The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 12) has entered its final and most crucial phase, with every match now carrying serious playoff implications. Amidst all this excitement, one question is puzzling fans of the Bengal Warriorz – Where is their star raider and captain Devank Dalal?
He was missing from the team’s last match, and now, all eyes are on whether he will return tonight against Bengaluru Bulls in their final league clash. Let’s break down everything we know so far about Devank’s absence and his chances of playing tonight.
Why Did Devank Dalal Miss the Last Match?
In match number 100 of PKL 12, Bengal Warriorz narrowly defeated Tamil Thalaivas 44-43 in a thrilling contest. But one key player was absent – Devank Dalal, the captain and lead raider of the team.
His sudden omission from the lineup surprised many, especially since he’s been one of the most consistent and high-scoring raiders of the season. However, there was no official injury report or medical reason given for his absence.
Post-match, Bengal Warriorz head coach Naveen Kumar shed light on the decision, stating that resting Devank was a strategic move.
Coach Naveen Kumar’s Statement: “If Devank Had Played, He Would’ve Scored 25 Points”
Coach Naveen made it clear that Devank’s exclusion was not performance-related. He said:
“Devank is a brilliant raider – not just for Bengal, but one of the best in the league. But we also need to look at our full squad. We wanted to test other players.”
“We know that if he had played, he could’ve easily scored 20–25 raid points. But then, we wouldn’t get the chance to evaluate the rest of our bench strength. With just two matches left, we thought of giving these youngsters a chance.”
So essentially, with Bengal almost out of playoff contention, the team management is experimenting with their squad and giving exposure to young talent for future seasons.
Where Do Bengal Warriorz Stand in the Points Table?
The Bengal Warriorz have struggled throughout PKL 12 and are currently at the bottom of the points table:
- Matches Played: 17
- Wins: 6
- Losses: 11
- Points: 12
- Score Difference: -74
To have any shot at entering the play-in round, they must defeat Bengaluru Bulls by a massive margin and hope other results go their way – a scenario that looks highly unlikely.
Considering this, it makes sense why the franchise is now focusing on testing young players rather than over-relying on their top stars.
Will Devank Dalal Play Tonight Against Bengaluru Bulls?
Bengal Warriorz’s final league stage match is tonight – October 22 at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium in Delhi – against the in-form Bengaluru Bulls.
As per the current reports and coach’s earlier statements, Devank Dalal is unlikely to return tonight as well. The team may once again hand over the captaincy to young raider Vishwas S, who led the side in the previous game.
This suggests that Bengal may continue to rest their senior players and field a youthful lineup against the Bulls.
Devank Dalal’s PKL 12 Performance So Far
Despite missing the last match, Devank has had a phenomenal season individually. Here’s a look at his stats:
- Matches Played: 16
- Total Points: 272 (271 raid points + 1 tackle point)
- Total Raids: 368
- Super 10s: 15
- Super Raids: 5
- Average Raid Points per Match: 16.93
His consistency and ability to deliver big in high-pressure moments have made him a fan favourite and one of the top raiders of the season.
What’s at Stake for Bengaluru Bulls?
While Bengal are almost out, Bengaluru Bulls still have a lot to play for. They are currently placed 5th in the points table and are pushing hard to break into the Top 4 and directly qualify for the playoffs.
- Matches Played: 16
- Wins: 9
- Losses: 7
- Points: 18
- Score Difference: +39
A strong win tonight could solidify their position, making this a must-win for the Bulls.
A Strategic Rest or Something More?
Devank Dalal’s absence isn’t due to injury or poor form — it’s purely tactical, according to the Bengal Warriorz coaching staff. With playoff hopes practically gone, the team is looking to the future and evaluating bench strength.
While fans may be disappointed not to see their favourite raider in action, it’s clear that the team is preparing for long-term success, rather than short-term glory.
That said, Devank’s PKL 12 season remains one of the most impactful, and his performances have already left a mark on the league.
