The defending champions Haryana Steelers have been dealt a massive blow midway through Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) Season 12. Star raider Naveen Kumar, widely known for his electrifying performances and nicknamed “Naveen Express,” has been ruled out of the rest of the season due to a serious injury. This setback comes at a crucial time for the Steelers, who were relying on Kumar’s explosive raids to continue their title defense.
Naveen Kumar’s Injury: A Painful Setback
Naveen Kumar’s injury occurred during a high-intensity match against Bengaluru Bulls in the 21st game of the season. While executing a raid around seven and a half minutes before halftime, Naveen stumbled awkwardly at the right corner and fell on his back, writhing in pain. The injury was severe enough to warrant him being stretchered off the mat. His anguished screams and desperate plea to the defenders not to tackle him highlighted the gravity of the situation.
This painful moment not only shocked fans but also left Haryana Steelers supporters deeply concerned about the future of their star raider, who had become a key player for the team. In an official social media post, Haryana Steelers expressed their sorrow over Naveen’s injury, saying, “The beauty of Naveen Express is that he won everyone’s heart in such a short time. Now he is about to start his recovery journey – get well soon!”
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A Career Marked by Injury Struggles
This injury is not the first setback for Naveen Kumar in his PKL career. In previous seasons, injuries have plagued his time on the mat. In 2021 and 2022, while playing for Dabang Delhi, Naveen had to miss several matches due to knee and ankle issues. Despite his incredible talent and explosive raiding skills, these recurring injuries have kept him from maintaining a consistent presence in the league.
Unfortunately, this time, the injury has been severe enough to rule him out for the rest of PKL 12. Fans were hoping to see him play a significant role in Haryana’s title defense, especially after the team made a hefty investment in him. The Steelers had secured his services for a whopping Rs 1.20 crore in the auction before the season, making him one of their most expensive buys.
Subpar Start to the Season
Despite the high expectations, Naveen Kumar’s performance in the first three matches of the season had been underwhelming. With just 17 raid points to his name and no Super 10s, Naveen struggled to find his rhythm. Although his individual performances didn’t reach the heights fans are used to, his absence from the mat will certainly leave a significant void in the Steelers’ lineup. This loss will be especially difficult to recover from, given the importance of his role as the star raider.
Haryana Steelers’ Solid Form Without Naveen
Despite the loss of their star raider, the Haryana Steelers have shown resilience and good form in PKL 12. As of now, they have won five out of their seven matches, sitting comfortably in third place on the points table. The team has been on a roll in the past few weeks, securing three consecutive victories in the Jaipur leg.
Their recent wins over Gujarat Giants (40-37), Patna Pirates (43-32), and Puneri Paltan (34-30) have solidified their position in the playoff race. In these matches, players like Vikash Kandola and Ravi Kumar have stepped up in Naveen’s absence, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
The Road Ahead for Haryana Steelers
Losing Naveen Kumar at such a pivotal stage of the season could have been a major setback for many teams. However, the Haryana Steelers seem to be maintaining their momentum despite his injury. The key to their success will be how the other raiders and defensive players step up to fill the gap left by Naveen. With Vikash Kandola, who has been in impressive form, and other seasoned players like Ravi, the Steelers are not completely devoid of match-winners.
While Naveen’s absence will be felt in the attacking department, his injury could give the other raiders an opportunity to shine. The team’s defense has also been robust, and if the raiders can pick up the slack, there is still a chance for Haryana to challenge for the title in Season 12.
A Long Recovery for Naveen Kumar
As for Naveen Kumar, his focus now shifts to recovery. Given the nature of the injury, the star raider will have to undergo a significant rehabilitation process before returning to the mat. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to make a full recovery before next season, but one thing is clear: his presence will be missed both on and off the mat in PKL 12. Fans and players alike are hoping for a speedy recovery, as Naveen’s return would certainly be a boost for the league and his team.
A Tough Blow, But Hope Remains for Haryana Steelers
The injury to Naveen Kumar is undoubtedly a huge setback for the Haryana Steelers as they defend their Pro Kabaddi League title. However, the team has shown resilience so far and has the potential to adapt and continue performing without their star raider. While the road ahead may seem more challenging without Naveen, the Steelers have the quality in their squad to stay competitive.
As fans rally behind Naveen for a speedy recovery, the focus now shifts to how Haryana adapts to this challenge. With the right strategy, the team could still make a deep run in the playoffs and defend their crown, proving that even without one of their key players, they have what it takes to succeed in PKL 12.
