In Pro Kabaddi League 2017 the new team Telugu Titans have begun their campaign in style with a 32-27 pounding of the Tamil Thalaivas. The home team got off to a fine start, and led by 10 points at halftime but a late fightback from the Thalaivas made for a thrilling end to the season opener. Captain Rahul Chaudhari led from the front with an incredible eight touch points and ten raid points to end the night with ten points. For the Thalaivas, it was K.Prapanjan who scored seven points for the losing cause.
This is the fifth season of the Pro Kabaddi League, and the opening match was held in Hyderabad today. This is the Tamil Thalaivas first tournament, while the Titans are the veteran team here, having with a best of fourth position in the standings last year. The Titans were led by Rahul Chaudhari, who they retained from last year, and the new team Thalaivas will be captained by Ajay Thakur.
The PKL has seen an overhaul this season, with a zoning system introduced for the very first time, and the addition of four national teams to the pool. The teams will play 15 intra-zone matches and 7 inter-zone matches, which will be followed by the playoffs. The playoffs themselves will consist of three qualifiers and two eliminators. Zone A consists of Dabang Delhi, Jaipur Pink Panthers, Puneri Paltan, U Mumba, Haryana Steelers and the Gujarat Fortune Giants whereas Zone B will include the remaining bunch of teams namely Telugu Titans, Bengaluru Bulls, Patna Pirates, Bengal Warriors, UP Yoddha and the Tamil Thalaivas.
The Patna Pirates are all set to defend their title this year, but the introduction of four new teams and a lengthier season will put pressure on everyone. Earlier, the PKL opened to a grand opening ceremony with Bollywood celebrity Akshay Kumar attending.
