The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) 2025 has been filled with drama, excitement, and unexpected turns, especially for the Gujarat Giants. The franchise, led by Mohammadreza Shadloui, has been on a roller-coaster ride in Season 12, and unfortunately, their journey just hit another bump. V. Ajith Kumar, a key raider, has been ruled out of the remainder of the season due to injury. To fill this significant gap, the Gujarat Giants have roped in young raider Aryavardhan Nawale as his replacement.
This development comes at a crucial juncture for the Giants, who have been struggling to find their rhythm in the league. Let’s dive deeper into this unfortunate injury, the replacement, and the overall state of Gujarat Giants in PKL Season 12.
V. Ajith Kumar Ruled Out Due to Injury
The Gujarat Giants were hoping for a big season with the inclusion of V. Ajith Kumar, who was picked up during the PKL 12 Player Auction for a hefty sum of INR 36.30 lakhs. The young raider’s arrival was expected to bolster the squad’s attacking unit. However, things haven’t gone as planned. After playing just a couple of matches, Ajith Kumar sustained an injury that has forced him to sit out for the rest of the season.
The matches in which Ajit participated were also not remarkable for him. Against U Mumba, his performance was such that he returned after attempting three raids without scoring any points. Similarly, his performance against Paltan was disappointing, as he did not make any significant contribution. This season, his only point came in a tackle against Puneeri Paltan. Overall, after playing 2 matches, he managed to score only 1 point this season.
The loss of Ajith Kumar is a major blow to the Giants, who have struggled with consistency this season. His absence leaves a gap in the raiding department, but Gujarat is hopeful that the inclusion of Aryavardhan Nawale will provide the necessary spark.
Aryavardhan Nawale to Fill the Void
In light of Ajith Kumar’s injury, Aryavardhan Nawale has been drafted into the Gujarat Giants squad as his replacement for the remainder of the season. Nawale’s inclusion brings a sense of optimism to the Gujarat camp, as the young raider has shown good potential in his limited appearances.
Nawale, who was part of Puneri Paltan last season, was fairly consistent. He earned 45 raid points in 68 raids across 13 matches during the previous season. His ability to read the game and contribute in high-pressure moments makes him a valuable addition to the Giants’ squad.
In his debut match for Gujarat against Jaipur Pink Panthers, Nawale impressed with a solid performance. He scored 4 points in the match, which included three touch points and one tackle point. Although the Gujarat Giants lost the match in a dramatic tie-breaker, Nawale’s performance was a positive takeaway.
Gujarat Giants’ official social media accounts confirmed the change, stating:
“Navale replaces V. Ajith Kumar, who won’t be with us for the rest of the season due to injury.”
The State of Gujarat Giants in PKL 2025
While the injury of Ajith Kumar is certainly a setback, the Gujarat Giants have had a tough start to PKL 2025. After four matches, they find themselves in a precarious position, sitting at 11th place in the points table with just two points. The team has managed only one win so far, accompanied by three losses.
Gujarat’s season started with a heart-wrenching tie-breaker loss to U Mumba (29-29). They then suffered a heavy 41-19 defeat to Puneri Paltan. However, they bounced back with a 37-28 win over Tamil Thalaivas. In their latest match, Gujarat drew 30-30 with Jaipur Pink Panthers, but lost in the golden raid after a tie-breaker.
The Giants’ inability to maintain consistency and find a winning combination has left them vulnerable, and the pressure is now mounting on their key players, including captain Mohammadreza Shadloui, to step up and lead the team out of this rut.
Looking Ahead: Can Nawale Make the Difference?
As Gujarat Giants prepare for the next phase of the season, all eyes will be on Aryavardhan Nawale to see if he can live up to the expectations set by his predecessor, V. Ajith Kumar. Nawale’s performance in the coming matches will be crucial not only for his own career but also for the Giants’ quest to climb up the points table.
With the team already facing an uphill battle, the pressure will be on the young raider to deliver consistently. His ability to make an impact, especially in crucial raids, will be key if Gujarat is to recover from their early-season setbacks. The team will also be relying on their seasoned players to step up and support the new addition.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Gujarat Giants
The injury to V. Ajith Kumar has certainly dealt a blow to the Gujarat Giants, but the inclusion of Aryavardhan Nawale as a replacement brings hope for the team. While the young raider’s debut performance was promising, much more will be required to help Gujarat climb out of their current slump. With the season still wide open, it remains to be seen if the Giants can turn things around and live up to their potential.
As for Nawale, it’s now his time to shine in the spotlight. If he can deliver, Gujarat might just find the consistency they desperately need.
This situation is not just a test for Gujarat Giants, but also for Nawale to prove himself in the high-stakes environment of PKL 2025. It will be interesting to see how the team adapts to the changes and whether they can turn their season around with fresh energy and determination.
