The RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia is barely underway, but the intensity has already hit fever pitch.
After a pulsating opening-night victory over the Goa Guardians, Bengaluru Torpedoes are brimming with confidence as they prepare to face the Kolkata Thunderbolts in their second match at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium.
The Torpedoes’ opening encounter against Goa was nothing short of a blockbuster a five-set thriller that tested their depth, spirit, and composure. Bengaluru eventually triumphed 15-9, 11-15, 13-15, 17-15, 15-9, in a match that swung dramatically before the southern franchise dug deep to clinch the decider.
American attacker Jalen Penrose was the star of the night, earning the Player of the Match award for his explosive hitting and clutch serves. His power at the net and sharp transitions in counter-attacks proved decisive, especially in the final set when Bengaluru needed inspiration.
Behind him, captain and setter Matt West marshalled the attack with authority mixing up quick plays, wide sets, and middle combinations to keep the Goan defense guessing. The Torpedoes’ rhythm under pressure, particularly in the fourth and fifth sets, reflected both their preparation and their growing team chemistry.
“We’re Enjoying Our Volleyball”: Captain Matt West
For captain Matt West, the win was about more than just two points it was a statement about belief and cohesion.
“The confidence from that comeback win gives us belief, but what stands out for me is how connected this group already feels,” West said ahead of the clash with Kolkata. “We’re enjoying our volleyball, and when we play with that joy and aggression, we’re a tough team to beat.”
The American setter’s influence extends beyond tactical precision. His ability to calm the court, read opposition defenses, and adjust tempo mid-rally gives Bengaluru a crucial edge in tight situations. His connection with Penrose and Indian spiker Vinit Kumar was particularly effective, ensuring the team’s offensive options remained fluid and unpredictable.
Standing in Bengaluru’s way are the Kolkata Thunderbolts, one of the league’s most consistent teams over the past seasons and former champions of the PVL. Saturday’s encounter marks Kolkata’s first appearance of the season, and they are expected to come out firing with a refreshed squad boasting both experience and international flair.
The Thunderbolts’ lineup is bolstered by Colombian outside hitter Sebastian Gomez and Iranian middle blocker Matin Takavar, two high-impact foreign signings who bring athleticism and technical discipline to the court. Add to that the presence of Indian stalwarts like Ashwal Rai, Vinit Rai, and Anirudh Dahiya, and the Thunderbolts have built a balanced side capable of combining defensive solidity with aerial dominance.
The addition of Takavar, known for his quick middle attacks and impeccable blocking timing, adds a new dimension to Kolkata’s front line. Meanwhile, Gomez’s experience in international leagues is expected to give the team a strong finishing edge in long rallies.
Kolkata head coach Sunny Joseph has emphasized a focus on aggressive serving and first-ball attack efficiency, aiming to pressure Bengaluru’s reception early and disrupt their rhythm.
Momentum and Match-Ups
The Bengaluru vs Kolkata fixture has developed into one of the PVL’s most compelling rivalries in recent editions. While the Thunderbolts historically hold the edge in head-to-head results, the Torpedoes have often matched them point for point in intensity and flair.
This season, the stakes feel even higher. With both teams aiming to lay early groundwork for playoff qualification, the match in Hyderabad could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
The tactical battle will likely hinge on how effectively Bengaluru’s serve-receive unit can handle Kolkata’s aggressive jump serves and whether West can maintain offensive balance against a towering Thunderbolts block. On the other end, Kolkata will need to contain Penrose, whose shot variety and line power make him one of the most dangerous attackers in the league.
For Bengaluru, the focus has been on recovery, rhythm, and refinement. The team spent Friday evening in light drills and strategic reviews. Head coach David Lee, a former Olympic gold medallist himself, stressed the importance of consistency.
“It was a great start to our season the energy, the grit, the way everyone stepped up when it mattered most,” Lee said after the Goa win. “But we know it’s just the beginning. Kolkata are a quality side with a lot of experience, and we’ll need to bring the same intensity and focus tomorrow.”
The Torpedoes’ domestic contingent, led by Rohit Kumar and Sushil Kumar, also contributed key moments in the opener, particularly in defensive coverage and quick transitions. With confidence surging and combinations settling, Bengaluru now appear more cohesive than ever.
Where Bengaluru rely on tempo, agility, and sharp setting to create openings, Kolkata prefer to dominate with physicality and high-ball efficiency. Expect Kolkata to target Bengaluru’s libero and test their backcourt organization early. Bengaluru, meanwhile, will look to counter by using quick releases to middle blockers and exploiting gaps behind the Thunderbolts’ block.
Set-piece precision, serve accuracy, and defensive patience could decide which side edges the big points.
With both teams known for their attacking flair and never-say-die attitude, Saturday’s clash promises to be another edge-of-the-seat encounter. The Gachibowli Indoor Stadium crowd vibrant and vocal on opening night is expected to turn out in full force once again, adding to the electric atmosphere.
For Bengaluru, a second straight win could signal early-season dominance. For Kolkata, a victory on debut would reaffirm their credentials as perennial contenders.
Either way, as the Prime Volleyball League 2025 gathers pace, fans can expect another dose of fast rallies, flying blocks, and fierce celebrations the kind of volleyball that’s making India fall in love with the sport all over again.
