The Pro Kabaddi League Season 12 (PKL 2025) witnessed a heartbreaking moment for Gujarat Giants fans as their playoff dreams came to an end after a crushing 54–26 loss against the Bengaluru Bulls at the Thyagaraj Indoor Stadium, Delhi, on Thursday, October 23.
This was the Giants’ final league-stage fixture — a must-win match that could have kept their playoff hopes alive. However, the team looked completely out of rhythm, missing the services of their Iranian all-rounder Mohammadreza Shadloui, who was ruled out due to injury.
Gujarat Giants’ Playoff Hopes Shattered
Heading into the contest, the Gujarat Giants were in a do-or-die situation. They needed a big win over the Bengaluru Bulls to remain in contention for a top-eight playoff spot, along with favorable results from the Patna Pirates and UP Yoddhas fixtures. Unfortunately, the heavy defeat not only crushed their momentum but officially ended their PKL 12 campaign.
The Bengaluru Bulls dominated from the very first whistle, maintaining complete control of the game. Their raiders and defenders worked in perfect coordination, dismantling the Giants’ defense and forcing multiple all-outs. Gujarat, on the other hand, struggled to find their footing and couldn’t recover from early setbacks.
Bengaluru Bulls Secure Their Top-4 Spot
The Bengaluru Bulls continued their impressive run in PKL 12, climbing to third place on the points table with 22 points from 18 matches, registering 11 wins and 7 losses with a score difference of +97. Their balance between attack and defense has made them one of the strongest contenders heading into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Gujarat Giants finished 11th in the standings with just 12 points, including 6 wins and 12 losses and a score difference of -73. Despite showing promise in the early stages of the season, inconsistency and injuries derailed their campaign at crucial junctures.
Why Mohammadreza Shadloui Missed the Match
The absence of Mohammadreza Shadloui was one of the biggest reasons behind Gujarat’s lacklustre performance. The Iranian all-rounder, known for his defensive brilliance and sharp raiding, was sidelined due to an ankle injury he sustained during Gujarat’s match against the Haryana Steelers two days earlier.
During that game, Shadloui had earned two successful tackles before being forced off the mat after an awkward landing. Gujarat’s head coach had earlier stated that Shadloui would play the final league match only if declared fit — a sign of how crucial he was to the team’s balance. Unfortunately, his recovery did not progress as expected, and he had to miss this all-important clash.
His absence left a visible void in the Giants’ defensive unit, which failed to contain the Bulls’ aggressive raiders throughout the match.
Shadloui’s Performance in PKL Season 12
Although Mohammadreza Shadloui wasn’t at his absolute best this season compared to previous years, he still made a significant contribution to Gujarat’s campaign. In 17 matches, the Iranian star accumulated 65 total points, which included 37 tackle points and 28 raid points.
Defensively, he managed two Super Tackles and two High 5s, showcasing glimpses of his usual brilliance. However, the consistency that once made him one of the league’s most feared defenders seemed to be missing this season — partly due to injuries and changes in team composition.
Bulls Dominate as Giants Falter
The Bengaluru Bulls, led by their in-form raiders and rock-solid defense, delivered a commanding performance. They never allowed Gujarat Giants to gain any momentum, securing multiple all-outs and keeping a comfortable lead throughout the match.
For Gujarat, nothing seemed to work — both in attack and defense. The team’s rhythm broke down without Shadloui’s leadership at the back, and their raiders struggled to make any significant impact against Bengaluru’s resolute defense.
Season Ends in Disappointment for Gujarat Giants
With this defeat, Gujarat Giants’ PKL 12 journey comes to an end. Despite flashes of brilliance from individual players during the season, the team’s inconsistency and dependence on key individuals cost them dearly. The absence of Mohammadreza Shadloui in their most crucial match proved to be the final nail in the coffin.
However, the franchise will take away valuable lessons from this season. Young players gained vital experience, and the team management now knows where reinforcements are needed before the next edition of the Pro Kabaddi League.
The Bengaluru Bulls march confidently into the playoffs as one of the top four teams, while the Gujarat Giants bow out of PKL 12 with plenty to ponder. Injuries, inconsistency, and missed opportunities defined their season. For fans, the hope now lies in seeing a stronger, more balanced Gujarat Giants unit when PKL returns for Season 13.
