Puneri Paltan missing players: The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) is heating up as teams fight for their spot in the playoffs. However, fans were left surprised during Match 95 between Puneri Paltan and Telugu Titans on Saturday, October 18, when several of Pune’s star players were missing from the mat. The big question on everyone’s mind was — Where were Aslam Inamdar and other top names?
Let’s break down exactly what happened and why Puneri Paltan made this unexpected move.
Puneri Paltan Already Qualified for PKL 12 Playoffs
First things first — Puneri Paltan have already booked their spot in the PKL 12 playoffs. With 13 wins in 16 matches, they currently sit on top of the points table with 26 points and an impressive score difference of +99. As the PKL Season 10 champions, the Pune-based franchise has shown consistent form throughout the tournament.
Their top-two finish is guaranteed, which means they will directly feature in Qualifier 1, avoiding the eliminators and getting one extra shot at the final.
Big Names Missing Against Telugu Titans
Despite their stellar form, Puneri Paltan’s starting lineup for the match against Telugu Titans raised a few eyebrows. Key players including:
- Captain Aslam Inamdar
- Defenders Gaurav Khatri & Vishal Bhardwaj
- Star raider Mohit Goyat
- All-rounder Gurdeep
were all left out of the starting seven. A few others like Pankaj Mohite, Aditya Shinde, and Abhinesh Nadarajan were only named as substitutes.
This led to speculation about possible injuries or internal issues — but the truth is quite simple and strategic.
Ajay Thakur Reveals the Reason – Rest, Rotation & Recovery
Puneri Paltan’s head coach, Ajay Thakur, addressed the absence of star players and cleared the air. According to him, since the team has already qualified for the playoffs, there’s no need to risk injuries to key players in the remaining league matches.
“We want our core players fresh and injury-free for the playoffs. It’s important to manage their workload now,” said Ajay Thakur.
He also added that this was a golden opportunity to test the bench strength and give youngsters some much-needed game time. Many of the younger players have barely had any time on the mat this season, and with little to lose in the standings, it’s the perfect chance to evaluate future talent.
Telugu Titans Take Advantage of Pune’s Light Squad
The decision did work in favor of Telugu Titans, who defeated Puneri Paltan and kept their playoff hopes alive. After 16 matches, Telugu Titans now have 18 points, with nine wins and seven losses. Their score difference of +51 could also play a crucial role as the playoff race intensifies.
What’s Next for Puneri Paltan?
Puneri Paltan still have two league matches remaining:
- October 19 vs Patna Pirates
- October 27 vs Dabang Delhi in Qualifier 1
While the match against Patna Pirates is their final league-stage clash, their eyes are firmly set on Qualifier 1 where they’ll get the chance to book their place in the final directly.
Ajay Thakur and his coaching staff are clearly focused on long-term success, and resting key players now could be a game-winning decision later.
Smart Strategy or Risky Move?
Time will tell whether this strategy of rotating the squad and giving youngsters more time on the mat will pay off in the crucial playoffs. But one thing is clear — Puneri Paltan is playing the long game, and with a strong bench and sharp tactics, they are serious contenders for the PKL 12 trophy.
Aslam Inamdar, Mohit Goyat, Vishal Bhardwaj, and other big names missing from the lineup wasn’t a mystery, but a well-planned move by a team with eyes on the bigger prize. Puneri Paltan is not just playing matches; they’re playing smart. With a top-two finish locked in and a full-strength squad expected to return for the playoffs, fans can expect fireworks from Pune in the coming weeks.
