PKL 2025
Bengal WarriorzNaveen Kumar CoachPro Kabaddi League

PKL 2025 Shocker: Bengal Warriorz Stun Titans in Tie-Breaker; Naveen Kumar’s Coaching Sparks Revival

Shivansh Rana | 3 min read | 3 weeks ago | Oct 17, 2025 04:05 pm IST
PKL 2025 Shocker: Bengal Warriorz Stun Titans in Tie-Breaker; Naveen Kumar's Coaching Sparks Revival

What a difference a day makes. After two brutal losses back-to-back against the Bengaluru Bulls, everyone was starting to count the Bengal Warriorz out. Again. But under new head coach Naveen Kumar, something’s different, and they just proved it by ending the Telugu Titans’ five-match winning streak in a nail-biting tie-breaker on October 15, 2025.

Key Takeaways

  • New Leadership: Naveen Kumar has replaced Prashant Surve as head coach for PKL 2025 after the team missed the playoffs for four straight seasons.
  • Dramatic Turnaround: After losing to Bengaluru Bulls on Oct 13 and 14, the Warriorz stunned Telugu Titans in a tie-breaker on Oct 15.
  • Star Performers: Captain Devank Dalal is leading the raids, while 20-year-old defender Ashish Malik has been a revelation with four High 5s in six matches.
  • Team Effort: Coach Kumar emphasizes teamwork, and players like all-rounder Manjeet are stepping up, securing six tackle points in the crucial win.

A Season on the Brink

Look, let’s be honest. The start to the PKL 2025 campaign, which kicked off for the Warriorz on August 31 against the Haryana Steelers, hasn’t been smooth. The team got a complete revamp, bringing in new raiders while holding onto star defenders like Nitesh Kumar. But the pressure was on. Losing twice in a row to the Bengaluru Bulls on October 13 and 14 just cranked up that pressure. It felt like the same old story. Four seasons without a playoff appearance can really weigh a team down. Was Naveen Kumar’s appointment just another change that wouldn’t change anything?

The Match That Flipped the Script

And then came the match against the Telugu Titans. This wasn’t just any team, they were on a five-match winning streak. But the Warriorz came out fighting. It was an absolute thriller that went right down to a tie-breaker. The defense, which had been a concern, suddenly clicked. All-rounder Manjeet was a beast, single-handedly securing six tackle points. He completely bolstered the defense and gave the raiders the confidence they needed.

Expert Analysis: Kumar’s Strategy Pays Off

Coach Naveen Kumar pointed to one man’s leadership on the mat. He said, “Devank took the responsibility and led the team.” That’s exactly what you want from your captain. Devank Dalal has been consistently delivering Super 10s, but the coach noted the team had struggled to support him. In this match, they finally did. It’s a clear sign of Kumar’s coaching philosophy, which focuses on teamwork and individual attention, starting to work. He’s trying to get everyone to fire on all cylinders, not just the star players.

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The Young Guns Firing

You’ve got to talk about the new talent. Ashish Malik, a defender who’s just 20 years old, has been absolutely phenomenal. In just six matches, he’s already racked up four High 5s. That’s not normal. With a tackle success rate of 55%, he’s quickly becoming one of the most feared defenders in the league. It’s players like him, combined with the veteran leadership of Devank and the tactical mind of Naveen Kumar, that could be the key. Coach Kumar’s positive attitude, even after losses, is clearly helping these young players thrive. He’s aiming to help the team “turn this season around,” and this victory might just be the spark they needed. So, what do you think? Is this the start of a real comeback for the Bengal Warriorz? Can they finally break that playoff curse?