The RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia delivered a blockbuster Sunday doubleheader at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, with two contrasting yet equally captivating contests.
The evening began with a display of clinical dominance as Delhi Toofans swept aside defending champions Calicut Heroes in straight sets, while the later encounter produced a five-set classic as Ahmedabad Defenders pulled off a stunning comeback to shock Hyderabad Black Hawks on their home turf. Between Delhi’s tactical control and Ahmedabad’s unyielding fightback, the day captured everything the PVL promises speed, skill, emotion, and theatre.
Match 1: Delhi Toofans crush Calicut Heroes 3–0 (15–11, 15–9, 15–11)
The afternoon fixture saw Delhi Toofans dismantle the title-holders Calicut Heroes in one of the most commanding performances of the season. Led by their Venezuelan attacker Jesus Chourio, who was named Player of the Match, Delhi combined precision setting, power hitting, and rock-solid blocking to seal a comfortable 3–0 win.
Calicut started brightly, with Santhosh firing a series of powerful smashes and Vikas Maan controlling the middle zone. However, Delhi’s captain and setter Saqlain Tariq quickly shifted gears, dictating the tempo with clever passing variations that disrupted Calicut’s rhythm. A well-executed triple block led by Muhammad Jasim earned Delhi a crucial super point, turning the tide in the opening set.
Once ahead, the Toofans never looked back. Chourio began to dominate, hammering spikes through the Calicut defence, while birthday boy George Antony thrilled the crowd with back-to-back super serves that left the Heroes stunned. Delhi’s libero Anand and Calicut’s Adarsh kept the audience entertained with their athletic digs, but the defending champions struggled to find consistency.
Saqlain’s intelligent rotation saw Carlos Berrios take charge from the right flank, while Ayush produced a decisive block on Raheem’s attempt to clinch the final set. Delhi sealed the victory 15–11, 15–9, 15–11 a result that not only strengthens their playoff ambitions but also signals a return to form after a patchy start to their campaign.
“This was about discipline and execution,” said Chourio after the match. “We stayed patient, trusted our system, and every player delivered when it mattered.”
Match 2: Ahmedabad Defenders stun Hyderabad Black Hawks 3–2 (9–15, 7–15, 15–9, 15–11, 15–8)
If Delhi’s win was about control, Ahmedabad’s was pure heart. Down 0–2 and seemingly out of the contest, the Ahmedabad Defenders roared back to life to defeat the Hyderabad Black Hawks in an electrifying five-set thriller. Battur Batsuuri led from the front, earning the Player of the Match award for his explosive performance in the latter stages.
Hyderabad, playing at home, started in blistering fashion. With Guru Prashanth back in the lineup, the Hawks dominated the early exchanges. Setter Preet Karan kept the ball moving with crisp passes, while John Joseph and Shikhar Singh controlled the net. The Hawks took the first two sets 15–9 and 15–7, seemingly cruising toward victory. Then came the turning point. Ahmedabad captain Muthusamy Appavu, seeking a spark, introduced young left-handed Universal Harsh Chaudhary, whose arrival changed the entire complexion of the match. His first contribution a blistering super serve ignited the comeback.
Batsuuri soon found his rhythm, combining with Akhin GS and Abhinav at the net to produce a series of stunning blocks. The Defenders took the third set 15–9 and grew stronger with every point. Another super serve from Harsh levelled the match in the fourth set (15–11), leaving Hyderabad shell-shocked.
By the final set, Ahmedabad’s momentum was unstoppable. Harsh landed yet another super serve, Batsuuri fired thunderous spikes past a fatigued Hyderabad defence, and the Defenders sealed the decider 15–8 to complete one of the greatest comebacks in PVL history.
“It was about belief,” said Appavu after the match. “Even at 0–2, we told ourselves to fight for every point. Harsh and Batsuuri changed the game with their energy.”
Sunday’s twin results reflected the evolving character of PVL 2025 a league where tactical mastery and emotional resilience go hand in hand.
Delhi’s clinical dismantling of Calicut underscored the value of preparation and depth. Every rotation worked seamlessly, and the Toofans’ ability to sustain intensity across three sets showed why they’re emerging as genuine title contenders. In contrast, Ahmedabad’s dramatic turnaround showcased the unpredictable beauty of volleyball. From looking dead and buried to scripting a win for the ages, the Defenders displayed mental toughness that could define their season. The composure of veterans like Appavu blended perfectly with the youthful audacity of Harsh, creating a team that refuses to quit.
For Calicut and Hyderabad, the losses serve as early wake-up calls. Both sides started strong but faltered under pressure a reminder that in the PVL, momentum can shift faster than a serve.
With the league entering a critical phase, both Delhi and Ahmedabad have sent a clear message to their rivals. The Toofans have rediscovered their structure and rhythm, while the Defenders have rediscovered their spirit.
As PVL 2025 continues to unfold in Hyderabad, one thing is certain on nights like these, volleyball in India is not just growing; it’s thriving.
Results (October 12, 2025)
🏐 Delhi Toofans beat Calicut Heroes 15–11, 15–9, 15–11
Player of the Match: Jesus Chourio
🏐 Ahmedabad Defenders beat Hyderabad Black Hawks 9–15, 7–15, 15–9, 15–11, 15–8
Player of the Match: Battur Batsuuri
