Gujarat Giants’ all-round show helped them snap their six-match winless streak in Pro Kabaddi Season 8 with a 40-22 win over Telugu Titans at the Sheraton Grand, Whitefield in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

All-rounder Rakesh Sungroya was the star of the match with 16 raid points, ably supported by Mahendra Rajput who scored six points including a tackle point. Amongst the defenders, Parvesh Bhainswal registered a high 5. 

For Telugu Titans, Rajnish was the lead raider with 11 raid points while Akash Choudhary was the best defender with three tackle points. 

The match started with both sides placed neck-and-neck as none of the defenders from the two teams managed to score a tackle point. Rakesh Sungroya broke the deadlock with a super raid early in the first half, tilting the momentum in Gujarat Giants’ favour as they managed to build on the lead. Meanwhile, Mahendra Rajput proved to be a perfect foil for Rakesh with timely raid points. 

Rakesh Sangroya scored another two-point raid as Gujarat soon managed to inflict an all-out to lead 20-13 at half-time. 

In the second half, Gujarat Giants extended their lead further as substitute Rathan K. scored five quick points including three tackle points. Rajnish tried to reduce the deficit for the Titans with single-point raids but a faltering defence meant Telugu Titans could never make a comeback. 

In the dying moments of the match, Gujarat Giants inflicted another all-out as the two-time finalists registered a dominating win. 

The victory took Gujarat Giants’ points tally to 20 this season and helped them climb to the seventh spot in the standings. Meanwhile, Telugu Titans, the only winless side in the tournament, succumbed to their sixth loss of the season and are at the bottom of the points table.

Gujarat Giants play Bengaluru Bulls next on Friday.