls on Sunday. The Bulls came out on top against us in the summit clash of season 6 and beating the defending champions would be the ideal way to kick off any campaign.

All eyes will be on the young sensation Sachin Tanwar, the 20-year-old who has caught everyone’s attention with his mind-boggling raids in both seasons. From his vicious running hand touches to bailing the team out in do-or-die raids, Sachin’s contribution will be vital. He leads the raiding department in season 7 alongside Abolfazel, Gurvinder and Abhishek.

With 3 memorable head to head leagues matches last season, a victory for each side and one 30-30 tie, this match has always provided loads of entertainment.

Attack wins you games, defense wins you titles.

Under the leadership of Sunil Kumar, backed by superstar raider Sachin Tanwar the team has the right balance of experience coupled with the exuberance of youth. Our lethal defensive duo of Sunil and Parvesh could shatter the deadliest of attacks this season. Owing to their mighty prowess, both players have been retained and Coach Manpreet will be expecting the duo to fire on all cylinders against the Bengaluru Bulls.

Expect big things from our retained young stars Lalit Chaudhary and Rohit Gulia, and our real 'Giant' Abolfazl leading on the raiding front.

Having failed to stop Pawan Sherawat in the Season 6 final, it will be interesting to see the tactics of Sunil and Parvesh when they come up against him in Sunday’s opener. Rohit Gulia and Amit Kharb could provide the team with the required impetus in the corners and it remains to be seen where Coach Manpreet slots them in the defensive unit.

Key Giants.

Sachin Tanwar

Having racked up 349 raid points in 49 matches, Sachin’s raids will be pivotal for us to be in the driving seat against the tough Bengaluru side. If he has a good game, the odds of victory increase significantly. It will be interesting to see his approach against the defending champions on Sunday.

Parvesh

Bengaluru Bulls pose a strong raiding department and Parvesh’s mighty upper body blocks and challenges will be crucial to stop Rohit Kumar and Pawan Sherawat. After finishing second on the list of tackle points (86) last season, he will be looking to go one better this time.

Key battles

Pawan Sherawat vs Sunil Kumar

A real battle of the beats, this contest will be the one most fans will be looking forward to see on Sunday. Sunil didn’t have the best of outings against Pawan in last season’s final, but he’s tackled him 4 times in 13 attempts in the Pro Kabaddi League.

Predicted Line up

Sachin Tanwar, Parvesh Bhinswal, Ruturaj Koravi, Rohit Gulia, Sunil Kumar(C), Abolfazel, More GB