On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Gujarat Giants turned the tide of their season with a crushing 47‑28 win over Bengal Warriorz at the Noida Indoor Stadium. The match, part of Pro Kabaddi League Season 11India, ended the Giants’ seven‑match losing streak and lifted them into playoff contention.
Why this win matters
After dropping the first six games, the Giants were staring at a relegation‑style scenario that many fans thought was inevitable. Coach Ram Mehar Singh had publicly admitted that his "penal" system wasn’t clicking. Suddenly, the tide shifted as the team delivered a 19‑point margin – the biggest win over the Warriorz in the three‑season rivalry.
Star performance from Guman Singh
Leading the charge was raider Guman Singh, who amassed 17 raid points, earning a coveted Super 10. "I felt the rhythm from the first half," Guman told the post‑match interview, smiling as he recalled his Do‑Or‑Die raid that left Bengal with just one defender on the mat.
Defensive heroics: Himanshu and Jitender Yadav
Defenders Himanshu and Jitender Yadav each posted a High 5, contributing five tackle points apiece. Their timing on the second All‑Out – when Guman tackled Nitin Kumar after a tight Do‑Or‑Die – was described by commentary as "clinical".
Match timeline and key moments
- 5:00 min, 1st half: Gujarat forces first All‑Out, leading 8‑0.
- 12:45 min: Nitin Kumar of Bengal scores his first raid point, trying to claw back.
- 19:30 min, 1st half end: Second All‑Out after Guman’s decisive tackle; halftime score 24‑13.
- 24:10 min, 2nd half: Third All‑Out by Parteek Dahiya, dismissing Vishwas S and Nitesh Kumar.
- 38:00 min: Final whistle – Gujarat 47, Bengal 28.
Statistical snapshot
The official scorecard from ProKabaddi.com shows that beyond the headline numbers, Gujarat’s bench contributed steadily: Mohit (defender, right cover) added two tackle points, Balaji D chipped in one, and raider Rakesh snagged a solitary point after a 35‑minute burst of activity. For Bengal, young raider Nitin Kumar toppled the board with 11 raid points, but his efforts were neutralised by relentless pressure.
Historical context of the rivalry
Since Season 9, the two squads have traded blows. In 2022, Bengal edged a 45‑40 win, while Gujarat retaliated in 2023 with a 51‑42 triumph. This season’s 19‑point margin not only eclipses the previous 9‑point victory but also flips the narrative, signalling a potential power shift as the playoffs loom.
Broadcast and digital reach
Fans across the nation tuned in via Star Sports Network and the streaming platform Disney+ Hotstar, both airing the match at 7:30 PM IST. Live stats, replays, and highlight reels were also available on the official Pro Kabaddi mobile app and the website prokabaddi.com.
What the win means for the Giants
Beyond the morale boost, the victory adds three crucial points to Gujarat’s tally, nudging them back into the top‑six race. Analyst Priya Mehta of SportsInsight notes, "A win of this magnitude mid‑season can reshape the confidence curve. Expect the Giants to play with more aggression in the next few fixtures."
Looking ahead
The Giants face the Delhi Dynamites next week, a clash many predict will test whether this resurgence is a one‑off or the start of a sustained climb. Meanwhile, Bengal must regroup quickly; their coach hinted at lineup tweaks, especially in the defensive line, to avoid another All‑Out scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the win affect Gujarat Giants' playoff chances?
The three points earned push the Giants into the top six, meaning they now need just one more win to secure a direct playoff berth, according to the league’s points table released on November 14.
Who were the standout players for Bengal Warriorz?
Young raider Nitin Kumar led with 11 raid points, while Arjun Rathi contributed a couple of successful tackles before being stopped by Himanshu’s High‑5 effort.
What was the turning point of the match?
The second All‑Out, triggered by Guman Singh’s Do‑Or‑Die raid, swung momentum firmly toward Gujarat, expanding the lead to 11 points at halftime.
When and where can fans watch the next Gujarat Giants game?
The next match is scheduled for November 20, 2024, at 8:00 PM IST, hosted at the Indira Gandhi Arena in Delhi and will be broadcast on Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
How does this result compare to previous Gujarat‑Bengal encounters?
It is the most dominant victory for Gujarat in the three‑season history, surpassing the 9‑point win in Season 10 and reversing Bengal’s 5‑point advantage from Season 9.
