In their second match of the season, Gujarat Giants took on the mighty defending champions, Bengal Warriors. Both teams went into the game undefeated, but it was the franchise from Bengal who maintained their winning streak.

The Giants fell just short, despite a spirited effort, as they eventually lost 31-28 at the blow of the full-time whistle. Rathan K made his first-ever appearance in the VIVO Pro Kabaddi, coming in for Pardeep Kumar. He managed to pick up a point in just his second raid of the match, as both sides looked tentative in the first few minutes. Ravinder “The Hawk” Pahal, too, made a solid start, but it was Bengal Warriors who took a 16-11 lead at the halfway mark.

The combination of Parvesh Bhainswal and Hadi Oshtorak secured a Super Tackle once again, and Rakesh Narwal came into his own in the second half. The raider from Haryana registered Gujarat Giants’ first Super 10 of the season against his former team. He accumulated 12 points in the match through 11 successful raids and 1 tackle point.

The first and only All Out of the match belonged to Bengal Warriors, who took a 22-17 lead in the 25th minute. The game was perfectly poised at 29-26 with less than two minutes remaining, but Bengal Warriors held their nerves and didn’t let Gujarat come close.

The defending champions registered their second win of the season, propelling them to second place in the points table.