The stage is set for a blockbuster encounter in the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League, PVL 2025 powered by Scapia, as the Bengaluru Torpedoes take on the Ahmedabad Defenders in the first semi-final at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium on Friday.
Both sides have been among the most consistent teams this season, and their contrasting styles promise a contest filled with energy, power, and tactical intrigue.
Torpedoes Flying High Under David Lee
The Bengaluru Torpedoes enter the semi-final with momentum and belief after an impressive league stage campaign that saw them finish second on the table with 14 points from seven matches. Led by two-time Olympic medallist David Lee, the Torpedoes have built their season on balance, composure, and a never-say-die attitude that has defined their identity throughout the 2025 campaign.
Bengaluru’s performances have been marked by adaptability whether grinding out tight wins in five-set thrillers or dominating through clean attacking phases. Under Lee’s guidance, the team has blended international experience with emerging Indian talent, forming one of the most cohesive units in the league. Their attack has revolved around the explosive duo of Jalen Penrose and Joel Benjamin, who have consistently delivered points under pressure. Penrose’s athleticism and Benjamin’s precision have made them one of the most feared offensive combinations this season.
Behind them, middle blockers Mujeeb Mc and Jishnu PV have anchored Bengaluru’s defensive line with exceptional blocking efficiency and reading of the game. The defensive stability is further enhanced by libero Midhunkumar, whose positional awareness and quick reflexes have turned defense into offense for the Torpedoes.
Reflecting on his team’s campaign, coach David Lee was full of praise for the group’s perseverance.
“I’m pretty impressed with how we played for the entire season,” Lee said. “Even though we were kind of up against the wall most of the time, the players fought back really well and showed they can still compete even when we’re not at full strength.”
That resilience was tested multiple times during the league stage particularly in tight encounters against formidable opponents but Bengaluru repeatedly found ways to turn the tide in their favor.
Ahmedabad’s Experience and Firepower
Standing in their way are the Ahmedabad Defenders, the 2023 champions and perennial contenders in the PVL. They finished third in the standings with 12 points, displaying their trademark grit and tactical nous en route to the playoffs. Ahmedabad’s campaign has been defined by a combination of seasoned experience and explosive individual brilliance. The heartbeat of their attack has been Battur Batsuuri, the Mongolian powerhouse whose athletic dominance and consistency have been central to the Defenders’ success. His aggressive spikes and relentless energy on court have made him one of the most influential players of the season.
Complementing him is veteran setter Muthusamy Appavu, whose leadership and control in distribution remain the cornerstone of Ahmedabad’s system. His understanding with Batsuuri gives the Defenders a distinct edge in transitions, allowing them to shift rapidly from defense to attack a hallmark of their playing style under pressure.
Ahmedabad’s coach and players have emphasized the importance of sticking to their processes and keeping their mental composure intact heading into the semifinal. The Defenders, having been part of high-pressure playoff situations in previous seasons, carry valuable experience that could prove decisive against a younger Bengaluru squad.
As both teams fine-tune their preparations for the semi-final, Bengaluru’s coach David Lee emphasized the psychological side of the contest a battle of belief as much as of skill.
“The team must have zero regrets when they leave, that’s all I can ask for,” Lee reflected. “We’re going to try to prepare as well as we can for the Defenders. But if we come out and fight like we’ve done all season, we can be satisfied. As long as they have that mentality, I will leave everything on the floor for this team tomorrow. That’s all I’m looking for.”
The message resonates with Bengaluru’s journey this season a story of persistence, adaptability, and collective trust. Every player has contributed in key moments, and the team’s ability to stay calm under pressure has been a defining feature.
Ahmedabad, meanwhile, will look to draw confidence from their playoff pedigree. The 2023 champions know how to handle the intensity of knockout volleyball, and their ability to manage critical phases particularly with Appavu’s orchestration and Batsuuri’s finishing could tilt the balance in their favor. The semi-final will likely hinge on how Bengaluru’s blocking unit handles Ahmedabad’s front-line attack led by Batsuuri, and conversely, how the Defenders adapt to Bengaluru’s quicker transitions through Penrose and Benjamin.
The serve-and-receive battle will be crucial, with both sides known for turning short service runs into match-defining moments. Bengaluru’s superior first-pass conversion rate and their improved discipline at the net give them a slight statistical edge, but Ahmedabad’s strategic depth and composure under pressure level the playing field.
As the teams prepare to clash under the lights at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner will book a spot in the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia Final, where glory and momentum from an intense season culminate. For Bengaluru, it’s a chance to convert consistency into silverware and cap off their best season yet under David Lee. For Ahmedabad, it’s an opportunity to reclaim the dominance they once held and return to the final stage of a league they’ve defined in recent years.
Friday night promises power, precision, and plenty of passion everything fans have come to expect from the Prime Volleyball League’s biggest clashes.
Fixture: RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League 2025 – Semi-Final 1
Bengaluru Torpedoes vs Ahmedabad Defenders
📍 Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad
📅 Friday, October 24, 2025
