Bulls look to utilise home advantage

Following a promising start to season four, where they lost just once in their first five matches, Bengaluru Bulls’ fine run took a hit with two successive defeats. With a lot of ground to cover if they are to make the semifinal stage, the Bulls will be eager to get their campaign back on track in familiar conditions when they begin their home leg here at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Tuesday.

With three wins, one draw and three defeats, the Bulls, are lying fifth in the table with 20 points. The eight-team table is topped by defending champions Patna, who have 26 points under their belt.

The Bengaluru unit will face the Telugu Titans in their opening encounter here, followed by games against Jaipur Pink Panthers, Patna and Dabang Delhi.

Following a poor season three, which was marred by inexperience and inability to close games from strong positions, the Bulls have tightened their game and have shown great character in pressure situations. The Surendra Nada-led side began their campaign with a nervy 24-23 win over Bengal Warriors. The Bulls were then involved in a 28-28 tie against Jaipur Pink Panthers before going down to Dabang Delhi 24-32.

Bulls though got their act together to produce two back to back wins against Puneri Paltan and Telugu Titans. However, the superior Patna drubbed them and U Mumba hung on to inflict a 24-23 defeat on them to make the Bengaluru leg all the more crucial for the hosts.

“We have been playing well consistently. Except for the game against Patna, the other two defeats have come in small margins,” said Bulls’ coach Randhir Singh.
 
Producing consistent performances, Rohit Kumar has been the top raider for Bulls. His ability to bail out his team under dire situations with successful raids will once again come in handy for the hosts.

Against the Titans on Tuesday, Bulls would be wary of ace raider Rahul Chaudhari. Bulls had survived a late scare from Chaudhari in their away-game and any slip ups this time might prove costly for them. Rohit Baliyan’s injury and skipper Nada’s poor form are some of the worries for the Bulls.
 

Today’s fixtures: Bengaluru Bulls vs Telugu Titans (8:00 pm); Puneri Paltan vs Bengal Warriors (9:00 pm). Tickets: Tickets are priced at Rs 500, 750, 1200 and 2000. Box office open at 10:00 am at Sree Kanteerava Stadium. Gates open: 6:30 pm.